LoveToKnow Dogs:AllComments

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Hi Karen,

Has your vet run any tests to try to figure out the cause of the diarrhea? Just fasting the dog for 24 hours won't cure the problem if he has some sort of giardia infection or something similar. If your vet hasn't run any test, insist that he/she does so as soon as possible. Otherwise, it's time to seek a second opinion from another vet.

Best wishes for your dog's health.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My 10 and a half year old Bearded Collie Cross is repeatedly sufferung from bad dioreah it just pours out of him and is full of mucas, the vet keeps saying "starve him for 24 hours" but we can't keep doing this as he is now losing weight we have tried him on all kinds of food, when we think we have found one that suits him, a few days later he starts again, i fell so sorry for him it must be very uncomfortable.

-- Contributed by: Karen

Hi Shannon, and welcome to the site.

It sounds to me like your Peke has gotten a little spoiled by those tidbits. Unfortunately, your son and husband have also taught her the habit of begging. If you want to get your Peke back on track, you'll have to have a discussion with your family about the tablescraps. Peke can be prone to obesity, so it's important to feed an appropriate diet in the correct proportions. Explain to them that this could turn into a health issue, and try to get everyone to agree that table scraps are off limits. If everyone will abide by that rule, your dog will eventually return to eating her regular diet when she gets hungry enough.

Thanks for sharing your situation, and good luck.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I have a 4 month old pekingese mix, her needles are all up to date. She has always had a big appetite until two weeks ago. She stopped eating her normal food and would only beg for human food. My son and husband have been giving her little tidbits of our food. Now she eats only about 1/3 cup of her food per day and refuses anymore, although she still will beg for our food. She has no other visible symptoms of illness.

-- Contributed by: Shannon

Hi Debbie,

These sound like very serious symptoms. I think the best thing you can do is contact your vet and relate what's going on. Your dog may need to be examined.

Best wishes for his full recovery.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

my dog had severe diarreah and gas then he couldnt walk on his left hind leg 2 days later he has lost a little wait but he will eat , if it's something he likes. he is a 5 yr old usually very active blue healaer

-- Contributed by: debbie

Hi Ruthe,

I'll try to help. Do you mean that your dog has been bleeding steadily since the end of March, or do you mean that your dog is having what looks like a heat cycle six months after the spaying?

If you mean it looks like she is having another heat cycle, I can probably explain what's happening. Spaying, although routine, is still a difficult procedure. Due to the uterus' placement, it can be difficult to see the entire uterus when doing the removal. This somtimes leads to a small stump of uterine material left behind, and it's this tissue that produces the discharge typically seen with a heat cycle.

My advice is to call your vet and discuss the situation. Bring up the stump issue and ask if this could be the cause of the current discharge. At the very least, your vet should want to see your dog again and examine her to figure out exactly what's going on.

Thanks for sharing your situation, and please let us know what you find out.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi Ann,

This is definitely worth asking your vet to take a look at. Fatty tissue usually isn't hard. A hard abdomen might indication constipation, bloating or even some kind of growth. Better to find out exactly what you're dealing with so you can be sure of the right approach to take.

Best wishes for your dog's health.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I need to know about my female beagle, we adoped her from a shelter,they sprayed her, and told us that she was just in heat. that was at the end of march. it is now Sept and the dog is still bleeding. She has been on all kinds of meds and trips to the vet's and no one can give me a straight anwner. Who can give me straight anwsers?

-- Contributed by: Ruthe

Our mixed terrier appears healthy enough but his stomach is distended and sometimes feels rigid or hard. Could this be a medical problem or just overweight. Presently we are cutting back on his feeding portions.

-- Contributed by: Ann

Hi Adelita,

The very best thing you can do is call your vet right away. Vomiting accompanied by pain is a very serious situation, and your dog may need emergency treatment.

Thanks for sharing your situation, and I hope your dog will recover quickly.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Have a male Chow, which we had for 3 years. He's much older, don't know exactly. He was doing fine today, vomits piles of his dog food, then he just lounges and groans. What should I do for him now?

-- Contributed by: adelita

Hi Lissy, and welcome to the site.

I'm sorry to hear your dog is having health issues. It sounds like your dog is encountering some of the common problems that senior dogs develop. The excessive drinking could be related to a kidney issue that is causing the house accidents, but the weight loss is the most concerning issue. The very best thing you can do is make an appointment with your vet and have your dog examined. The vet will take a look at all your dog's health problems to see if there is a common thread that could provide direction for a treatment plan.

Thanks for sharing your situation, and I hope your dog will be alright.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

my dog has staring going to the bathroom in the house and shes lost alot of weight and now is blind, what do you think is wrong?, shes old we understand that but the consatnt drinking of water and weight loss we dont get

-- Contributed by: Enter your name here

Hi Mel,

I'm sorry to hear your pet isn't feeling well. I would suspect a digestive distubance. It might be best to take your dog off food for 12 hours to let her tummy settle. Be sure to keep fresh water available. It's a good sign that she hasn't vomited or had diarrhea. Hopefully this is just a mild disturbance that will pass quickly. If it doesn't, or her symptoms grow worse, contact your vet immediately.

Thanks for your question, and best wishes for your dog's health.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My five-year-old maltese/chihauhau mix started shaking last night and her stomach is making loud gurgling noises. I can tell she's not feeling well because she is unusually clingy to me. There have been no changes in her diet. She is eating and drinking and moving around normally. She is up to date on her shots. Not sure what the problem could be...

-- Contributed by: mel

10 year old Boxer. He is producing, clear, watery saliva - looks like from one side of his mouth than the other - a lot more than usual - this just started tonight as far as I can tell - although he may have been doing it during the day when I was out. He is licking his lips a lot - espcially at the front of his mouth, although he's been doing his for a week or more. He is eating and drinking normally, although he is on meds for colitis - metrondazole 400mg per day - he was prescribed these over a week and a half ago and has about 3 days left of the course. He wanted to be out to eat grass quite often yesterday afternoon. He has a bit of a runny nose - clear liquid.

-- Contributed by: flooze

Hi Monte,

It's difficult to speculate on what may cause those episodes of shaking, but now would be a good time to have your vet give your senior pet a thorough check up to get a baseline on his health. It is possible that your dog could be experiencing small seizures, but you would need to describe exactly what happens for the vet. It would be a good idea to keep track of those episodes in a notebook so your vet can get an idea of how frequently they happen. You could also rate the level of shaking on a scale of 1-10, and note how long they last.

Thanks for sharing your situation, and I hope there's nothing seriously wrong with Kody.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I have a 14 year old lab (Kody) he generally in very good health for his age but recently has started "shaking" while lying down occassionally. Once he gets up it stops. I live in So. Cal. so he is not cold. He has started to lose some appetite but more picky rather than not eating.

-- Contributed by: Monte

Hi Judy, and welcome to the site.

Urinary incontinence is not unusual in senior pets. Sometimes the muscles that control the bladder simply begin to wear out. It might be a good idea to bring this situation to your vet's attention and let him examine your dog. There is medication available that can assist bladder control, and your vet can tell if it is suitable for your pet's condition.

Thanks for your question, and best wishes for your dog's health. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi Christy,

A single instance of vomiting is usually nothing to worry about. An considerable increase in water consumption might be a sign of diabetes, and it is certainly worth having your vet investigate. It would be a good idea to go ahead and call your vet to relay what you've witnessed. Your vet will let you know if your dog needs to be examined.

Thanks for your question, and best wishes for your pet's health.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I have a 16yr old Border Collie that has trouble controlling her bladder. If she strains to get up or is sound asleep, she will wet on herself. If she has not been out for a couple of hours, she will sprinkle all the way to the door. She is not running a fever and does not seem to be in pain. We have to limit her water intake in the evening because she will have to go out about every hour.

-- Contributed by: Enter your name here

we have a 18# schnauzer that has increased h2o intake greatly, last week dog vomited up her dog food (science diet). ths happened a month ago, but no increase in h20 intake. dog is in good shape and peppy.

-- Contributed by: e. e. mcchristy

Hi Carole,

I think the best thing you can do is go back to the vet and discuss exactly what this lump is. It sounds like a cyst to me, and those are usually drained and filled with an antibiotic ointment to help them heal and stop reforming. There is usually no need to amputate a dog's leg for a cyst.

That said, you really should let the vet know that the lump has returned. This will give you an opportunity to discuss the situation and find out what the next step is. Thanks for your question, and best wishes for the health of your sister's dog.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

hello, my sister has a German sheppard mixed she is about 14yrs old, she seems to be in good health the only problem is, she as a lump the size of a golf ball on her right paw about 1 inch above the part of her paw that bends, she as been operated for it already 3 times the doctor said it was a lump of blood and it was something like a big pimple, i was wondering since it still keeps comming back, is it appropriate to have her leg cut off or does she have a chance of not getting it back if she keeps on getting it operated on, and if you would have any suggestion on what might this be i would appreciated any help you can give me on this thanks Carole

-- Contributed by: Carole

Hi Brenda,

You'll need a vet to accurately diagnose your dogs symptoms. However, increased drinking and urination could be a sign of diabetes. I recommend you make a list of your dog's symptoms and schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

Best wishes for your pet's health.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

my 1 yr. old male bichon has been more thirsty and increased urination ,lack of appetite ,lethargic ,not pooping as much as normal ,with slight straining , no vomiting or fever . this has been going on for 1 week .any ideas on what could be wrong?

-- Contributed by: brenda

Hi Dee,

I'm sorry to hear how sick your dog is. With this many symptoms, it's very important to call your vet right away. Walking hunched up like that is usually a sign of abdominal or kidney pain, and can indicate a serious condition. Make that call right away.

Best wishes for your dog's full recovery.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

my dog has being acting weid all day shaking, coughing, vomiting and walking with him butt down

-- Contributed by: Dee

Hi MJump,

The theory behind poop-eating is that the dogs detect undigested nutrients in the stool, so they consume the stool again. Why some dogs develop this habit and others don't is still up for debate, but the habit seems to be connected to how clean the pups were kept in their litter. Naturally curious, the pups will investigate the stool, and from there it's a short route to tasting it.

Hope that sheds some light on the topic for you. If you happen to have a dog that does this, there are products you can buy from most veterinary suppliers that you can sprinkle on your dog's food to make the resulting stool taste worse. I've also heard you can sprinkle meat tenderizer on the food and get the same result, but I haven't tried it on my own dogs.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I am trying to find information why a 3 year old female german shepard who is active and eats well but has the bad habit of eating her feces. Can't find anything on that terrible habit. Would appreciate anyones input. Her Vet just shook his head that it was something they do.

-- Contributed by: M. Jump

Hi Robin,

To a certain extent, it's natural for there to be some drainage after a delivery. It's actually a better sign that the blood is dark because bright red blood usually indicates fresh bleeding. I always advise taking a female in for a post partum check up after delivering. This gives the vet a chance to make sure all contents have been evacuated from the uterus. The vet usually gives the dog an antibiotic shot to stave off infection.

I'm not clear about why you allowed the other female to take the puppy. Does your dog not have any milk? If so, allowing the puppy to nurse might help kick off production. The puppy needs its mother's antibodies to protect it until its own immune system begins to function. Newborns are also quite susceptible to herpesvirus before the age of two weeks, and this is what usually causes puppies to "fade" i.e. die quietly without apparent cause. Hopefully this won't be the case with your puppy, but I would consult with your vet right away about the entire situation.

Thanks for your question, and I do hope that everything turns out alright. Best wishes.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

black blood after birth and shaking of body ,another female dog has taken the pup and is feeding it

-- Contributed by: robin

Hi Alonzo,

Unless this is your dog's natural bark all the time, it sounds as though he has developed kennel cough. This virus generally takes about three weeks to run its course, but the problem is that a secondary respiratory infection often develops and it can create excessive mucous production. Right now your dog's symptoms don't sound too serious, but you should keep an eye on him and take him to the vet if the symptoms begin to grow worse. I have a couple articles I think you might find helpful.

Thanks for visiting the site, and I hope you find this information helpful. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi, our pet chiuaua has a muffed type bark, he is still very energetic, playful he is still him self, except the cough.Any ideas.

-- Contributed by: Alonzo

Hi Linda,

I'm sorry to hear your dog seems under the weather. It's possible he's coming down with a virus, so keep a close eye on him. Is he still drinking water for you? It's not too serious if his eating is a little off, but you want to make sure he doesn't begin to dehydrate.

If your dog doesn't return to his old self over the next day or so, or if his symptoms grow worse, you'll want to call your vet. Chihuahuas have such small systems, and they are easily overcome by illness. Don't hesitate to call your vet if you feel the need.

Thanks for your question, and I do hope your puppy feels better soon. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi, My dog since yestarday has been very down won't eat much. He will run and play a little bit but then he will be down again.He is a chihuahua. his eyes are a little glossy. What can i do?

-- Contributed by: linda

Hi Glenn,

Thanks for the info. I'm sure that's a far more convenient source. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Kelly,

You can get Nutrical at Pet Smart. for $8.99 a Tube. They carry it in store and Petco sells something similar called Tomlyn Nutri-Cal, they have several brands for dogs and cats, as well as senior dogs, at Petco, the prices run from $7.99 to $9.95 a tube.

-- Contributed by: Glenn

Hi Mary,

We'll leave the diagnosis and treatment up to your vet, but I can offer some suggestions on how to get your dog to eat again.

Sometimes when dogs have been off their food for a while, their appetite just dies and a sort of anorexia sets in. In cases like this, you really have to spark the dog's appetite with something tempting to motivate her to eat. This should be done in small portions to gradually reawaken the digestive system. Otherwise, vomiting may result.

I'm going to suggest you boil some ground beef, carrots and brown rice together in a kind of stew. Offer it to your dog in a small amount, perhaps just 1/8 of a cup. Hopefully the aroma will inspire her to take at least a little. If she keeps it down, you can offer a little more later on. Do this at intervals throughout the day.

Another good product to use at this time is Nutrical. This is a type of nutritional paste that provides calories to ailing dogs. You just squirt a glob onto your dog's tongue and she'll reflexively lick it until it's swallowed. You can use this to supplement her until she's eating on her own again. Nutrical is offered online and is sometimes available through vets.

Thank you for sharing your situation, and I truly hope you find these suggestions useful. Best wishes for Sassy's full recovery.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Our Dog Sassy, 6+yrs old, Beagle mix. Is normally very energetic. But lately, she is not eating hard food (not even rice with beef juice)but will take small amounts of soft treats. Drinks very little water. Shes been vomiting, mostly mucus since her last full meal, which she threw up. That was last Sat/sunday. Since its mostly white mucus. 

I had her at the vet which, found nothing wrong with her other than a soft spot when touched near her throat. Nothing on the outside to show trauma. Upon looking inside, he saw mucus/flem. He felt she had an irritated throat. Her temp was normal, her glands normal. We are treating her with a tablet to sooth her throat. He had given her a shot of penicillin/pain to see if her appetite comes back, which it has not.Since the shot her stool was soft/runny and again she threw up mostly mucus today. She is very lethargic.

Any and all comments/advice are welcome. We are at our wits end.

-- Contributed by: mary

Hi Carole,

Unfortunately, skin and hair conditions are difficult to diagnose. Vet's typically take hair and skin samples to examine in order to determine the cause of the problem. The problem could be related to environmental allergies, food allergies or even a parasitic infestation. It really requires a vet to make a diagnosis and determine the best course of treatment. I wish I could be of more help. Perhaps your friend could ask her vet clinic if they would be willing to let her make payments on the bill. Some vets are willing to make arrangements for established clients.

Best wishes for your friend's dog, and I hope she is able to find help.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi, I have a friend that as a dog and this dog as lost alot of hair and she as scabs on her skin and she also as big round patches of yellowish...greenish colour....my friend can't afford a vet cost at this time and I was wondering if you could help us......thank you so much

-- Contributed by: Carole

Hi Cinthya,

There are some possibilities here. Your dog might have picked up a virus, or she might have also eaten trash or something else around the house that is causing the upset. If the vomiting and bouts of diarrhea are frequent, you should call your vet right away. If they seemed to have settled, you might want to withhold food for 24 hours to give your dog's system time to settle. Do keep fresh water available so she doesn't become dehydrated.

Thanks for your question, and I hope your dog recovers very quickly.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi I have a 10 month old mini schnauzer, today when i got home from work I discovered that she has diarrhea,she threw up a yellowish liquid and she has not eaten all day,also she's been licking her bum after I bathed her. Please help!

-- Contributed by: cinthya

Hi Thomas,

Did the second episode happen upon waking up from a nap, just like the first one? Or were the cir...stances different this time? I'm not a vet, but it sounds as if your dog might have had a mild seizure. The inability to control the legs and the urine leakage do fit the profile. Not every seizure results in full convulsions and paddling. This might be something to bring up to your vet to explore the possibility. If these are indeed mild seizures, they can usually be controlled with phenobarbitol.

Thanks for sharing your situation, and I do hope your dog will be alright.


-- Contributed by: Kelly

I've got a very energetic and athletic 2 year old Golden. About a month ago, he was laying in his bed sleeping after a long day of swimming and when he awoke from his nap, he had trouble standing. He struggled with his front legs and after about 20 seconds, the usage came back. After about a min, the use of his back legs came back. He also had a slight bladder leak as I think it scared him. Took him to the vet. They did x-rays and a full exam and gave him a clean bill of health. All was fine for about 4 weeks and then it happened again this morning and I'm really concerned. I was thinking it's dehydration or mild heat stroke (San Antonio isn't exactly the arctic) but today's episode was after no activity...? Right now, he is fine. He would have no problems jumping 20ft off the end of the pier at a rate of 100mph so I'm at a complete loss. He just cleared the coffee table with his tail as I'm typing this. Wondering if I should get a 2nd opinion but I really love the vet we are using. Any suggestions?

-- Contributed by: Thomas

Hi Marina,

That's quite a few symptoms, so this does seem like a serious illness. I think it is well worth paying a visit to your vet. These symptoms must be quite uncomfortable for your dog, so you'll want to try to get him some relief as soon as possible.

Best wishes for his full recovery.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

ever since we moved upstairs my dog has been throwing up, has lack of energy, runny nose, doesnt eat as much, has constipation sometimes. and doesnt really move as much , as if he has joint pain or someting. So i was just wondering if this was a serious conditon or something small that will go away?

-- Contributed by: marina

Hi Misty,

I once boarded a pampered pooch that also refused to eat dog food. The owners wanted her eat a balanced kibble, but they were convinced their dog would starve herself before she would accept it. To make a long story short, I refused to give her people food, and kept fresh water and kibble out for her at all times. By the third day, the dog was willing to eat the kibble, and by the end of the week you would never have guessed that she ever refused it.

All of that said, there's nothing wrong with serving people food as long as you're creating a balanced diet that serves your dog's needs. I'd like to recommend a book that was written by our guest columnist, Wendy Nan Rees. It's called The Natural Pet Food Cookbook, and it's filled with easy to understand nutritional advice, balanced recipes, feeding guidelines based on your dog's size and tips to make cooking for your dog convenient. I believe this book is still available through Amazon.com. I have a copy myself, and it is terrific.

Thanks for your question, and I hope this advice helps.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi Lauren,

I originally found this question at Sick Puppy Question so I answered it there.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I have a 2 yr old chihuahua.At times we have noticed a bad smell coming from her rectal region. I know this may be an issue with her anal glands and am planning on having them expressed. I also know that diet can contribute to these issues.The problem is that this spoiled little dog has never eaten a bite of dog food in her whole life! She has always been fed people food and refuses dog food of all sorts.I want this stopped and was wondering if there were any good ways to move her from one to the other since she is EXTREMELY picky. 

Misty
-- Contributed by: Misty Ramsey

HI I have a older pitbull and lately she hasn't been eating anythin she wouldnt eat her dog food so we tried to give her some people food that we know she would eat and she still didn't eat and she been losing alot of her hair all the sudden and also does not want to walk and when she does walk she looks like she is having a really hard time like something is wrong with her backend. Any ideas on what this could be?

-- Contributed by: Lauren

Hi Nan,

If your dog has had her distemper shot, this might just be a touch of seasonal allergies or a mild cold virus. You can clear the eye mucous with a warm wet paper towel. It's the lethargy that worries me the most. If your dog isn't showing signs of improvement in the next 24 hours you might want to give your vet a call.

Best wishes for your dog's speedy recovery.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My golden retriever Sandy has been lethargic. She also has a runny discharge coming from her eyes. She doesn't want to walk and seems tired. She is eating OK but just isn't her normal self. What do you suggest? Thanks

-- Contributed by: nan

Hi Jennifer,

All of these behaviors fit the pattern of seizures. Things like the licking and running in circles are indicative of a psychomotor seizure, while the shaking and foaming are more representative of a typical seizure.

I have two articles I'd like you to read, and then perhaps you'll have a better idea about the kinds of questions to ask your vet.

Seizures can sometimes be controlled with phenobarbitol, so this is certainly one option to discuss with your vet. If your vet still doesn't seem to be of any help, it's time to find a new vet. I also recommend you begin tracking your dog's seizures in a diary. Note the day and time they happen, the particular symtoms/actions during the seizure, and how long the episode lasted. This gives you strong do...entation that is hard for any vet to ignore.

Good luck, and I hope you can find a vet who is willing and able to help.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My dog is 4 years old mixed shepard sharpei breed. She continues to have dry mouth episodes where she will lick her face and carpet, run in circles, sometimes foam at the mouth *(very little)she also shakes and is very skiddish. the vet continues to give me no advice

-- Contributed by: Jennifer Phelps

Hi Dianne,

The leaking could be due to a kidney problem or even possibly diabetes. It's important to have your vet check your dog over so you can explain what you have observed. There's a possibility that medication could help the situation.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi Loraine,

Using a laxative without consulting your vet could be dangerous, especially if the constipation is turning into a blockage. Some owners have used a children's laxative on their dogs, but I wouldn't do it without asking your vet for advice about the proper dosage for your dog.

Thanks for your question, and best wishes for your dog's health.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

my dog is 9&1/2 years old and for the past few weeks she has been urinating leaking with out knowing shes doing it ,she seems very upset by this . could you tell me what could be causeing this?

-- Contributed by: dianne

MY 14 YEAR BISCON FRIZE DOG IS BLOATED AROUND THE STOMACH, SHALLOW BREATHING. HE IS DRINKING WATER AND EATING. WE FEED ONLY A SMALL AMOUNT OF FOOD. HE IS WALKING UNSTEADY BECAUSE HE IS SO BLOATED AROUND THE MIDDLE. HE IS NORMAL WEIGHT UNTIL LAST WEEK. WE FEEL HE MAY BE CONSTIPATED, ONLY ONE SMALL HARD STOOL YESTERDAY. I ALSO FEEL HE MAY BE DYING FROM OLD AGE. WE ARE POOR, AND WOULD LIKE TO TRY A MILD LAXATIVE TO SEE IF THAT HELPS HIM. I FEEL THAT THE VET WOULD WANT TO PUT HIM DOWN. WHAT MILD LAXATIVE WOULD YOU SUGGEST?

-- Contributed by: LORAINE MCWHORTER

Hi Rachal,

I'm sorry to hear about the trouble your Poodle is going through, although I'm very glad to hear you have a vet appointment. It wouldn't be wise to try to force your dog to eat, but you should try to coax him to drink or else he might become dehydrated. If he won't take water, you might offer him some low sodium chicken broth and see if that entices him. The broth will also provide a bit of nutrition.

Thanks for your question, and I hope the vet is able to resolve the illness quickly.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

my 3year old poodle is acting strange. he won't jump up on the couch or bed and yelps when i pick him up. he didn't eat his food last night and only drank a little water. he also has been shivering. we had him grommed on monday and started acting this way yesterday. I have an appt on friday with a vet.Should i force him to eat and drink?

-- Contributed by: rachal

Hi Jeanette,

If your dog is throwing up intermittently for more than 24 hours, it would be a good idea to take him to the vet. If he is throwing up more frequently over a twelve hour period, you'll want to take him in sooner.

Best wish that your dog feels better soon.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

i havea 2 yr old st bernard he started vomiting ,no diarhea does drink alot of water.

-- Contributed by: jeanette

Hi Dez,

A physical change like this is worth having your vet investigate. It sounds as though there has been a weakening in the rear legs, although I can't venture a guess about the cause. Your vet will examine your Maltese and try to feel any abnormalities in the hips and knee joints. If necessary, your vet will draw some blood for testing and possibly order and X-ray to get a look at what's going on. Hopefully this is something that can be easily dealt with.

Thanks for your question, and best wishes for your dog's full recovery.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Greetings, My 3yr old Maltese is very athletic but now she cannot jump up on the chair the first time but needs to make several attempts at it. Would walk the normal steps down but had difficulty judging going back up~

-- Contributed by: Dez

Hi Julie,

I'd suspect arthritis or some other joint malady is coming into play. It can be difficult for a dog with this problem to rise after resting because the joints stiffen. Pressure put on the joints could also lead to temporary numbness.

All things considered, I'd check in with your vet about what you've observed. The vet may be able to prescribe something to lessen any inflammation your dog may be experiencing. You might also want to consider providing your dog with an orthopedic dog bed. These beds use a higher density foam cushion, and this is better for your dog's joints. Some models also have heat and massage options and can be quite therapeutic.

Thanks for your question, and I hope you find these suggestions helpful.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My dog is having trouble getting up. It seems her back legs are failing. She has some tumors on the sides of her chest but does not seem to be in any pain. She has trouble getting up off the floor. We help her up and then she seems to move ok but she acts like her bacl paws are numb or her hips are still. She is a Boxer-Shepard mix.

-- Contributed by: julie

Hi Derek,

These symptoms are very broad, but not untypical for a senior dog. My best advice is to call your vet and let him/her know about the changes you've observed. My hunch is that the vet will want you to bring him in for an exam.

Thanks for your question, and I hope your dog will be alright.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Our dog is very old at 12 years of age and we've noticed the last couple days he is acting very different. He is slow to move and not excited for his normal activities anymore. The biggest sign is that his hind legs shake as he stands and the other day he couldn't even get down the few stairs on the back patio. Any ideas as to what the problem might be and what we could do???

-- Contributed by: Derek

Hi Dave,

This might be indication of an ear mite infestation. I recommend you let your vet take a look in your dog's ears before any real damage is done. The vet will swab the ears as clean as possible, and then fill them with mitacide. You will likely need to continue treatment at home over the following week to completely wipe out the infestation.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My chocolate lab has had a right front leg lip for the past 2 months.3 different vets and $550 later still no clue.X-rays showed nothing and Remedryl(not sure of spelling) didnt help at all.Now she has lost her appetite.She is drinking water but she also has puked it back up too.Not everytime but twice in the past 2 days.Her breath seems to smell like garbage or rotten fish and that not usual for her.She is very sluggish also.Im sick of taking her to the vet.If they could solve the problem I wouldnt mind .But, these extremely high vet bills with no answers really stinks.Anyone have any ideas?

-- Contributed by: dave d

I have a 2 year old boxer.In the past couple of days he has been shaking his head alot and scratchind @ his hears.

-- Contributed by: dave

Hi Jamie,

This bump could be an abscess from some sort of bite or wound, but it might also be a growth. My best advice is to let your take a look at it. An abscess may require lancing and antibiotics to clear up. If this is a growth, your vet will need to determine if it's benign or malignant and then decide on a course of treatment from there.

Best wishes that this is nothing too serious.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I have a Jack Russel Terrier and he has developed a large bump on his chest about the size of a golf ball. It does not seem to bother him and it has stayed the same size for a few days. My chihuahua also had a similar bump but hers went away before i took her to the vet. What could this bump be?

-- Contributed by: Jamie

Hi Nicole,

I'm sorry to hear your dog is so ill. Honestly, the only thing I can recommend is that you take him to the vet so he can be properly diagnosed and treated.

Best wishes for your dog's full recovery.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

my dog can barely walk, he won't eat, drinks water excessively, has seizers, his bottom lip is raw and discolored please help if you can

-- Contributed by: nicole

Hi Tesa,

Since you noticed two unusual signs, it would be good to call your vet and schedule an exam. Hopefully this doesn't turn out to be anything too serious, but it's definitely better to find out as soon as you can in case your pet needs treatment.

Thanks for question, and I hope everything will be alright.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi Jose,

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a happy outcome.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

hi i have a 6 month old boxer/lab puppy who just recently has been eating less or not at all for about two days now and just noticed today she had fluid coming from her vaginal aea im curios if its something i should be worried about

-- Contributed by: tesa

My 14yr female German Shephard "Sheyla" was diagnosed last week with gastro but she has lost weight and her appetite ever since and the vet will now take some blood samples to see if its actually a serious illness which I hopefully is not the outcome.. Any comments?

-- Contributed by: Jose

I have a 7yr German Shepard mix female. She weighs between 84lbs-90lbs, more than the male should weigh. I have trouble finding time to take her out on walks because I have fibromyalgia (chronic joint & muscle pain, and fatigue) and my mom works long hours because she is self employed. I have asked my mom several times to take our dog to the vet for a physical exam because I am concered she may have diabetes due to be overweight. She wobbles when she walks. Her movement is very slow and limps here and there. Her eyes seem cloudy. She has very BAD breath, teeth are yellow, and her gums are faded pink. She has brown spots around her gums as well. My mom had to put down my dog's brother due to obesity and hip dysplacia and ever since, she seems to be depressed about it. She no longer enjoys running in the backyard or going for walks. I have to drag her outside so she can eliminate. Since my mom doesn't have an interest in helping my dog and I'm in no position to take her myself, I need help. Any advise is appreciated!

  • Hi Mary,

I'm so sorry to hear about your other dog being put down. Sometimes it's the kindest solution, but it's never easy.

Hip dysplasia is hereditary, and since the brother had, there's a good possibility your bitch has it too. It does sound like she's showing symptoms.

It seems as though your dog could benefit from a good check up. Since you are unable to take the dog yourself, and your mom isn't willing, perhaps you could enlist help from someone outside of your home. Your local humane society may be willing to transport your dog to the vet for you, or you may be able to find a helper through your local kennel club. Just explain your disability, and hopefully someone will be willing to assist. Be aware, that you'll still need to cover the vet bill yourself, but these might be your best options.

Thanks for your question, and I truly hope you're able to find the help you need.

-- Contributed by: Mary

We have an 11 year old beagle who has had cancer. His left side of his face, in the mouth area is droopy. He is eating, drinking and doing his normal activities.

  • Hi John,

I'm sorry to hear about your dog's diagnosis, although it does sound like he's getting along well right now. I do hope your vet is able to keep him comfortable, and please accept my best wishes for his health. This must be a difficult situation.

-- Contributed by: John

Our ...erspaniel is ~10 years old. She's always been a very happy lil dog. The past week I went to pick her up and she yelped like maybe her hips or legs were in pain. Since then she won't jump up on the bed or her favorite chair. She's lethargic and is content to just lay down all the time. She will get up and charge for the door if the doorbell rings, which means she'll go up and down the steps. She's eating normally but will only get up when coaxed. She urinates and poo's just fine. We took her to the vet last night, they took blood and said we'll know more tomorrow. Any idea what could be wrong with out lil darlin?

  • Hi Mikki,

It's possible that your dog is experiencing arthritis, a common malady for many senior pets. If this is the case, you doctor will make recommendations on medications that can ease the joint pain. Your vet may also recommend a glucosamine and chondroiten suppliment that provides nutrients to promote replenishing the cartilage that lines the joints. This takes some time to achieve, but many dog owners do report seeing some improvement in their dog's mobility after a few months of supplimetation.


Thanks for your question, and I hope you hear from your vet very soon. In the meantime, you might want to check out our article Arthritis in Dog for more info.

-- Contributed by: Mikki

Our German Shepard/Lab mix is also acting abnormally. Yesterday she was not energetic or interested in eating, following my wife, going outside or barking when outside. Normally she is very playful, follows us everywhere, specially down stairs to her food bowl and always wants to go outside where she barks loudly at nothing.

  • Hi Brian,

Continue to watch your dog closely. This could be the very beginning of some sort of illness. I also recommend you monitor her water intake. Not drinking would be a more immediate danger than not eating.

Hope this isn't anything serious.

-- Contributed by: Brian

i need some help with my dog

  • Hi Char

Did you have a specific concern? We'll try to help if we can.

-- Contributed by: char

My beagle is panting very rapidly and acting extremely out of sorts(nervous shaking and wants to be very close to me, almost like he is scared) . He is usually a very vigorous eater and just pecked at the food in his bowl this morning. He only seems partially content when I brought him outside were it is extremely cool this morning. I know he hasn't gotten into anything harmful and seemed pretty normal yesterday. Is it possible he just has an upset stomach or is it something more serious?

  • Hi Jason,

Rapid panting without any prior exertion usually signals a lack of oxygen. This might be related to a problem with the heart. It's possible that it isn't pumping effeciently. Your dog may be acting anxiously because he feels like something is wrong and feels like you can take care of him.

There's also a chance this could be what is known as a psychomotor seizure, a type of seizure that presents behaviorally more than physically. Sometimes it can lead to a physical seizure.

My best advice is to take your dog to the vet for an examination right away. If you can rule out a physical cause, perhaps this is just an anxiety issue caused by a disturbance in your dog's environment. You'll have a better idea of what's going on once you talk with your vet.

Best wishes that your dog is back to normal soon.

-- Contributed by: jasonc

Hi. I have a 4 year old Jack Russell Terrier. Just this week he has started acting VERY weird. He acts all nervous at bed time. He has always slept with me. He doesn't like to be in the bedroom anymore, he scratches at the door, and he wont sleep on the bed. But, the next morning after he's had his walk he'll come sleep on the bed. I don't understand what has gotten in to him. He's also very grouchy. What should I do, what does it mean?

  • Hi Lori,

It's really difficult to say what might be going on. Since your dog is willing to come into the room in the morning, perhaps something has gone on during the night that has disturbed him. For now, I would allow him to choose his own spot to bed down for the night, as long as you're able to trust him on his own. Hopefully the situation will resolve itself on its own, but if your dog begins to display more unusual behavior, I recommend consulting with your vet.

Best wishes that things work out.

-- Contributed by: Lori

dog stares at ceiling like he is chasing a fly but their are no bugs

  • Hi George,

Maybe it's not something he sees, but something he can hear? A mouse beneath the floor boards of the upper level could cause this kind of reaction.

Best wishes.

-- Contributed by: george bailey

My female dog has tiny black spots forming around the two closest nipples to her genitals..I thought it was dirt at first..no bumps..just discoloration..any ideas?

  • Hi Jimmy,

It may be nothing, but any significant change in your dog's skin is worth letting your vet have a look at. I would go ahead and schedule an appointment if the condition contiues to progress.

Thanks for your question, and I hope it's nothing serious.

-- Contributed by: jimmmy

I have a two-year-old Pitbull, King, that is an outside dog. I noticed about three days ago that his breathing seemed harder, almost as close as it would be after a good run, and now he just doesn't want to eat much. His body temperature seems to be okay, but his energy is really down. What could cause him to be this way? I don't know too much about the breed so I can't tell if this is just their nature. Can you please tell me what might be wrong with him? Love, Mary

  • Hi Mary,

No, this definitely isn't normal behavior for any breed. I'm not a vet, but I suspect your dog is developing a respiratory infection. Keeping warm during cold weather really taxes your dog's system, leaving less energy for the immune system to fight off opportunistic illnesses and infections. This may be why your dog isn't feeling well.

I recommend you make an appointment for him with your vet. He may need an antibiotic to clear his lungs.

I don't know what type of outdoor shelter you've provided, but if your dog lives outside full time, you should consider getting him a heated dog house. Pitbulls don't carry enough coat to provide adequate protection from the weather, so I believe this would be a good solution.

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

-- Contributed by: Mary

my dog has open sores around his mouth. They scab over but never heal. it's on both sides and on top his snout at the nose. It seems like the flesh is splitting or missing. He has not been in any fights or digs into the ground with his nose.

  • Hi Stuart, this is definitely something to consult your vet about. Chronic open sores might indicate an immune disorder. At the very least, the open sores could lead to a bacterial infection, plus they must be very uncomfortable for your dog. I would go ahead and make that appointment.

Best wishes for an accurate diagnosis and your dog's speedy recovery.

-- Contributed by: stuart widdes

I have a beagle pit bull mix (he is very cute) he has lost a little weight over the last week and now has a cough (almost like a hacking)last night he coughed up a puddle of blood and the vet cant think of why. he had a blood test and they dont know. any suggestions???? any thing would help

  • Hi Angel, I'm not a vet, but I do know that coughing up blood can be a sign of lung tumors/cancer. Please ask your vet to investigate this angle.

Best wishes.

-- Contributed by: ANGEL

Hi My dog has a problem with her jaw. If you scratch it she pressures down where you are rubbing it as if she wahts us to scratch it harder. The vet said it was spaniel mouth and sold us some cream which wasn't any good. Any suggestions appreciated. regards andy

  • Hi Andy, I haven't heard the term "spaniel mouth" before so i'm not sure what you are referring to. I would tend to wonder whether there is something going on with her gums, either an infection or a growth in the early stages. Did your vet check for any of these things? At any rate, since the cream didn't do any good, you should call your vet and give him/her an update.

Best wishes.

-- Contributed by: andy

Hi, my 1 1/2 yr old ...er is acting like he is having a asthma attack a couple times a day for the last 2 days. His energy, appetite and everything else is great. We recently moved to a colder climate and he just received a bortello (sp?) vaccine. Our other nine year old dog experienced the same symptoms for years- vet ruled out heart worm then, both dogs on heart worm medicine (except for nov & dec). Not sure if he may just have an allergy.

  • Hi Jim,

Just because your older dog has similar symptoms for years it doesn't mean that your younger dog is experiencing the same thing.

Since this situation didn't begin until your dog received the bordetella, I think the vaccine gave your dog a case of kennel cough. This does happen sometimes, so keep a close eye on him in case his symptoms worsen.

I think you'll find our article on Home Treatment for Kennel Cough useful in this situation, but don't hesitate to call your vet for back up.

Best wishes.

-- Contributed by: Jim

My Husky dog has been diagnosed with lung cancer. He has been breathing heavily and gaging up as if there were a piece of popcorn in his throat. Do you know of a regiment I can give him to reverse the tumors?

  • Hi Shelly,

I'm so sorry to hear about your dog's diagnosis, but no I don't know of any treatment. Your vet is the real expert in this case, so I would follow whatever his/her directions are. If you haven't already done so, you might want to consult a canine oncologist who may have more options for you. Your own vet should be able to recommend one.

I truly hope you are able to find something that helps, and I will keep your dog in my prayers.


-- Contributed by: Shelly Binkley

Hi, I have an 8 pound Yorkie Maltese mix - he is 2 years old. About a month ago he snapped at me when I touched his lower waist. He is a little fiesty over things like being groomed or having his nails clipped so I just dismissed it as being over sensitive - I thought maybe he got hurt while playing with my other dog - she is a 1 year old, 7 pound malti-poo and they can play rough. But it has been a month now and he still reacts the same way when I try to touch that area??? - either side but he seems more reactive to the left side. But everything else is fine - his eating, playing, running, jumping, his daily walks, going to the bathroom, etc. No change and does not appear to be in pain at all - unless I touch that small area under the side of his waist? The reason why I havn't taken him to the the vet is because I never seem to walk out of there without paying a small fortune - and if this is something like a brused rib or something than there is nothing they can do right? I don't want to be charged for x-rays or blood work if it's not necessary. Any ideas? Do you think I should have the vet look at him?

  • Hi Danielle,

Unfortunately, the cost of veterinary care is part of the bargain. Those tests are diagnostic tools that rule illness and other conditions in or out. They are never a waste, and they often save dogs' lives.

That said, your vet may be able to feel what's going on in that region and come up with a reasonable diagnosis. I suggest you give him or her a try since the situation has been going on for over a month. You could be catching a more serious problem in the early stages.

Best wishes for your dogs health and thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Danielle

Hi. I have a West Highland Terrier who is 8mths old. For the past few days his stools have been very loose and his back passage is smelling of fish which is quite strong. Do you have any ideas what this could be. He is up to dat on all his vaccinations. Kind Regards Amanda

  • Hi Amanda,

I'm sorry to hear your little Westie is having such trouble. It really sounds like a bowel infection to me, probably located in the large intestine because of the smell you describe. The best thing you can do is give your vet a call and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. This can be cured with antibiotics.

Thanks for your question, and I hope your pup is well soon.

-- Contributed by: Amanda

hi, my puppy is usually hyper active and he eats a lot. he loves to run and play all the time but yesterday and today, he's been acting strange. he's not touching his food and water. he's having a hard time getting up and he looks weak.. he's been sleeping a lot more and the last time he took a poop, it was so wet and it smells a lot awful than his usual feces. i also found some grass in the stool. he's a 3 month old golden retriever and i just bought him from the pet store last week.. can someone please help me? my email address is --thank you so much.

  • Hi Josh,

Dogs that come from pet shops typically harbor illnesses, and you can never be certain they have received any vaccinations, no matter what you're told or what kind of paperwork you receive.

That said, I suspect your pup is in the early stages of parvo, and I heartily believe that you should take him to the vet as quickly as you can.

Best wishes, and please let us know how he is.

-- Contributed by: paul
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