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My Shih Tzu is vomiting, lethargic, and regurgitating. Is it serious?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Male | neutered | 4 years and 4 months old | 27 lbs

My grandmother called reporting about her Shi Tzu who has been vomiting profusely for the past day and how has been regurgitating any food or water he eats. He is lethargic and not "acting like himself". My grandfather, who assists my grandmother, says that there does not appear to be worms in his stool or any loose stool. Do you mind giving me an idea of what is going on, as my grandmother is very concerned. He recently received his vaccines.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 23rd, 2018

Throwing up can be caused by a food sensitivity, dietary indiscretion, intestinal parasites, an intestinal blockage, bacterial infection, viral infection, the weather, food change, stress, etc. Under normal circumstances I would recommend your grandmother fast the dog for 24 hours and then feed a bland diet of rice and boneless chicken. However, since Herman is not drinking and immediately regurgitating his food and water and is lethargic, there may be an obstruction and he needs to be seen at a PetER right away.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Poor Herman! There could be a number of reasons why he's vomiting including pancreatitis, a severe GI illness, eating something rotten, or a foreign body. he sounds quite sick, and I think he needs to see a vet now. Please advise your grandmother to take him into an ER vet immediately. Best of luck.

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