Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My puppy ate wood, threw up, and now won't eat. What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Staffordshire Terrier | Male | neutered | 2 months and 18 days old

Puppy ate firewood.Threw up the wood last night. Has had normal vowel movement but no appetite.No signs of blood in poop, urine or mouth.What to do?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on August 29th, 2016

Poor Blanco! Puppies often eat things they aren't supposed to, including wood, and sometimes it passes on it's own. It's good that he is having normal bowel movements, and has no signs of blood in his poor or mouth. It could be that his stomach is still upset from eating the wood, or there could still be pieces of wood in his GI system. Withhold food for 12-24 hours, then feed a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken (no bones) and white rice in small amounts several times a day for a couple of days. Then slowly add back in his normal diet. Continue to monitor his poop for signs of wood, and monitor his overall behavior. If he refuses to eat the bland diet, vomits the bland diet, becomes very lethargic, stops drinking water, starts vomiting water, or has blood in his stool, he will need to see a vet right away.

6Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jyothi Alagappan
Veterinarian
I would take your dog to your veterinarian to be seen. He could have an upset stomach or even part of the wood causing an obstruction. Lack of appetite is concerning and I would make sure that Bianco does not have any more foreign material in his system.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
withhold food for 8 hours then offer him boiled boneless chicken and rice every 6 hours in small portions. if he is eating and not vomiting, continue with this diet for 2 days.

After 2 days, you can put him back gradually on his normal food.

If he is not eating, take him to the vet to get treatment.he will probably need an xray done to make sure there is nothing obstructing the stomach and intestines then he will be given an injection to stop the nausea.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

My dog threw up wood, not eating or pooping. Should I see a vet?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Milo. I recommend that he sees his veterinarian. It is worrisome that he vomited wood pieces. This can be irritating and/or damaging to the gastrointestinal tract. If he is not drinking normally, I worry that he will become dehydrated. The veterinarian will examine him and determine how best to treat him. I hope this information helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog ate wood, vomited, and has splinters in her poop. Is she okay?

Hello. It is amazing what can pass through the gut of a dog. I am sure the wood Piper chewed up has softened & should pass without incident. As long as her appetite continues to be normal, I would not be too concerned. If she should stop eating, develop any diarrhea or painful defecation, develop a firm & painful abdomen, or appear to have a fever, please see your veterinarian immediately. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog ate wood. What should I do if it's stuck or causing issues?

When dogs eat wood it can cause a lot of inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and possibly an obstruction. I am not sure why you think it is stuck but if he is vomiting and having diarrhea than he should be examined by a vet for treatment. Your vet can take an abdominal x-ray to look for abnormalities and then decide the best way to treat. If there is an obstruction than he would need surgery to remove the foreign material. If there is no evidence of an obstruction than your vet can prescribe medications to help with any gastrointestinal issues.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My puppy threw up whole food & pine needles after recent shots. Why?

He might have eaten something spoiled that is causing this. withhold food for 8 hours then offer him boiled boneless chicken and rice every 4-6 hours in small portions. if he is eating and not vomiting, continue with this diet for 2 days. After 2 days, you can put him back gradually on his normal food. If he continues vomiting or is not eating, take him to the vet to get treatment.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why is my dog sick, throwing up, and acting odd after eating wood?

I am so sorry to hear this and I am concerned about Diesel! Vomiting can be caused by many different things including dietary indiscretion, foreign bodies, infections, passing illnesses, as well as serious illnesses. It is good that you noted he has had his Parvo shot, although puppies do you need them boostered often and a small fraction of dogs will not respond appropriately to the vaccine. It sounds like an exam and/or other diagnostics can be beneficial. Your vet will likely need to guide you as it depends on her overall clinical picture, but diagnostics and supportive can have the potential to make a big difference in how he feels and how quickly he recovers! I hope it is nothing serious and that he feels better soon!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My 5-month-old puppy vomited white. What should I do and feed him?

I would just give him a small dose of plain white boneless skinless chicken and white rice to help settle his tummy. If he is acting lethargic or continues to have vomiting or diarrhea, I would have a vet take a look at him. Small dogs like him can quickly get dehydrated. I hope this helps and he starts to feel better soon!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My 7-month-old puppy keeps vomiting after eating weeds. Is he okay?

Poor Bobby sounds like he is feeling unwell! I would avoid giving him tea as well, especially if it has milk in it. Dairy causes GI upset in dogs, and it may be making his vomiting worse. The only liquid he needs, even when sick, is water. He could be suffering from a severe GI illness, may have eaten something rotten, or could have a foreign body. It's a good idea that you have kept him off food since, and if he has been off food for 24 hours, feed a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken (no bones) and white rice in small amounts several times a day for a couple of days. Then slowly add back in his normal diet. If the vomiting continues in the absence of food, he vomits the bland diet, develops diarrhea, stops drinking water, starts vomiting water, or becomes very lethargic, he will need to see a vet right away.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share