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My dog is vomiting, lethargic, not eating, and straining. What to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | 11 years and 8 months old | 13 lbs

My dog has been ill all day- she’s thrown up multiple times and keeps going outside and squatting as if she’s about to go to the bathroom but nothing ever comes out, she’s refusing to eat her food but drinks water and has been acting very different (walking etc.. very slow) what should I do?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on June 23rd, 2018

Poor Tarja! She sounds very ill at the moment, and when a dog has vomited multiple times during the day, refusing to eat, and acting lethargic, I consider their signs serious enough to see a vet. I strongly recommend taking her into a vet now for treatment. Best of luck.

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Vomiting and poor appetite can be observed with conditions such as gastroenteritis, pancreatitis, dietary indiscretion, gastrointestinal foreign body ingestion and obstruction, among other possibilities. The inability to urinate could related or it could be a separate issue. Both of these warrant a veterinary evaluation as soon as possible. For this reason, I highly recommend that you have Tarja evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment as soon as possible as I am afraid she is likely becoming dehydrated. They would be able to check for these possibilities and also check her hydration status and give her medications to make her feel better. Good luck!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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