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My 4-month-old puppy is sick, not eating, vomiting, diarrhea

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Blue Heeler | Male | 6 months and 1 day old

In the past two days Our 4 month old red heeler has not been eating, has a dry nose and has went from being filled out to very skinny and doesn't want to play at all. All he does is lay around. Also has diaria and is throwing up. What should I do?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on September 6th, 2017

Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear that Gus is not feeling well. Vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy are quite concerning in any dog, especially puppies because of the diseases they can get such as parvovirus. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment. They would be able to check for this disease as well as checking for other possibilities such as intestinal worms or other infections. The sooner these diseases are diagnosed the better the outcome tends to be. At the very least, Gus can be started on anti-nausea and anti-diarrhea medications and his hydration status can be checked. Good luck! I am really keeping my fingers crossed that everything goes well with your boy. Best of luck!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 4th, 2019
I am sorry to hear about Gus. With the combination of repeated vomiting and extremely low energy levels I would consider a trip to the emergency vet for Gus. I would be concerned about things like an ingestion of a foreign object or pancreatitis, among other possibilities and the safest course of action would be for him to see the vet. If you are unable to get to the vet and he has not been vomiting today then continuing small amounts of water or pedialyte frequently, and if he goes for 12 hours without vomiting you can try small amounts of bland diet such as plain boiled rice and boiled shredded chicken breast in very small amounts. You can read more about this at https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951323 but once again the safest thing is to see the vet. Best of luck to you and Gus.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Mariya Gugel, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on February 27th, 2018
Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The signs, particularly shaking, that you describe are definitely causrbfor concern. Shaking can be caused by viral infections, low blood sugar, and other conditions. The fact that Gus has a lower appetite and is vomiting is also concerning as these can be caused by viral infections such as parvovirus, intestinal parasites and foreign bodies which may all result in low blood sugar.
If you are concerned that Gus is not behaving like himself, he should be seen by his vet right away in case he needs to be stabilized. You can keep an eye on him and have him seen by a vet if he continues acting the same way overnight. I hope this helps and that all is well with Gus!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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