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Why is my dog's skin and eyes yellow, and he's not eating or active?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 22 lbs

My dog suddenly refuses to eat and just lay around the house, then the next day I noticed that his skin turns to yellowish color his ears and eyes to and even his urine . He consumes alot of water, I dont know what to do our place is lockeddown due to corona virus and vets are not available. I hope you can help me

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Tomasz Wnuk

Veterinarian

Published on April 15th, 2020

Yellow colour of the skin means that your dog is jaundiced. Jaundice is a result of liver, gallbladder or bile ducts diseases. It could also be because of infections or excessive damage of the red cells (seen in some autoimmune diseases). Your dog really needs to be seen by a vet as soon as possible. Please, try and take Lucas a vet as I don't think there is anything you can do at home to help him.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 5th, 2019

    Muffin needs to see the veterinarian today. If you’re noticing any yellowish color at all, that can indicate either severe liver disease or hemolysis. He sounds like he is very sick. These conditions are best caught and treated early. I hope he starts feeling better quickly and please feel free to post any additional questions

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    Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 19th, 2018

    Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. What you are describing is very very concerning. Yellow discolouration of the skin/eyes and a pale gums are concerning that is liver is failing or his red blood cells are being torn apart. Possible diseases he could have are IMHA (immune mediated hemolytic anemia), severe liver disease (infection, abscess, cancer, etc), sepsis, etc. He could be dying, and definitely has as serious illness. I strongly recommend you get him to a vet right away. They will do an exam and bloodwork and probably start some medications. They might recommend an ultrasound as well. I hope Max feels better soon! Best of luck!

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