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Why is my female dog vomiting and not eating after heat? What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | unspayed | 2 years old | 45 lbs

2 yr old German Shepard mix, female. Went into heat and stopped eating, started vomiting and has diarrhea. Won't eat treats. Tried chicken and rice. Nothing. She just drinks water. Heard it was safe to give pepto, so I did and I got the throwing up down to every 4 hours. Going on day 3 of these symptoms, but first day giving pepto. Still pink in the ears & gums. Still alert and wagging tail when asked to go outside. Any advice? Don't have money for a vet.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

Published on March 23rd, 2017

Sally needs to see a vet ASAP. Her signs of excessive drinking, vomiting, and inappetence after going into heat make me highly concerned that she has developed a pyometra, which is a life-threatening uterine infection. These infections typically occur about 2 weeks after a heat cycle due to hormone fluctuations and cause the uterus to become distended and filled with pus. If left untreated, a closed pyometra can cause the uterus to rupture in the abdomen and causes sepsis (a systemic bacterial infection). I understand your concern about finances. Consider looking into Care Credit (carecredit.com) which offers financing for veterinary procedures. Many SPCAs and local shelters have low cost veterinary clinics, but Sally really needs to be seen by an ER now.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Amy S. Eutsey, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 29th, 2020

    Hello... this may also be indications of an infection in her uterus. This can occur a few weeks after a heat cycle and lack of appetite, vomiting are two of the characteristic signs. It would be best to have your veterinarian examine her and determine if this is a pyometra.... these can become very serious and life threatening. They require immediate treatment. If she does not have an infection in her uterus, it may be some type of gastroenteritis and they can treat her appropriately. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach

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