My Dog is Lethargic, Not Eating and Throwing Up – Top 3 Reasons Why

Lethargy and loss of appetite can be signs of major trouble. You should call the vet as soon as possible if your dog is throwing up constantly despite not eating any food. Even more so if they are refusing to drink water. Here are a few common reasons that may explain these behaviors and symptoms.

1. Dog ate something toxic

Dogs may refuse to eat (even their favorite foods and valued treats) if they are suffering after eating something toxic. For example, dogs that have accidentally eaten rat poison are likely to throw up due to the many negative effects the active ingredients could have on the dog’s body, such as increasing the possibility of internal bleeding.

You should take a good look around the house and make sure nothing is amiss. Dogs are curious animals and may end up eating household objects they shouldn’t touch, such as indoor plants and household cleaning products.

2. Sign of Addison’s disease

Lethargy, vomiting, and a loss of appetite are common symptoms of Addison’s disease. This health condition develops when the dog’s adrenal glands stop producing two important hormones, cortisol and aldosterone. While it can happen to dogs of all breeds, past records suggest it happens more often with breeds like standard poodles and great Danes. Symptoms like vomiting and lethargy can become more prevalent when the dog feels stressed.

3. Dog has intestinal blockage

Dogs can throw up yellow bile if a foreign object is blocking their intestinal tract. Symptoms like lethargy and a loss of appetite naturally follow as the dog’s body is unable to absorb important nutrients and liquids. Intestinal blockage can occur when the dog swallows a large-sized object (relative to their body size) that can’t be digested. Common culprits include household objects like dryer sheets and paper towels.

You should take the dog to the vet as soon as you find out they have eaten something that is indigestible. Throwing up is just the start of a problem that will get progressively worse if the blockage in the dog’s digestive tract isn’t treated.