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Why is my 8-week-old puppy dry heaving? Should I worry?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American English Coonhound | Male | unneutered | 4 lbs

Why does my 8 week old puppy keep dry heaving?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on August 1st, 2019

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Hoyt. He could be dry heaving because he's nauseous. Feed him 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 he keeps dry heaving, 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. Best of luck.

3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on March 4th, 2018
Hi there! Sorry to hear that Drake is not feeling well. The clinical signs you describe are concerning when they occur in a puppy as they can be seen with serious gastrointestinal infections such as Parvovirus. Other possibilities include intestinal worms and dietary indiscretion, among other possibilities. The sooner these conditions are treated the better the outcome tends to be. For this reason, I recommend that you have Drake evaluated by your veterinarian to check for these possibilities and to start therapy based on findings. At the very least they can address dehydration if present and start him on anti-nausea medications. Good luck! Keeping my fingers crossed for your boy!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on January 19th, 2019
Hi there! Sorry to hear that PJ is not feeling well. The clinical signs you describe are concerning when they occur in a puppy as they can be seen with serious gastrointestinal infections such as Parvovirus. Other possibilities include intestinal worms and dietary indiscretion, among other possibilities. The sooner these conditions are treated the better the outcome tends to be. For this reason, I recommend that you have PJ evaluated by your veterinarian to check for these possibilities and to start therapy based on findings. At the very least they can address dehydration if present and start him on anti-nausea medications. Good luck! Keeping my fingers crossed for your boy!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My puppy dry heaves after eating fast. Is this normal for puppies?

It isn’t normal for a puppy to dry heave. However it is a good sign that he is still active and eating well. He may be eating too fast and it’s getting stuck in his upper GI tract ( esophagus,stomach). He also may have a motility issue (unable to move his food along at a proper pace). You can try purchasing a maze bowl from your local pet store or online store. Also you can try feeding him canned food instead for a week or two to see if this makes a difference. Feeding him smaller portions more frequently throughout the day may also help. If he is still dry heaving after a week or two of trying these suggestions, then it’s best to have him seen by your vet for a thorough physical exam. The vet may suggest trying him on acid reducer medication and/or promotility medication. I hope this helps and best wishes with your puppy Jasper. Take care.

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The peroxide can be very irritating to the esophagus and stomach lining. It is the main reason we do not recommend using it to induce vomiting. You can try withholding food for 12-24 hours, allowing small, frequent amounts of water or unflavored PediaLyte. Resume feeding a soft, bland diet in small, frequent amounts until symptoms resolve. Start with 1 tablespoon of food every hour and gradually increase the amount if there is no dry heaving or vomiting. Feed bland until symptoms resolve then transition slowly to Gene's regular diet. If the dry heaving persists, have him physically examined by your veterinarian.

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Why is my cat dry heaving but not throwing up, and acting normal?

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Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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