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My unvaccinated puppy is vomiting and not eating. Is it parvo?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Siberian Husky | Male | unneutered | 4 months and 5 days old

Hi. I have a Siberian/Alaskan husky mix and I just got him a couple weeks ago. His appointment to be vaccinated is on November 5th. Any ways, he is usually a very good eater and very playful. Until recently, he stopped eating and playing. Ive noticed he's been vomiting a meaty substance. I imagine he ate worms but I'm not sure. Should I be worried? He's been doing this for a day and a half.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on October 30th, 2016

Poor Diablo! If he hasn't been vaccinated at all before now, I would be concerned that his vomiting could be caused by parvovirus. Parvo is a life threatening disease of young unvaccinated puppies which requires immediate medical attention. Other causes of vomiting include GI illness, pancreatitis, eating something rotten, or a foreign body. Given that he has been vomiting for a day and a half, he's stopped eating, and that fact that I don't know his full vaccination status, I think he should be taken into a vet right away. The vet can diagnose what is causing his symptoms, and can treat appropriately. If he does have parvo, there is no cure for it and it can only be treated symptomatically, which is why it's important to take him into a vet now.

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Unfortunately you should be worried about this as worms are not the only possibility. In most cases, at this age, aviral/bacterial infection is more likely to be the reason for these symptoms. You need to take Diablo to the vet ASAP in order to be treated.

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on

    Poor Diablo. If he has been vomiting and not eating for a day and a half, then yes - this is definitely cause for concern. If he has not been vaccinated at all yet, I would be worried that he may have parvo. This is a vet common illness in unvaccinated puppies, causing vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, and later bloody diarrhea. If he does have parvo, this is a life-threatening problem that needs to be treated right away. Other possible causes of these symptoms would include an intestinal obstruction, or ingestion of something toxic. I would recommend having Diablo seen by a vet today if at all possible. He/she can test him for parvo and may also do x-rays and blood work if needed to help diagnose the problem and get him started on appropriate treatment right away.

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    Answered By David Darvishian

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 6th, 2017

    Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about the puppies. It's very important that you get them evaluated as soon as possible. This very well could be parvo and without treatment, they are likely to deteriorate and pass away. Vomiting leads to fluid and electrolyte problems. This spirals into weakness, dehydration, and can lead to shock. I would ask anyone you know who could help you get them the care they need. Also, contact your local shelter, humane society, and rescue groups in the area to see if someone will step forward and help you. This could just be intestinal parasites (giardia, coccidia) but I would be highly suspicious of parvo since they are older puppies and not vaccinated. Good luck

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