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Help! My Dog Won’t Eat But Drinks Water and Throws Up

Close up of beagle with head laying on front paws

It’s a significant problem if your dog isn’t eating or drinking water. There might be a medical issue, and you should take your dog to the vet. Examine the patient for symptoms of dehydration, as well as vomiting and diarrhea. Consider it an emergency if all three are present. 

Dog Not Eating But Drinking Water and Vomiting

Dogs are eager for what they are eating and when they are eating. This is why dog owners are perplexed when their dog does not follow the established routines. This is frequently an indicator that something is wrong with the dog, whether related to its health or psychological well-being. 

When a dog has a gastrointestinal problem, illness, or digestive obstruction, it may stop eating and drink water. An increase in water intake might result in vomiting. Consider this an emergency and consult with a veterinarian to determine the cause of the problem. 

In many situations, this can be deadly to the dog. You must take measures and ensure that the dog’s health is thoroughly examined. This involves focusing on its symptoms while also analyzing how it is doing inside. 

Gastrointestinal Issue

German shepherd on a metal exam table with vet listening to it's stomach with a stethoscope

It’s conceivable that the dog is suffering from a stomach problem. Bleeding, obstructions and infections are examples of this. It is critical to resolving this issue before it influences the dog’s quality of life. 

This medical condition’s pain and discomfort might make it difficult for the dog to eat. They will refuse to eat and try to eliminate the problem by drinking as much water as possible. 

This is related to the dehydration people experience while dealing with the problem. 

It is crucial to realize that the dog will become dehydrated when it vomits. This is a distressing situation for the dog, and it may begin to panic. It will try to drink more water, leading to additional vomiting. It is a vicious cycle that necessitates the intervention of a veterinarian.

Infection

Depending on what the dog has been up to, this can happen. If the dog has spent a lot of time outside, it may have picked up an illness. This illness might occur as a result of what the dog has eaten or chewed on. 

If they are infected, they will get dehydrated. Depending on the type of illness, they will also have a broad range of other symptoms. Go to a veterinarian now. They will take the time to determine what sort of infection the dog has and how to treat it. This is critical information for ensuring that the dog recovers and does not faint. 

Digestive Blockage

Small brown and white dog laying under a white blanket

This is a common cause of dog vomiting. They will have a digestive obstruction as a result of what they have been eating. This might make it difficult for the dog to consume anything since it is in pain. 

The dog may attempt to drink a lot of water, but it won’t work. It is therefore essential for a veterinarian to consult. Otherwise, the dog will keep drinking water and will struggle to get through the vomiting stage. As quickly as possible, assist your dog by contacting a veterinarian. 

Medicine for a Dog Vomiting and Not Eating

You might be wondering what you can offer your dog to help him vomit. The following treatments can help with an upset stomach, but cease therapy and consult a veterinarian right once if symptoms persist. 

Here are a Few Home Remedies You Can Try if Your Dog’s Situation is Not Serious:

Bottles of Pepto-Bismol on a store shelf

Pepto-Bismol:

Ask your veterinarian whether you may try giving over-the-counter Pepto-Bismol. If he agrees that it might be beneficial, he will provide you dosage instructions.

There may be adverse effects, like with any medicine. Because Pepto includes aspirin, it should not be given if your dog is allergic to aspirin. Consult your veterinarian first!

Electrolytes: 

If your dog can keep liquids down, see your local veterinarian clinic for rehydration suggestions. Make sure that the electrolytes provided do not include any artificial sweeteners, such as xylitol. 

Probiotics: 

Probiotics for dogs are unquestionably beneficial (if supplied by a veterinary manufacturing company). Probiotics, when administered daily, support a healthy stomach in addition to calming your dog’s belly when he feels nauseated. Purina Fortiflora is a popular product that veterinarians prescribe and sell. 

Ginger: 

Ginger root and ground ginger on a wooden table with bowl and scoop

Consider giving your pet a ginger-flavored treat or tea. Ginger is considered to have antiemetic properties via inhibiting the serotonin receptors in the stomach that produce nausea. Refer to the proper doses if you are considering feeding ginger in raw or powder form. 

Slippery Elm Bark: 

Tannins in this herbal medicine assist in decreasing inflammation. It is high in vitamins and helps calm an upset stomach and alleviate diarrhea. Pregnant dogs or those on medicines should not be fed slippery elm bark. 

Massage: 

A soothing massage might be beneficial to your dog. Gently but not firmly touch his tummy. If this causes him to vomit, even more, stop. 

Let’s Talk About Prescription Medication Treatment: 

Close up of random medication and syringe spread  out over a table

Prescription Medications

Your veterinarian may consider giving an anti-nausea medicine based on your dog’s condition. Some of these medicines are given intravenously or via injection. Others are in tablet form and may be administered at home regularly.

Reglan (metoclopramide) acts by assisting in the correction of motility problems (which can cause nausea and vomiting because of food “pools” in the stomach) and the restoration of regular stomach muscle contractions.

Pfizer Animal Health has just received approval for the use of new medicine. Cerenia (maropitant citrate) is used to treat motion sickness in dogs and can also be used to treat bouts of acute vomiting since it inhibits your dog’s vomiting signals. Dolastron, maropitant, ondansetron, and chlorpromazine are some more medicines.

A veterinarian should provide all prescription medicines and are designed to manage to vomit and prevent pain, dehydration, and stomach acid erosion of your dog’s esophagus. 

How the Veterinarian will Determine Whether or Not your Dog is Unwell:

Small scruffy dog laying on its back while a vet listens to its lungs with a stethoscope

As previously said, if your dog’s condition is deteriorating, take him to the vet as soon as possible. Your dog will be examined by your veterinarian first. Then, based on what you tell them and what they discover during the assessment, they may opt to do some of the following tests: 

  • Blood tests
  • Fecal tests
  • Ultrasound
  • Biopsy
  • Radiographs
  • Endoscopy

In some circumstances, your veterinarian may need to perform exploratory surgery. The vet can recommend the best treatment after determining what is causing your dog’s illness. 

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