Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

Why is my dog gurgling, not eating, throwing up, and very tired?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My dog's stomach is making a lot of gurgling noises and he won't eat. He threw up fluids and has been sleeping all day.

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on February 3rd, 2015

It is possible your dog is experiencing some illness or digestive upset. There are multiple causes, ranging from internal parasites to ingestion of foreign bodies. If your dog is unable to eat and has been [vomiting](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/vomiting-1/) for more than 24 hours, making an appointment with your vet is strongly recommended. You can also try a bland meal of boiled chicken and plain white rice to soothe minor digestive upset. However, if symptoms continue he will need to be examined. Bringing a sample of your dog's vomit or stool to your appointment can help your vet determine if there is a common problem, such as parasites, more quickly. If at any time your dog shows signs of severe distress (gasping for air, an extremely bloated or painful abdomen, attempting to vomit or defecate without success, or pale/blue gums or tongue), it may signal a medical emergency, such as [bloat](https://www.petcoach.co/article/bloat-gastric-dilatation-and-volvulus-in-dogs). This should be addressed by your veterinarian or veterinary ER immediately if suspected.

Vote icon

91Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 11th, 2017

    Hello, sorry to hear about Frankie. It sounds like he is having an upset stomach most likely from a dietary indiscretion. However, there are other potential causes for a decreased appetite and vomiting. These include an infection, inflammation of the GI tract, ingestion of foreign material, obstruction, pancreatitis, liver or kidney disease, and potentially addisons disease. You can see if offering a bland diet to him of plain white rice, boiled boneless and skinless chicken, and cottage cheese low fat may allow his GI tract to rest and make him feel better. If he continues to vomit and not want to eat, then he should be evaluated by your veterinarian. If his vomiting worsens over a short period of time and he also becomes very lethargic, this may be considered a medical emergency and he should be seen immediately. Your veterinarian may offer to perform abdominal radiographs and bloodwork to rule out the diseases we spoke about. Hope this helps and best of luck.

    Vote icon

    3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 7th, 2019

    Poor guy. If he is refusing to eat, vomiiting, and acting abnormal, then this could be something to worry about. I would recommend taking him to the vet today to get him looked at. Small breed dogs are high risk for pancreatitis, which is a spontaneous disease of the pancreas causing pain in the belly, lethargy, vomiting, decreased appetite +/- loose stool. Your vet can check him for this and also do a general blood panel to check for other illnesses as well. I hope that your furry friend Merlin is able to make a full and speedy recovery soon! Best wishes and take care.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 15th, 2017

    Poor Papas! It sounds like he has an upset stomach, which could be caused by a GI illness, eating something rotten, a foreign body, or pancreatitis. I can give you a home remedy to try 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 his normal diet. If the vomiting continues in the absence of food, he vomits the bland diet, develops diarrhea, stops drinking water, starts vomiting water, or becomes very lethargic, he will need to see a vet right away.

    Vote icon

    9Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
What's the best way to feed my hamster when I'm going on a trip?
Planning a trip to Chicago and need to feed your Syrian hamster? A certified vet offers expert advice on feeding options for short and long trips, plus finding trusted pet sitters.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Can chickens eat bell peppers daily and what about veggie salads?
Can your chickens eat bell peppers and salads? Veterinarian Dr. Elizabeth offers expert advice on safe feeding, frequency, and how fresh veggies boost vibrant yolks.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My newly adopted pet won't eat hay. What can I do to encourage it?
Adopted a pet not eating hay? Dr. Stafford, a certified vet, offers expert guidance on encouraging hay consumption, including adjusting pellets and trying fresh types.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?
Is your rat breathing heavily, won't eat, and has no energy? A Licensed Vet Tech explains potential causes like infection and age, urging a vet visit for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My degu lost teeth after an accident. How can I feed him soft foods?
Your degu had an accident, lost teeth, and can't eat hard food. A Petco Vet Tech offers crucial advice on immediate vet care and how to feed your injured degu.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored