Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

Why is my puppy suddenly vomiting, has diarrhea, and is lethargic?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Male | unneutered | 2 months and 5 days old | 20 lbs

Puppy suddenly vomited, over the next hour he kept vomiting then delevoled diarrhea and became lethargic. He was perfectly fine until 4pm when he began to randomly vomit.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Jeffrey Milner

Veterinarian

Published on August 7th, 2017

Persistent vomiting and diarrhea in a young puppy is a significant problem that should be addressed as soon as possible. Some common issues that can cause this include the Parvovirus, ingestion of a foreign body (toys, plant material, etc), and other infectious / inflammatory conditions. I would definitely have him examined by your veterinarian today, making sure to tell them the symptoms on the telephone before you arrive. They may want to keep you and your pup out of the general waiting area until they have ruled out a contagious disease like the Parvovirus. Hope this helps and that Grayson is feeling OK.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 6th, 2019

    Hi, and thanks for your question. These signs could be compatible with an inflammation infection of the gastrointestinal system and surrounding organs (like pancreas and liver). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is immediately essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics and possibly further investigations (like abdominal imaging as ultrasound or radiographs) may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on August 24th, 2017

    Vomiting and diarrhea in a puppy can be caused by dietary intolerance, dietary indiscretion, food allergy, intestinal parasites, GI blockage, gastroenteritis, bacterial or viral infection (including parvo virus in improperly vaccinated puppies), among others. I would recommend taking away food for 12 hours, but continuing to encourage Julue to drink water or pedialyte. If she is still having vomiting and/or diarrhea in the morning, or if she seems more ill overnight, I would recommend that she get checked out by a vet as soon as possible. Puppies can get dehydrated and sick very quickly.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 20th, 2017

    Oh no, poor Sophia! She does sound like she feels very ill at the moment. If she isn't fully vaccinated, I would be very concerned that her symptoms could be caused by parvovirus. Parvo is a life threatening infection of young unvaccinated puppies, and it is often fatal. There is no cure for parvo, only supportive treatment. Other causes of her vomiting and diarrhea include GI illness, eating something rotten, or a foreign body. Given that I don't know her vaccination status and the face that she has been both vomiting and having diarrhea in addition to being lethargic, I feel it's best that Sophia is seen by a vet immediately. The vet can diagnose what is causing her symptoms so she can be treated. Please take her into an ER vet or find a vet on call to see her now.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?
Is your mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and pussy? Dr. Melanie, a certified vet, discusses severe eye issues like infection or abscess, urging an immediate visit.
Updated on December 04, 2025
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
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 pet has red spots all over. What's causing them and what to do?
See red spots on your pet? A certified Petco vet discusses common causes like allergies, infections, or mites, guiding you on diagnosis and treatment options.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My small pet is limping and can't bear weight. Should I see a vet?
Is your pet limping and can't bear weight? A certified vet explains why a suspected fracture needs immediate diagnosis and safe pain relief. Get expert guidance.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dwarf hamster has a shut eye and is limping. What should I do?
Is your dwarf hamster struggling with eye issues or limping? A trusted vet offers expert guidance on symptoms and crucial next steps for comfort and care.
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