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My dog suddenly lethargic, won't eat, gurgling stomach. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Staffordshire Bull Terrier | Female | spayed

My dog is lethargic and has lost her appetite, her stomach is also making loud gurgling sounds, this came on rather suddenly, what's wrong with her?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on February 22nd, 2016

She may have ingested something that isn't agreeing with her GI tract. Monitor her and if the symptoms worsen, seek veterinary attention. If not, withhold food for 12-24 hours. Allow small amounts of water or unflavored PediaLyte. Resume feeding a bland diet ( boiled boneless / skinless chicken and plain white rice) in small, frequent amounts. Serve warm or mix in a teaspoon or two of baby food to stimulate the appetite. If her appetite does not return or she begins to vomit, see your veterinarian.

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7Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Lethargy and loss of appetite can mean an number of things ranging from a simple dietary indiscretion to a more severe IMHA (immune mediated hemolytic anemia) or pancreatitis. If your pets gums are white in color this is considered an emergency and I recommend taking her into the vet right away for treatment. If the gums are not white and your pet is overall stable, then I would recommend you have her examined by a veterinarian and potential bloodwork as soon as you reasonably can, to pinpoint exactly where these symptoms could be coming from so that this can be treated promptly and appropriately.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 23rd, 2019

    Poor Coco sounds like she may not be feeling well. She could have some GI upset causing the stomach gurgling and loose stools (diarrhea). I can give you a home remedy to see if that helps. Withhold food for 12-24 hours, then feed a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken (no bones) and white rice in small amounts several times a day for a couple of days. Then slowly add back in her normal diet. If the diarrhea continues on the bland diet, she starts vomiting food, stops drinking water, starts vomiting water, or becomes very lethargic, she will need to see a vet right away. I hope this helps!

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