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My puppy has diarrhea, is dehydrated, and not drinking. Is it an emergency?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Male | unneutered | 2 months and 9 days old

We got our first puppy one week ago. His breeder fed him dry food but since he didn’t eat much we changed his food from dry to wet two days ago. Since then he’s had diarrhea. He is now beginning to seem dehydrated. He keeps panting and is less active than usual. Our biggest concern is he has not drunken water in at least half a day and is refusing to drink some now. His poop has also been on the darker side. Is this an emergency?

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1 Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 24th, 2020

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Shakespeare. Oh no, poor boy. I'm concerned about him being dehydrated, and yes I do think this is now an emergency. I would take him into an ER vet immediately. I hope this helps.

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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