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My dog is lethargic, throwing up, and walking hunched over. Why?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pug | Male | unneutered | 9 months and 30 days old | 15 lbs

My dog woke up this morning seeming lethargic, he vomited on the floor and is walking around hunched over with his tail uncurled (pug)

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on September 21st, 2018

This sounds like he’s in pain. He may have eaten something that upset his stomach and has intestinal cramping. Or since he’s still a pup I’m worried he may have eaten a toy or sock that could cause an intestinal blockage. If this continues I would certainly bring him in for an exam and abdominal X-ray. Having an intestinal blockage can become life threatening without treatment. They can also give him pain medication so he’s more comfortable. This sounds serious so I wouldn’t ignore these symptoms. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Boone.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Throwing up can have many causes. It is basically a problem with the stomach and intestines caused by a food over sensitivity, eating something that does not agree with the dog, intestinal parasites, bacterial infection, viral infection, the weather, food change, stress, etc.  I would fast Boone for 12-24 hours and then put him on bland food for two days, such as boiled white rice and boiled white boneless chicken meat, fed in small quantities over several feeds and then transition back to his regular food slowly over a few days. If the vomiting increases, or if he stays lethargic, he needs to see a veterinarian for an exam as there may be something more serious such as an infection going on. All that said, lethargy and vomiting and abdominal pain can be typical signs of a parvovirus infection. If your dog has not finished a 4-course vaccination there is a chance that he may indeed be suffering from parvo. So if he is vomiting often and lethargic I recommend he be seen today at an emergency vet clinic rather than wait.

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