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Why is my puppy lethargic, not eating, dry heaving, and throwing up?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | unneutered | 2 months and 29 days old | 20 lbs

My puppy is lethargic is not eating anything or even reacting to the scent of food like he did and the only water he's drank is what I've been able to get him to take with a cough syrup Syringe he has been dry heaving and occasionally throws up thick slimy fluid

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 13th, 2019

The most likely diagnosis for a puppy with Jack Jack's symptoms is parvo virus. I suggest you get him to a vet as soon as possible for an exam and parvo test. This is serious and life-threatening. Do not try to continue to treat him at home. He may not have parvo as there are other things that can, of course, cause his symptoms but regardless of what is ailing him he is very sick and needs veterinary intervention.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Ana M, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 3rd, 2019
Thank you for submitting your question regarding Jack. I recommend asking his veterinarian to prescribe an anti-nausea medication such as Cerenia. You can also ask about an appetite stimulant such as Entyce. If these options do not help, then I recommend further testing to look for another cause contributing to his disease. I hope this information helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on November 11th, 2019
Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Jack. I wouldn't be too worried just yet as he has only had one loose stool. I can give you a home remedy to see if that helps. 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 the diarrhea continues on the bland diet, he starts vomiting food, stops drinking water, starts vomiting water, or becomes very lethargic, he will need to see a vet right away. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 28th, 2018
This kind of chronic intermittent vomiting and diarrhea can be common in dogs and can have a number of different causes. Food sensitivity or a sensitive stomach is possible, as are intestinal parasites, metabolic problems like kidney disease, or even a hormonal disease like Addison's disease. I would recommend following up with your vet and seeing if there are any more tests that would be recommended like blood work or a fecal analysis. Or, your vet may want to change Jack's diet to something hypoallergenic as a next step.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Related Questions

My puppy threw up, is lethargic, and not vaccinated. Should I worry?

Poor puppy. That looks like digested food that he vomited up. He may have eaten something that he shouldn't have. Therefore I would try to fast him for 12 hours and then offer him small amounts of boiled chicken and plain rice. If he is still vomiting, lethargic, or has lack of appetite and diarrhea, then I would be concerned he may have either intestinal parasites or has contracted the deadly parvovirus. It is best to have him seen by your local veterinarian if he is not getting better. Hopefully he just got into something he shouldn't have and will show improvement within the next 12 to 24 hours. Best wishes with your puppy Mac and I hope he does get better soon.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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Puppy is vomiting, lethargic, not eating. Parvo negative, what else?

Other considerations may include pancreatitis, foreign body in gi tract (partial or complete obstruction), parasites, dietary indiscretion causing gastroenteritis, intussuception, and a few others. All of these would require further testing or evaluation to identify. Because your dog is so small it can easily become hypoglycemic if not eating. As a result, I would recommend seeing your vet or an ER vet if you cannot get in by the morning if symptoms havent inproved significantly. You can rub a little corn syrup or maple syrup on the gums to try and stave off low sugar temporarily. If vomiting becomes more frequent overnight, you shouldn't wait until morning.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why is my puppy throwing up, has diarrhea, and won't eat?

This could be from parvovirus or intestinal parasites. Since he’s so small and young I recommend a veterinary exam and treatment. He could get dehydrated quickly and that can become life threatening. They will test him for parvovirus and check for intestinal parasite. They will probably give him fluids to prevent dehydration and medication to control the diarrhea. Usually if treated quickly they will recover. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Charlie.

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My puppy is throwing up, not eating, and lethargic. Is it serious?

Julia should be examined by your veterinarian today. Vomiting and a lack of appetite in a puppy can quickly lead to dehydration which can kill. If she is not vaccinated, diseases such as distemper should be ruled out. At the very least, she may need supportive care (IV or subcutaneous fluids, anti emetics and parenteral nutrtion) until she is eating on her own and not vomting any longer.

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This could be a number of things - parasites, a bacterial or viral GI infection, or even an intestinal blockage. At 2.5 months of age, Gus is especially at risk for parvovirus, a serious GI infection. We always worry about fluid loss in young puppies, so I would recommend getting him to a vet ASAP, to diagnose the cause of the vomiting, and start appropriate therapy.

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My puppy is throwing up, lethargic, and won't eat or drink. Help!

I'm really sorry that Wylie is not feeling well. At this stage I really think you need to get him to a vet for an exam and treatment. There is only so much you can do at home - obviously he is not responding and is actually worse after 3 days. The best advice is to get him to a vet as soon as possible. In a young dogs (like less than a year old) that are vomiting, not eating, lethargic is often due to an intestinal obstruction; I would be very worried about that. Please get him to a vet ASAP.

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My puppy vomited green mucus and won't eat. What should I do?

Hello, sorry to hear about Jacks. He should be evaluated by a vet to ensure he does not have parasites or other infections that could hinder his appetite. You should bring a fresh stool sample to your vet appointment so that it could be tested for parasites. Other potential causes include ingestion of foreign material or even a change in diet. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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