Why is my 5-month puppy's head back, not eating, but drinking water?

My biggest concern in a very young puppy with the signs you described is that she has a low blood sugar. This can worsen to the point of seizures and can be fatal if not treated. I am attaching a handout with more information below. https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952329 I would recommend trying to feed Naya a small meal. If she will not eat, then I would recommend rubbing Karo syrup or maple syrup on her gums and taking her to a veterinarian immediately. If she eats and starts to feel better, then you are likely dealing with a low blood sugar level and will need to continue regular small meals. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and that Nala feels better soon. Thanks for using PetCoach.

All these signs are very concerning and point to a possible viral infection or metabolic disease. You need to take your dog to a veterinarian or PetER right away as he may be having a serious infection that needs to be tended to. Distemper comes to mind, a liver shunt and/or meningitis.

Nala is likely not eating anything because she may be sick. You can try to warm up her food and offer her the food that way. However, since she is not spayed there is always a chance she has a uterine infection, sometimes there is a visible discharge from her vulva. Drinking a lot would also be a sign of an infection. Not eating is a very general sign of illness, so she could be suffering from a wide variety of conditions and you should make an appointment with your vet for an exam. Your vet may want to do blood work and, if he suspects a problem in his abdomen, also x-rays.

it sounds like she either hurt one of her front legs (and by lowering her head it puts less weight and pressure on the affected leg) or she has a slipped disk injury (cervical slipped disks can affect the head and the limbs at once). If you can't take her to an emergency center or out of hours services let her rest and minimize her movement as much as you can until you can get her to your vet.

Thanknyou for submitting your question regarding Nipsey. I recommend that he sees his veterinarian today. Being a young puppy, he is likely dehydrated from not eating properly. His blood sugar levels may be low as well. His veterinarian will examine him and likely recommend fecal testing. Intestinal infections are common in young puppies. If this is not the case, blood work and x-rays of his belly could be needed. I hope this information helps!

What a sweet face. I'm so sorry that Nala is sick. You need to get her to a vet ASAP. If she is unable to hold down water and she's very lethargic, a number of serious problems are possible. She may have a viral enteritis (Parvovirus), or an intestinal obstruction from a toy, rock, etc. Many causes are possible but the bottom line is that if she is lethargic and cannot hold down fluids, then at the very least she needs to have some help getting some hydration. Please seek an emergency vet as soon as you can. They can do an exam and see if she is painful in her abdomen, they may recommend a Parvo test, they may recommend blood work to check her electrolytes and blood sugar, and they may recommend X-rays, all depending on what their impressions are from physical exam and the information you give them. (vaccine history, any known toys she's chewed up lately, when did the vomiting start, is she having diarrhea as well, etc etc. ). They can give her fluids either intravenously (IV) or under her skin (sub-Q fluids, also called subcutaneous fluids) and can advise you on the next best steps for Nala. I am sorry I don't have a home solution for you here, but you really need to get her in to your vet ASAP. A lethargic puppy is never normal. (Tired after playing hard, yes. Lethargic, no.) I hope thats helpful, good luck with her. She's a beautiful girl.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Nala! The crying is normal for an 8 week old puppy in a new home. The vomiting and diarrhea is not normal and is not anxiety. Possible causes of vomiting and diarrhea are: intestinal parasites, viral (especially parvo) or bacterial infections, dietary indiscretion, reaction to new food/treats or a food allergy. Nala is very young and small. Not eating well combined with vomiting and diarrhea predisposes her to dehydration and low blood sugar risks. I highly recommend having her seen today and bring a stool sample. Also bring any paper work indicating recent vaccinations and dewormings. I wish you and Nala the best!