Dog vomiting, lazy, and not eating: What to do before the vet?
I am very sorry to hear that Roman is experiencing these problems, I am sure it is very unsettling for you both. There are a number of potential causes of such clinical signs, including dietary indiscretion ( eating something he shouldn’t have), pancreatitis, parasite infestation, infection, and ingestion of a toxin or poison.
Because you have only noticed these signs over the course of a few hours I would continue to monitor Roman at home until your vet appointment this afternoon. Here is what you can do in the meantime;
Rest Roman’s gastrointestinal tract by holding back food for a few hours. Then you can continue with a bland and easily digested food of the boiled chicken breast and white rice diet and provide plenty of fresh water. Low sodium chicken broth can help fluid intake if he won’t eat or drink. I also find that boiled, mashed skinless sweet potato is helpful for diarrhoea if he starts to have that, otherwise do not add in.
Here are indications to call your vet back, try to locate an emergency vet, or post a further question here on the forum (feel free to use my name Dr. Macartney in the post so I can help you directly);
If Roman does not improve or seems to worsen, has profuse vomiting or diarrhoea, you notice fresh blood, Roman seems increasingly lethargic, in pain or depressed. Roman starts to vomit and does not stop retching or seems restless and bites at his abdomen. This would indicate he potentially has something stuck in his gastrointestinal tract, like a sock for expample, and needs immediate medical intervention.
Here are some links to helpful resources for you if h develops diarrhoea;
https://www.petcoach.co/article/most-common-causes-of-diarrhea-in-dogs/
https://www.petcoach.co/article/6-things-you-can-do-at-home-if-your-pet-has-diarrhea/
I hope that answer was helpful and more importantly that Roman feels better soon. Warmest regards to you both and please keep us updated if you require further help. We at PetCoach are here to support you and Roman!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025