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My senior Chihuahua has stomach pain and won't jump. What can I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Female | unspayed | 10 years and 9 months old | 4 lbs

My 10 year old Chihuahua has been experiencing mild/moderate lower abdomen pain for the past 3 days. She does not have diarrhea or vomiting. She's careful about not running or jumping (usually run and jumps). She will eat/drink but only if I feed her. She's usually very healthy/happy, so this has me quite worried. I'm worried it's serious because she still eats/drinks whereas she won't when she has a stomach bug. Please help!

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Macartney, BVet Med, MRCVS

Answered By Dr. Macartney, BVet Med, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on October 25th, 2017

I am very sorry to hear that Poppy is experiencing these problems, I am sure it is very unsettling for you both. There are a number of potential causes of such clinical signs, including dietary indiscretion, pancreatitis, parasite infestation, infection, and ingestion of a toxin or poison. I would believe the most likely cause based on your description is that Poppy has a mild gastrointestinal infection or she ate something she shouldn't have.

Because you have only noticed these signs over the course of a few days I would continue to monitor Poppy at home. Here is what you can do to help her;

Rest Poppy's gastrointestinal tract by holding back food for a few hours. Then you can continue with a bland and easily digested food of the boiled chicken breast and white rice diet and provide plenty of fresh water. I also find that boiled, mashed skinless sweet potato is helpful for diarrhoea if she develops any.

If Poppy does not improve, has profuse vomiting or diarrhoea, you notice fresh blood, Poppy seems lethargic, in pain or depressed I would advise a trip to the veterinarian.

Here are some links to helpful resources for you in case dirrhoea starts:


https://www.petcoach.co/article/most-common-causes-of-diarrhea-in-dogs/

https://www.petcoach.co/article/6-things-you-can-do-at-home-if-your-pet-has-diarrhea/

I hope that answer was helpful and more importantly that Poppy feels better soon. Warmest regards to you both.
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