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Puppy throwing up brown, no appetite, loose stool. When to see vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | English Springer Spaniel | Male | unneutered | 3 months and 20 days old

My puppy is nearly 4 months old and the past 2 nights around the same time he has thrown up. Both nights the vomit was a light brown colour. He has lost his appitite for the last few days but is consuming water. His stools where sloppy last few nights but have started to become a bit more solid. He’s playful and happy but tends to sleep for a fair bit of the day.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on January 16th, 2020

Poor Dexter! The vomiting and diarrhea could be due to many conditions including eating something he shouldn’t have, bacterial over growth, parasites or even an intestinal blockage. If the diarrhea has continued beyond 24 hours, I recommend to have him examined by the veterinarian. If he has not eaten well for the past 24 hours, I recommend to have him examined by the veterinarian.

With continued diarrhea, there are often bacterial shifts in the gut that will make matters worse regardless of the initial cause. Make sure to bring in a sample of fresh stool. The doctor will check him for parasites and bacterial over growth.

Puppies generally have a big appetite so when they aren't eating well, it's concerning for a more serious cause of illness.

Some times a bland diet can help and then a slow, gradual introduction to the normal food can be done. A bland diet can consist of 25% boiled white meat chicken and 75% boiled white rice. This should all be plain.

Have Dexter examined if needed. I hope he starts feeling better quickly! Please feel free to post any additional questions.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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