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My dog in heat won't eat, vomits, has diarrhea. Is it an emergency?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Border Collie | Female | 38 lbs

My dog is in heat. But hasn’t eaten. Today will be the third day no food. Every time she tries to drink she pukes it up. Has diarrhea. She doesn’t want to stand up. Isn’t herself. Vet isn’t open today. Do we need to take her to a er vet?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on July 4th, 2019

These are not normal symptoms associated with being in heat, so I would be concerned about some other illness. If she hasn't eaten in several days and is still vomiting, I would recommend taking her to the emergency vet. She is likely very dehydrated at this point, and we need to figure out what is causing the nausea.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 18th, 2020

    I am concerned about Luna and I'm worried that this behavior isn't normal for a dog in heat. I do think it's best that she sees a vet for a health check, and I would see if you can take her into a vet today. I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 12th, 2017

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Ivy! When dogs come in to heat they can go off food but they don't usually vomit. Causes of not eating, vomiting and lethargy are: infected uterus in an intact female though she is young, viral infections, food intolerance, foreign body (ate something that is now stuck in her stomach or intestines), ate something gross outside that is causing an upset belly, toxin ingestion, intestinal parasites. I think it is best to have her seen today by a Vet. It has been 2 days since she stopped eating and now she vomited. Bring a stool sample if you can. The Vet may want to do blood work or take belly X-rays. I hope this helps and I wish Ivy a speedy recovery!

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on July 30th, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Vomiting and inappetence can occur from many conditions such as foreign body ingestion and obstruction, pancreatitis, gastroenteritis, dietary indiscretion, among other possibilities. I recommend that you have Baby girl evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. This will likely require bloodwork and abdominal imaging in terms of diagnostics. Treatment would be based on findings. At the very least your veterinarian could start her on medications to make her feel better. In the meantime, keep water available at all times to try to prevent dehydration. Good luck and have a good day!

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