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Senior dog vomiting, diarrhea, not eating. Could it be parasites?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Rat Terrier | Female | spayed | 13 years old | 18 lbs

My 13 year old, 18 lb rat terrier has been throwing up water since last night, started having very loose diarrhea today, will drink small amounts, not interested in food. Just laying in her bed, usually very active. Worried about parasites, she has copraphagia and deer and raccoons frequent our orchard

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on August 20th, 2017

Due to her age I'm concerned with Lexie not feeling well with diarrhea and vomiting. She has gastroenteritis, perhaps from eating things in the yard, but regardless of the cause she will get worse if she becomes dehydrated. I recommend a veterinary exam soon so they can start treatment and run blood work and perhaps a fecal to determine the cause. That way then can be sure to use the right medication to get her better. Again Lexie is a senior now so I wouldn't wait to get her veterinary treatment. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Lexie.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on September 9th, 2018
I'm not sure what the cause is. It sounds as Lexie is suffering from a gastrointestinal condition, possibly an infection. it could also be due to ingestion of a foreign body material. i would recommend taking her to the vet the first chance you get, she will need to be checked first, if the vet thinks it's a simple gastrointestinal infection she will need an anti vomiting injection, antibiotics and a special food for a few days in order to get better. if the vet thinks it is more serious she will need a blood test and possibly an ultrasound in order to find out what is wrong.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Amber W
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on September 12th, 2017
I'm sorry to hear that Lexie is ill! I'm assuming you mean that she is also now vomiting. You can try waiting a few hours and then offering a bland diet of boiled chicken and sweet potato or rice. However, if she continues to vomit and acting out of sorts I would definitely get her to your veterinarian. With somewhat vague signs of illness she may require an examination and blood work to make sure nothing serious is going on. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and I hope she is feeling better soon!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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