Dog Throws Up Grass

Visitor's Dog Throws Up Grass

I have a usually healthy seven-year-old, fifty-five pound hound mix that seems to be sick. She threw up a chunk of grass the other day, then she started throwing up again today when I got home from school. There were two large piles and one had another bunch of grass in it. Then she drank a lot of water and threw that up.

She's also been lethargic. She moves around and wags her tail a little, but she's doesn't act excited when people come to the door. Normally she goes nuts when this happens.

Things have been a little stressful for her lately since I've had to live out of town for a few weeks while I'm doing my clinicals for school. She's been here with my husband and our other dog. However, I've been home since early this week.

Should I be concerned? I was going to just watch her for another day and see if she improves.

~~ Marci Chandler

Expert Reply

Hi Marci,

Dogs eat grass sometimes and they usually wind up throwing it back up. Some people believe a dog does this when something is irritating its stomach. Normally, it's not a big issue; but coupled with your dog's lethargy and personality change, I'd say it's time to get in touch with your vet.

Has your dog been eating and drinking normally between bouts of nausea? I'm concerned about two things. First, do you use any commercial fertilizers or weed control products on your lawn. This could make your dog sick when she eats the grass.

Second, if she's throwing up and unable to eat and drink normally, she's bound to become dehydrated, and may even have a bowel obstruction.

All things considered, it's time to let your vet help you figure out what's going on.

~~ Kelly

Senior Dog Shows Signs of Illness

Hi,

My 14-year-old Australian Shepherd/Collie mix has been sick for about 12 hours now. He had a hot dog last night, then ate grass and vomited three times. He has also been drinking a lot of water and pacing the floor. He has never done this before. Do you have any idea what could be going on?

Thank You~~ Kevin

Expert Reply

Hi Kevin,

If it were just the vomiting three times last night I wouldn't be as concerned since it seems to have stopped. However, the dramatic increase in water consumption could signal an undetected kidney problem that is just now presenting outward signs. The pacing probably also means that your dog is experiencing some discomfort.

Has your dog urinated since the incident began last night? If so, did it seem like a normal amount and flow?

All things considered, you should call your vet and give him/her a complete history of the events to see if an examination is in order. I think your vet will want to do some blood work.

Thanks for your question, and I hope your dog is feeling better soon.

~~ Kelly