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My 4-month-old puppy is vomiting and lethargic. What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | unspayed | 3 months and 30 days old | 5 lbs

My 4 month old puppy has been sick since yesterday. She started throwing up orange reddish stuff yesterday afternoon and then by the night was vomiting white stuff. She isn't wanting to eat, play, or do anything but lay down and sleep. She's drank a little bit of water from her water bowl and we've Given her some Gatorade in a syringe. I'm worried about her please get back with me thank you.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 30th, 2017

Mokaah is such a cutie! It is very concerning she was throwing up orange reddish stuff, and I would be concerned it could be blood. If she isn't fully vaccinated, she could be suffering from parvovirus. This is a too often fatal infection of young unvaccinated puppies, and requires intensive care with the vet to have the best chance of survival beaus there is no cure. Other causes include a severe GI illness, eating something rotten, or a foreign body. Because she is very lethargy, isn't eating, and is vomiting, she should see a vet immediately. Please take her into a vet now to diagnose what is causing her symptoms so she can be treated.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on April 5th, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

I am so sorry that Kisses is sick. The best thing for Kisses is to be examined by a vet. We at Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach are not allowed by law to prescribe medications to animals we can not examine. We are here to provide advice and support!

As before when you posted that she was having diarrhea the biggest concern is for dehydration and low blood sugar since she is so young and only weighs about 2 pounds. If she is now vomiting that is even more concerning. She should see your Vet today for an exam, be tested for worms and parvovirus. If everything is normal they can prescribe you medications to make Kisses feel better. Sometimes fasting and starting a bland diet can help but Kisses is very young and I do not recommend fasting puppies this young.

The list of possibilities is still the same for vomiting and diarrhea: intestinal parasites, viral or bacterial infections like parvo and distemper, she ate something gross, reaction to a new treat or food, she ate something that is stuck causing a partial obstruction or something we never know the cause.

I wish Kisses the very best!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear that Moka is having problems. Yes, any pet that has persistent signs especially vomiting and diarrhea should be evaluated immediately. Once dehydration and electrolyte imbalance develop, they will just continue to get weaker and weaker unless treated. Reasons for vomiting/diarrhea are many and range from intestinal problems or problems with other organs in the body causing the signs. Intestinal worms, dietary indiscretion (eating things she is not supposed to eat), dietary intolerance/sensitivity, a foreign body (especially in younger dogs), infection, inflammation, toxins, pancreatitis, kidney/liver problems, etc. Your vet can do a physical exam and some tests which could include a fecal exam, blood work, x-rays, ultrasound, etc. to try to determine what is causing the problem. Once a diagnosis is made they will advise a treatment plan to address the issue. Your vet can also address the itching of her muzzle and whining which may or may not be related. I hope this is just temporary and it resolves quickly for you and Moka.

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