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Why is my dog throwing up, dry heaving, and refusing to eat or drink?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My chiahuahua has been throwing up then dry heaving the color of the vomit has went from light yellow to clear the clear is bubbly she won't eat or drink

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Macartney, BVet Med, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on October 4th, 2017

I am very sorry to hear that your dog is experiencing these problems, I am sure it is very unsettling for you both. There are a number of potential causes of such clinical signs, including dietary indiscretion, pancreatitis, parasite infestation, infection, and ingestion of a toxin or poison. I would believe the change in the consistency of the vomit is because your dog's stomach is not empty. She is only vomiting up stomach acids now. Because you have only noticed these signs over the course of a few hours I would continue to monitor your dog at home for a further 12 hours. Here is what you can do at home; Rest her gastrointestinal tract by holding back food for a few hours. Then you can continue with a bland and easily digested food of the boiled chicken breast and white rice diet and provide plenty of fresh water. I also find that boiled, mashed skinless sweet potato is helpful for diarrhoea if it were to begin. If your dog does not improve, has profuse vomiting or diarrhoea, you notice fresh blood, she seems lethargic, in pain or depressed I would advise a trip to the veterinarian immediately. Here are some links to helpful resources for you; https://www.petcoach.co/article/most-common-causes-of-diarrhea-in-dogs/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/6-things-you-can-do-at-home-if-your-pet-has-diarrhea/ I hope that answer was helpful and more importantly that your dog feels better soon. Warmest regards to you both.

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    Answered By Shaneez Wallani, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 9th, 2017

    Vomiting could be caused by parasites, change in diet, toxin ingestion, infectious viral diseases, blockage in the intestines caused by ingestion of a foreign body, or a mass/growth in the gastrointestinal tract. There is also the possibility of parvovirus infection (a potentially fatal disease that causes gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhea) which can be very severe in dogs who have not have been vaccinated. Please make an appointment to have Suzy seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment, and so that your vet can help get her hydrated in a safe manner. A dog who is vomiting can develop low blood sugar and dehydration that can be very dangerous if left untreated. You can try boiling some chicken until it is cooked and offering Suzy the broth from it to drink, but she should be seen by a vet asap to address the vomiting. I hope Suzy feels better soon!

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