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My dog is sick with vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy; can I treat at home?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered

My dog has been vomiting for about 3 days, diarrhea, and is lethargic. I don't know what's wrong with her and I can't afford to take her to a vet.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on March 27th, 2016

This is a tough situation because she is likely suffering from some degree of dehydration on top of any underlying condition. Try withholding food for 12-24 hours. Allow or syringe feed 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 the vomiting stops, continue feeding until the stool is normal then transition slowly to the regular diet. If the vomiting or diarrhea don't stop, you will need to see a veterinarian. Contact your local animal shelter and ask about low cost clinics. Consider a financing option such as CareCredit.

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39Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 18th, 2018

    I'm sorry Tess isn't feeling well! I'm glad she's doing better on the bland diet, and I'd keep feeding her that for a couple of more days. Then slowly add back in her normal diet. If she vomits the bland diet, the diarrhea continues on the bland diet, stops drinking water, starts vomiting water, or becomes very lethargic, she will need to see a vet right away. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 24th, 2018

    Since this vomiting and diarrhea is so severe and your puppy is lethargic, this is actually an emergency. Your pup could have a parvovirus infection or other severe gastrointestinal condition. Please take her to a Pet ER for a thorough exam, likely blood work and xrays. She may have to receive iv fluids, anti-emesis medication (against vomiting), and antibiotics and other supportive care. Please take her to an ER now.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 8th, 2018

    It does sound like poor Cece isn't doing well at the moment! I will give you a home remedy to try to see if that helps her. 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 vomiting continues in the absence of food, she vomits the bland diet, she continues to have diarrhea on the bland diet, she stops drinking water, starts vomiting water, or becomes very lethargic, she will need to see a vet right away. Good luck, I hope this helps!

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