Dog Vomiting, Lethargic, and Not Eating? Here’s What To Do!

Okay, listen up! If your furry pal is throwing up, acting like they’ve seen a ghost, and turning their nose up at their favorite treats, it’s time to pay attention. It could be something minor, but it’s also a sign that something’s definitely not right. The best thing to do is contact your vet immediately for guidance. Don’t wait it out, especially if there are other worrying symptoms. While you are waiting for guidance from the vet, this post will guide you on what you can do and what not to do.

Dog Vomiting: Is It Just a Tummy Ache?

Okay, so your dog just threw up. Not exactly a pleasant sight, right? Before you start panicking, let’s talk about the different kinds of vomit. Is it just a little bit of clear liquid, or is it chunky and colorful? Color can tell you a lot. Yellow vomit often means bile, which can happen if their stomach is empty. Green could mean they’ve been munching on grass (which some dogs do when they feel sick!). Red or brown might indicate blood, which is a serious red flag and warrants an immediate vet visit.

Also, think about what happened beforehand. Did your dog sneak a bite of your pizza? Did they go crazy chewing on a new toy? Sometimes, it’s just a case of them eating something they shouldn’t have.

If it’s a one-time thing and they seem otherwise okay – alert, playful (or at least, not completely lifeless) – you can try withholding food for 12-24 hours. Make sure they still have access to fresh water, though! You don’t want your dog to get dehydrated on top of everything else. After that, you can introduce a bland diet like boiled chicken and rice in small amounts.

However, repeated vomiting or if the vomit is accompanied by other symptoms like blood, diarrhea, or extreme lethargy, please go see your vet. Don’t try to diagnose it yourself with Dr. Google; let a professional take a look.

Lethargy in Dogs: More Than Just a Lazy Day?

Every dog has their lazy days, right? Sometimes, they just want to curl up and snooze. But when “lazy” turns into “can’t even be bothered to lift their head,” that’s a problem. Lethargy is a sign that your dog is feeling really unwell.

Think about your dog’s normal energy levels. Are they usually bouncing off the walls, or are they more of a couch potato to begin with? A sudden drop in energy, especially when combined with other symptoms like vomiting or loss of appetite, is a big concern.

Check their gums. Pale or white gums can indicate anemia, which can be caused by a variety of underlying issues. Also, take your dog’s temperature. The normal body temperature for dogs is between 101 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3 to 39.2 degrees Celsius). Use a dog-safe thermometer and if you aren’t comfortable doing it, let the vet do it.

If your dog is severely lethargic, like they can barely stand or are completely unresponsive, you need to get them to the vet immediately. Don’t wait, because it could be something serious like poisoning, infection, or organ failure.

Dog Not Eating: Tempting Your Picky Eater (Or Something More)?

Okay, so your dog is turning their nose up at their food. We’ve all been there, right? Sometimes they can be picky. But if your dog is usually a food vacuum and suddenly has zero interest in eating, that’s a reason for concern.

First, rule out the obvious. Is the food stale? Did you accidentally give them too many treats earlier? Is their bowl clean? Sometimes, it’s a simple fix.

You can also try warming up their food slightly to make it more appealing. Or, you can add a little bit of low-sodium chicken broth to their kibble. Just make sure it’s low-sodium, as too much salt can be harmful.

If your dog is refusing to eat for more than 24 hours, or if they are showing other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, it’s time to call the vet. Not eating can be a sign of a variety of problems, from a simple upset stomach to a more serious underlying condition.

Dental problems can also cause a dog to stop eating. If they have a painful tooth or inflamed gums, they might not want to chew. Take a look in their mouth (if they’ll let you!) and see if you notice anything unusual like redness, swelling, or loose teeth.

What To Do (and NOT Do!) While You Wait for the Vet

Okay, so you’ve called the vet, and you’re waiting for an appointment. Here’s what you can do in the meantime to help your furry friend:

Keep them hydrated: Offer small amounts of water frequently. You can even give them unflavored Pedialyte to help replenish electrolytes. But don’t force them to drink, if they start vomiting water, they may be more dehydrated.

Keep a close eye on them: Monitor their symptoms and note any changes. This information will be helpful for the vet. Take pictures or videos of any vomiting or diarrhea.

Don’t give them any medications without talking to your vet: Human medications can be toxic to dogs, so don’t try to treat them yourself.

Keep them comfortable: Provide a quiet, comfortable place for them to rest.

If the vet allows, offer a bland diet: If they haven’t vomited in a while, you can try offering a small amount of boiled chicken and rice. But if they refuse to eat, don’t force it.

When to Rush to the Emergency Vet

Sometimes, you can’t wait for a regular vet appointment. If your dog is showing any of the following symptoms, you need to take them to the emergency vet immediately:

Severe vomiting or diarrhea

Bloody vomit or stool

Difficulty breathing

Seizures

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Pale gums

Distended abdomen (bloating)

Suspected poisoning

Prevention is Key

While you can’t prevent every illness, there are some things you can do to help keep your dog healthy:

Feed them a high-quality diet: Choose a food that is appropriate for their age and breed.

Keep them up-to-date on vaccinations and parasite prevention: Regular vet checkups are essential for maintaining your dog’s health.

Prevent them from eating garbage or other harmful substances: Keep your home and yard free of potential hazards.

Provide them with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation: A healthy dog is a happy dog!

Remember, you are your dog’s advocate. If you are concerned about their health, don’t hesitate to seek veterinary care. It’s always better to be safe than sorry! Your furry friend deserves the best possible care.