LoveToKnow Dogs:AllComments

Comments

Hi Maria,

If your dog is truly cold then he may be gravely ill. The body tends to cool down as it is shutting down. I can't be certain of what's happening, but I think you should take your dog to the vet as quickly as you can. I hope he recovers.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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my dog has been vomiting and has diarrhea. he had fever and know hes so cold i thought he was dehydrated but now i dont know should i take him to a vet??

-- Contributed by: maria

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Hi Yorda,

If your dog is coughing a lot and vomiting, I think this is definitely worth a trip to the vet. Yorkies are a bit delicate when it comes to respiratory issues, so it's a good idea to have him checked out in case he needs medication to kick the infection. Best wishes for your dog's health.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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My dog has been sneezing or coughing, not really sure which one, alot lately and he also has been vomiting but I think that was caused by him eating sticks but I believe he has bronchitis, which I seen is very common in Yorkies. Is his coughing normal or should I take him to the vet?

-- Contributed by: Yorda

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Hi Clay,

I think this could be worth a trip to the vet to find out what's going on because the rawhide should have passed through the stomach days ago. Is there any chance that there were some leftovers that your dog could have just found and eaten?

Best wishes that your dog recovers soon.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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We gave our 1 year old boxer rawhide about a week ago- she has started to vomit it up now- she is still eating and drinking and passing ok. Should I take her to the vet?

-- Contributed by: Clay

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Hi Ron,

This sounds like it could be a serious problem if the stomach is actually hard to the touch. The very best thing you can do is take your dog to the vet right away to find out exactly what's going on. There might even be a life-threatening blockage, and your dog is probably in a lot of discomfort. Please make the call right away, and best wishes for your dog's quick recovery.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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Pom has constipation and is bloated and stomach is hard

-- Contributed by: ron shine

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Hi Alogn, and welcome to the site.

As a breeder, I'd say that eight weeks is the minimum age that any pups should be separated from its mom and littermates because their is so much socialization that takes place between them. It's important for pups to get this early education with their family to become well-rounded canine companions.

As for the worming, I'd ask the person you got your pup from for the veterinary record so you know exactly what the puppy received (vaccination info as well) and at what age. Sometimes it takes more than one worming treatment to rid a puppy of an infestation.

Once you have the pup's veterinary history, you can make a new puppy check up exam with your vet of choice to continue with the vaccination schedule as well as have your pet wormed again.

Thanks for your question, and best wishes for a long and happy life together for you and your new friend. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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He has developed worms. The young lady gave him to us and did say that he received his worm shot how long does it take and can I purchase something over the counter ?

-- Contributed by: alogn

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Hello I am a new owner of a ninewk old lab I'm confused how old are they suppose to be when they seperated from ther mothers ?

-- Contributed by: alogn

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Hi Lorrie,

Since it sounds like the situation is getting worse, I recommend you collect a stool sample and take your dog to the vet immediately. Eating cat feces can make a dog sick, but I'm also worried about the type of litter you use. If you happen to be using clumping litter, your dog may have ingested some, and this product swells quite a bit when it comes in contact with fluids. I can't say for sure if this is what's happening to your dog, but I do believe this is one of those times when you really need your vet's help.

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

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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OK, let's change a couple of things. Just took him out to go to the bathroom. He does have some diahrrea and just threw up some of the dog food he ate this morning. I examined his stool and noticed that there were alot of hairs in it. It is real mucosy (sp), green and thick. We have caught him on several occasions cleaning out the cat litter box. I thought we have finally broke him of that, but the husband caught him again a couple of days ago. I don't know if this might have anything to do with it or not.

-- Contributed by: Lorrie

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My dog is lathargic and a little gassy. When we got him up to go to the bathroom this morning, his head was shaky for a bit. He did eat this morning and now he is just sleeping again and won't hardly move. He is an 8 month old boxer. He and our other dog, a 2 year old boxer/mastiff, stay in a fenced in yard during the day and come in the house when we get home in the evening. He has been sluggish for about 2 day, but today is the worst. His nose is not hot, no vomiting, coughing, diahrreah or fever. They are current on their shots. I cannot find anything that he might have gotten into as I do not keep any chemicals in their area. I did notice some vines that grown on top of the fence between our house and the neighbors has a vine growing there and the leaves on the top were all dead like they might have been sprayed with a weed killer. There is no vet available today and I am very worried about him. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

-- Contributed by: Lorrie

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Hi Elizabeth,

Most vets wouldn't charge to take a look at your dog's sutures and fix them if needed. It's usually considered part of the follow up. The best thing you can do is give your vet a call to explain what's going on and ask if you will be charged if you need to bring your dog back in. It sounds like you've done all you can at home, but there's still a risk of infection as long as the incision hasn't healed. Do leave the T-shirt on your pet if it keeps her from getting to the wound.

Thanks for your question, and do give your vet a call.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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hi, my nine month old golden retriever was spayed last thursday (three days ago) and today she must have licked at her sutures too much or was doing things that spread one of them open when she was home alone today so now at the top of the incision site about a cm in length it is irritated and bleeding a little bit.Im a collegestudent so after spending alot of money on the surgery I cant really afford a whole other appointment if allthey will do is tell me to keep it clean at home. Can you give me some advice? its not completely open and its not infected, she is acting perfectly normal and ive cleaned it with peroxde and put neosporin already? help please?? i also put a tshirt on her so she cant get to it anymore and it kind of restricts her movoment so she cant run wild like she was before.

-- Contributed by: elizabeth

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Hi Maryann,

I'm sorry to hear about your Dachshund's ear. I can't be certain, but this sounds like it might be an abscess. It could have been caused by a scratch that became infected, or it might stem from a problem inside the ear itself or even a glandular issue. All things considered, it's a good thing you've already scheduled an appointment with your vet. That will surely lead to the most effective treatment.

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

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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MY 11 yr old daschound has a huge swelling just below one ear. It is tender to the touch and I just noticed it today. Any suggestions? I plan to take her to the Vet if it's still there tomorrow.

-- Contributed by: Maryann

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I have a morkie puppy. she is just under a year old. she started vomiting yellow on friday and is not eating very well. suggestions?

-- Contributed by: beth

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Hi J,

I'm glad you have an appointment because this sounds like a serious issue. Please let us know what your vet has to say.

Best wishes for your dog's health.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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I am planning a trip to the vet tomorrow, but until then--- I have a 7 yr old male lab, all of a sudden he has stopped moving, seems to have a hard time lifting his back end, he also seems to not want to lift his tail. I have him in a kennel inside but he seems to be in a lot of pain, in the back end. I don't see any sign of any injury and he doesn't cry out when I touch or feel for anything out of the ordinary. yhanks

-- Contributed by: J.jay

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Hi Jessi,

It sounds like you've reached the point where a veterinary appointment is absolutely needed. Lethargy, loss of appetite and weight loss could be signs that your dog's system is shutting down. The best thing you can do is call your vet right away and relay the symptoms.

Thanks for sharing your situation, and best wishes for your dog's recovery.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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my dog is all of a sudden not doing anything! he is very active and he hasn't gotten out of the basket of clothes that he got into last night! he acts as if both his front and back paws hurt but he has been in the house all day and he seemed fine yesterday! he is panting a little and that is it he has slowed down eating and seems skinnier? we are worried but don't have the money to take him to the vet unless it is absolutly needed! oh yeah he is a poddle!

-- Contributed by: jessi

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Hi Kia,

Yes, dogs can get sore throats, laryngitis and other similar maladies. One common illness that often presents with the early sign of a change in bark is kennel cough. This is a very common, airborn virus that is easily contracted when dogs share an area. For the next couple of days, keep a close eye on your dog's bark and watch for any other signs like coughing, nasal discharge, etc. Kennel cough itself usually runs it's course in about two weeks, but sometimes a dog will get a secondary respiratory infection that produces more intense symptoms. If you notice anything like this, it will be time to call your vet.

In the meantime, check out our article on Home Treatment for Kennel Cough. It provides tips for making your dog feel more comfortable, plus it has a video to see what kennel cough sounds like. If your dog does begin coughing, you'll have something to compare it to.

Thanks for your question, and I hope your dog is back to normal very soon.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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my dog's bark sounds different. like when i person has a sore throat and their voice changes. could my dog have a sore throat? what can i do for him?

-- Contributed by: kia

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Hi Vzilm,

If your cat has been vomiting for more than 24 hours, you need to take him to the vet immediately. There's a chance that dehydration has already begun to set in because cats drink very little water to begin and get most of it from the food they eat. If this is the case, it will complicate the underlying illness, so it's best to take your cat in right away.

I also want to let you know about our companion channel, LoveToKnow Cats. You'll find more useful info on cat care there.

Best wishes for your cat's health.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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help i cant stop my cat from puking

-- Contributed by: i cant keep my cat from throwing up what he eats

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Hi Ami,

I'm not a vet, but it sounds as if your dog has a sinus infection. Bleeding usually indicates the problem has grown serious. My advice is to go ahead and give your vet a call. If this is a bacterial infection, it may be necessary to give your dog an antibiotic to overcome it.

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

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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for several weeks my beagle has been getting bloody noses and seems congested. He has a snorting attack when he tries to smell a new smell or gets excited and his eyes seem a little weepy. He is snoring more and more at night and now seems to be completely congested.

-- Contributed by: Ami

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Hi Dawn,

The first thing I would do is call your vet to find out if your dog should be seen. That much candy will likely throw his blood sugar level way off balance. It's actually a good thing that he has vomited some of the candy because it will be that much less sugar going through his system.

You're probably in for a bit of a mess the next 24 hours, but I don't think candy corn will do permanent damage. Thank goodness your dog didn't eat ten ounces of chocolate. Chocolate can be toxic to dogs.

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

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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Hi Karen,

I'm sorry to hear your new pet has become so sick. It sounds like the illness was already in progress before you brought him home. You will need to take him to the vet as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis and treatment, but in the meantime, try to make sure he drinks fresh water to help keep him hydrated. If he won't take water, try tempting him with some low sodium chicken broth. Also keep him out of drafts and try to keep the house quiet to help lower his stress. This might help him hang on until the vet can see him.

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

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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my dog ate a 10oz bag of candy corn and hes vomited twice and has diarrhea what should i do

-- Contributed by: dawn

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hi, i need to know how to treat a shih tzu who seems to have lost energy. i got him yesterday and he was already sort of weak but was okay generally until this morning. now, he doesnt even get up from his bed. his stool is semi-wet... what can i do? there is no available vet today as it is christmas and when it's christmas here in the phils, nobody works except those in the hospitals...

-- Contributed by: karen

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Hello, and welcome to the site.

Yes, you can give a dog Gatoraid when dealing with a case of dehydration, but it's not the best choice because the sugar level in it. Pedialyte is actually a better choice. Just offer a small amount at a time, but offer it often. If Pedialyte sits out unrefigerated for more than two hours after opening, it will begin to spoil.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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You can give a dog Gatoraid to help prevent dehydration.

-- Contributed by: What to give

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Hi Laly,

This sounds like a virus, and unfortunately there isn't anything you can actually give your puppy to cure it. However, you may need veterinary assitance to stabilize him while his immune system tries to fight off the virus. Right now, dehydration is the biggest threat. I recommend you give your vet a call. Tell him/her the symptoms and how long they have been going on. Try to give as much detail as possible so your vet can decide if you need to bring your puppy in. Since he is so weak, it's very important that you make that call right away.

Best wishes for your pup's full recovery.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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Hello, my puppy is 12 wks and started vomiting 2 days ago with a bit of diarrhea. He does not want to eat or drink water. He is very weak right now. What can I give him to make him better?

-- Contributed by: Laly

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Hi Mrs. T,

I'm sorry to hear your dog is feeling so sick. Have you had your vet examine him yet? If not, it's important to make that appointment. Fever can lead to dehydration, a very serious condition. If your dog isn't eating and drinking normally, he may not be taking in enough liquid.

I wouldn't recommend feeding any foods that are tomato based. The acid can cause tummy upset. Cream of chicken is a better choice, but you might also want to try boiling some ground beef and rice together. Let it cool down a little once it's cooked and then offer it to your dog with the broth. Most dogs find this mix irresistible. That should help keep him nourished and hydrated until your vet can figure out what is wrong.

Thanks for sharing your situation, and I hope your dog recovers very soon. Best wishes.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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I tried to give him Ravoli but he isn't interested. He won't eat his food. even when wet. He still has a fever. I don't know what to do 4 him..He's colon & kidneys are normal. I just got him 2 eat some cream of chicken soup.

-- Contributed by: Mrs T

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Hi Adam,

I agree with you. It sounds as if there is something going on inside your dog's ears. It could be an infection or perhaps even a mite infestation. We have three articles that I think might help.

• A Dog's Ears
• Dog Ear Infections
• Dog Ear Mites

Some infections/infestations can go deeper than you can safely reach. It may be a good idea to have your vet examine the ears to reach a proper diagnosis and obtain the correct remedy.

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

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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my dog keeps shaking her head. she is a lab and has long ears - i think she may have an ear infection. any thoughts on helping her?

-- Contributed by: adam

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Hi Janvier,

The very best advice I can give you is to take your dog to the emergency vet right away. If she's become too weak to move, there's a chance she might be dying. Your vet may be able to rehydrate her and help her regain her strength if it's not too late.

Thanks for your question, and you have my very best wishes that your dog recovers.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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Hey! My Dog hasnt been eating or drinking at all for the past 3 days,she cant even crawl anymore,she just lays there. and i was wondering if u had any recommdations? i'm really worried about her

-- Contributed by: Enter your name here

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Hi,

My almost 6-month-old puppy has had diarrhea for about 3 days now, needing to go outside about every 2 hours (even during the night, which he never does). He only threw up once a couple days ago, and has most of his usual energy. He is drinking water normally, but eating less than usual. Do you have any recommendations? Is it time to call the vet?

Thanks so much

-- Contributed by: Enter your name here

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Hi Christy,

Since you're having difficulty getting your dog to drink water, it would be best to let your vet examine him. Dehydration can complicate any illness, so it's better to address it sooner rather than later. Hopefully this is just a weak virus that will pass quickly, but you can't be too careful.

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

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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My dog has been throwing up for the past few days. It's more of a dry heave. He isn't throwing up any food. He uses the bathroom as normal (poop and pee)Sometimes we have a hard time getting him to drink water, or even eat his food. Do you have any suggestions, or should I just take him to the vet?

-- Contributed by: Christy

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Hi Kelly,

It is possible that your dog has a virus. The vomiting is probably causing some dehydration, and this could be fueling some of the lethargy. Puppies are usually more fragile than adult dogs, so it would be a good idea to go ahead and give your vet a call.

Thanks for your question, and I hope your puppy recovers quickly.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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my puppy is vomiting . laying around and wont eat or drink , doesnt have diareha.no fever. could this be a start of parvo

-- Contributed by: kelly

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Hi John,

Given your dog's heart condition, I don't think it would be wise to give him an over-the-counter cough medicine. Some suppressants can slow the heart rate. If anything, you should call your vet's office and ask if they can recommend any medication over the phone.

I really do understand your concern over the cost of veterinary care. It's hard to come up with money for the extras these days, but with your dog's condition, you'll have to be very careful about home treatments. Be sure to explain your situation to your vet. Many vets are willing to work with established customers on these kinds of issues.

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

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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my dog is a jap chin he is 10 yo he is coughing hard he does cough but he has been coughing more the last few days.He has an enlarged heart he takes meds and has all the tests a few months ago the doctor said he would be fine as long as he takes the meds he takes it everyday.he does have a lot of trouble with his hair .it makes him cough i do see him lick his leg or feet or somewhere than the coughing begains.Is there something i can do without takening him toi his vet? I really dont have the money ast this time i will if need be but is there something that i can get over the counter toi help him? PLEASE HE IS ALL I GOT AND I CANT LOSE HIM PLEASE HELP US PLEASE/ John Lewis johncymilo@aol.com

-- Contributed by: John Lewis

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Hi Debbie,

A sudden change like this could indicate a physical malady, but it could also be related to an anxiety issue. Has anything changed in your household? Take a look around for anything unusual.

That said, this is still worth consulting with your vet. Panting can sometimes be a sign that the heart isn't receiving enough oxygen. It would be a good idea to make an appointment to have your dog examined, and if a physical ailment is ruled out, you can move on to discussing anxiety.

Thanks for your question, and I hope the vet is able to help.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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I have a small Maltese and she seems to be panting quite heavy...Acts like she is thirsty, but her bowl is full of water and she doesn't go and get a drink. She is an inside dog. Is there something wrong.

-- Contributed by: Debbie

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Hi Kara,

I don't want to be an alarmist, but it's possible that some of the rib bone is lodged and causing a problem. There's also the risk of developing a digestive infection from the germs that might have been on that rib bone. All things considered, it would be a good idea to give your vet a call. For today, you might want to withhold food and just make sure your dog has fresh water available, but be sure to follow whatever instructions your vet gives you.

Best wishes for your dog's health.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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My dog was fine yesterday but got out without his leash, my children told me he got a hold of a rib. Now he trow up last night and is acting sick today and laying around! Its sooo sad!.. what shoud I do ?

-- Contributed by: kara

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Hello Margaret,

I'm so sorry to hear of your husband's passing, as well as your dog's illness. I'm not a vet, so I'm not qualified to diagnose your dog's illness. However, vomiting and bloody diarrhea are evidence of a serious condition, usually bacterial or viral in nature. Right now, the biggest problem your dog faces is avoiding dehydration. You'll want to withhold food for 24 hours because it will only cause more vomiting and diarrhea. It would be a good idea to offer Odie Pedialyte instead of plain water because this would replace some of the electrolytes he's loosing at the moment. Pedialyte can begin to spoil within a few hours if not refrigerated, so just offer enough at a time to give him a drink if he'll take it.

Considering your cir...stances, your vet may be willing to see your dog and let you make payments on the bill. It's worth a call to the clinic to find out if you can work out a deal.

Thank you for sharing your situation, and I will keep your family and Odie in my thoughts. You have my very best wishes for his full recovery.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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I have a 7 year old border collie named Odie that is very much loved my my boys and me. Odie is vomiting and will not eat as we took him for his walk thing it would help he started having diarrhea and blood !! in it I am very worried. I can't take him to the vet because I can't pay I became a single mum when my husband passed away and we are having a very hard time right now. Can you help with some advice ?...Thank you.

-- Contributed by: Margaret

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Hi Valeria,

I'm sorry to hear your puppy isn't feeling well. I can't speculate about exactly what might be wrong, but such a drastic change between yesterday and today does indicate the problem could be serious. Puppies are very susceptible to illness, so the best thing you can do is take your pet to the vet right away. Try to bring a fresh stool sample with you if you're able.

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

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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I have a 3 month old puppy, he is very listless and doesnt want to eat or drink. Yesterday he appeared fine with a nice round puppy belly and then this mornin he was very lazy like and his belly is sunken in and he looks really sick. es anyone know what this may be?

-- Contributed by: valeria

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Hi Trekfiles,

I really wish I could be of more help, but I am not a vet so I can't offer any kind of diagnoses. I think you should go ahead and call your vet to talk about the situation and see if you'll be allowed to make payments on any bill you incur. Some vets are willing to do this for an established client, so it's definitely worth a try.

Thanks for sharing your situation, and I do hope you're able to get your dog the help she needs.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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My boxer has been sick off and on for about 2 to 3 months now. It came on suddenly and she was listless, vomiting and then serious diarhea. She seemed to get better and stayed that way for a couple of weeks then she went back to vomiting but only briefly, but, there was blood in her stools. Now she's back to where she won't eat again and she drinks water obsessively and I can still see a trace of blood in her stools. Can you tell me what might be wrong with her. Right now we're at the point we can't afford a vet. Thank you.

-- Contributed by: trekfiles1

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Hi Bobbie,

Continue to keep a close eye on Molly for additional signs that might offer a clue about what's bothering her. Sometimes behavioral changes indicate an illness or physical injury that is not immediately noticeable. If she's not back to her normal self or the condition worsens, contact your vet to schedule an exam.

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

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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Molly is not her usual self and she just started acting this way yesterday. She will not play or jump up on furniture or into bed. She sits and wines for you to pick her up and then she will sit with you. She has not problem jumping down but will not jump up. She is eating and drinking water and will take her treats.

-- Contributed by: Bobbie

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Hi Yvonne,

I'm sorry to hear your little guy is feeling so sick. It's possible that he's picked up some kind of virus. The real concern here is that the vomiting that's been going on for a couple of days will probably lead to dehydration if it isn't stopped, so I recommend you give your vet a call right away. Chihuahuas are quite delicate, and they seem to succomb to illness quicker than larger breeds.

Thanks for your question and I hope your pet will recover quickly.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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I hv a chiwawa mixed has been throwing up food 4 2days then ok then throwing up his water still goes 4 walks

-- Contributed by: Enter your name hereyvonne

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Hi Genny,

Aspirin must be used with caution when giving it to dogs because it can cause bleeding and ulcers. I would recommend you call your vet first to explain why you want to use it and find out what the proper dosage would be.

You might find the following article helpful since it addresses the use of many human medications for our pets.

• If a Dog Got Sick Would it be Able to Use Human Medicine

Thanks for your question, and feel free to explore the site. There's lots of good info here on a wide variety of topics. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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Can I give my dog Aspirin

-- Contributed by: Genny

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Hi Michelle,

Cat food is quite rich compared to dog food, and this could be causing the disturbances. I would try to make sure the cat's dish is located in an area your dog can't get to. If this doesn't put an end to the problem, it would be wise to let your vet know what's going on.

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

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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My 2 year old Silky Terrier has been very active up until Friday night. Last Friday evening, he went to the bathroom in his carrier. He was acting lethargic that night but by Saturday he was back to himself. Husband said he thought the dog had eaten the cat food. He was fine Saturday and last night I was up at 2am - 7am with him. He would sleep, but kept going to the bathroom in his carrier. I would clean him up and take him outside. This morning at 7am, I heard him making the throw up sound and immediately took him outside. He looked like he was trying to go to the bathroom, loose, but not diaherra, and then he threw up bile. I took him back inside and gave him ice chips and he seemed to settle back down. He did eat the cat food the night before (dry food). Could that be what is making him sick? He has been eating his food fine. Does not seem to be acting lethargic. Other than ust these last couple of days he is very energetic. We have not been feeding him any table scraps, not sure what it is. He has been eating the same brand of food for well over a year now. He does have skin problems, and the vet gave me prednesone to give him every couple of days to help with the skin irritation. Have not given him any in over 3 weeks. Maybe flea allergies?... I don't know what else it could be. Heartworms? Freaking out..love my little man and concerned. Should I wait another day or should I take him to the vet now?

-- Contributed by: Michelle

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Hi Carm.

Since the symptoms seem to be progressing, it's probably a wise idea to ask your vet to examine your dog. Your vet will check for digestive and viral problems that might be the cause of your dog's illness.

Thanks for your question, and I hope it doesn't turn out to be anything serious.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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Max is an 8 month old black lab. He normally eats about 2 cups of food, twice daily, but in the last few days, has lost his appetite. Today, he has not eaten, has no energy and vomited water. Should I be very concerned?

-- Contributed by: Carm

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Hi Brown,

Swollen glands usually indicate the immune system is hard at work fighting off a virus. Couple that with the coughing symptoms and you may be dealing with a case of Kennel Cough. I think you may find the info in our article Home Treatment for Kennel Cough helpful. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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Hi Stacy,

Hopefully this won't turn out to be something serious, but keep a close eye on your dog. There's a possibility that some of the food was retained and it may still be causing some digestive discomfort. If your dog isn't back to normal within 24 hours, or if her symptoms become more serious you'll want to call the vet.

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

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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My dog ate table scraps and about ten minutes later she threw up and now she seems to be really tired.

-- Contributed by: Stacy

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swollen glands, coughing

-- Contributed by: brown

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Hi JIG,

The diarrhea is likely dehydrating your dog, so this initial weightloss may be related to that. The best advice I can offer is to try to coax your dog to take some low sodium chicken broth to get some fluid in him and to call your vet for an appointment right away.

Thanks for your question, and I hope your dog recovers quickly and is soon back to his old self.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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Hi Megan,

The cu...bers could have made your dog sick if they were sprayed with insecticide. The really important thing here is that your dog is in danger of dehydrating. Her unresponsiveness is a critical sign, so please take her to the emergency clinic right away.

Thanks for your question, and I'll keep your dog in my prayers.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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Hi Zlatko,

I would withhold food tonight and give your vet a call right away. There's a possibility that the grass your dog ate was treated with some type of lawn chemical that caused a toxic reaction. Your dog may turn out to be fine since he threw most of it up, but it would be better not to take any chances.

Best wishes for your dog's full and speedy recovery.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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my dog has diarhea for 2 days. He doesnt eat the way he used to. he lost also a lot of weight. what can I do for her??

-- Contributed by: JIG

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My 6 month old puppy has been really lethargic for 4 days now. She won't eat anything and she won't drink water. She also got diarrhea this morning. She doesn't really sleep a whole lot either. We aren't sure what is wrong with her. She isn't herself at all. She is usually really playful and runs around all day.(she loves to be outside) Now she has just been laying around and when she goes to stand up, it takes her quite a while. She walks really slowly and every now and then, she will start shaking uncontrollably. She is becoming completely unresponsive. We will say her name and she won't even acknowledge us. My neighbor has a garden right by our fence and my puppy likes to take cu...bers and eat them. do you think that is a possibility of why she is so ill or do you think it might be something more serious? Please help!

-- Contributed by: Megan

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HELLO, my dog is a 3 year old Boston terrier. He usually eats grass and garbage, that he finds (and i cant snatch from him) on his walks, and sometimes my mom feeds him table scraps. Today i took him on a early walk he was standing next to the door, and nothing unusual happened, he ate his usual portion of grass, tried to catch a pigeon and didnt have diarrhea (he has diarrhea a lot, more than other dogs, every 3 or 4 days)...so everything is going great, until we come close to our building, when he suddenly starts to walk slow almost kneeling, and vomits 2 times, now that got me a little worried, but no big deal i saw grass in his vomit, so i thought he just got a bad reaction to it, we come back into the house, i gave him a bath, he came in everything seamed normal...but then he just layed on the bed, unusual for him, he is usually very playful, so i assume he is sick,then he gets up, and starts shivering, and on ticks, starts 3 secs, stops 1 sec, then starts again, that got me really woried, i wraped a blanked around him, and i am going to take him to a vet tomorow, any advice on what food i should give him till then??? THANK YOU Zlatko

-- Contributed by: Zlatko

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Hi Ellen,

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Unfortunately, I can't venture a guess about your dog's condition because hair loss and vomiting are symptoms of so many illnesses. My advice is to call your vet anyway to see if the clinic is either willing to treat your dog pro bono or if you can work out a payment arrangement. If not, calling the Humane Society for help might be your only alternative. I truly hope you can find someone who is willing to help. Best wishes.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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almost 1 year old pomeranian shedding hair, throwing up. can not afford vet

-- Contributed by: Ellen

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Hi Kim,

For the most part, panting can be normal if a female is carrying a large litter. This is mainly due to crowding that leaves her short of breath, not unlike women in the later stages of pregnancy. If you've had hot summer whether where you live, this would also account for some of the panting.

In a small number of pregnancies, excessive panting could be a sign of stress on the heart. This would likely only show up in a dog that had some type of prior heart problem such as a murmur, a case of heartworm, etc. Hopefully this is not the case with your dog.

I'm reasonably sure things are going to be fine, but do take your dog to the vet for an exam if her gums loose their healthy pink color and turn whitish-gray. This would be a sign of further trouble that needs to be addressed.

Best wishes for a safe and happy delivery.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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My golden retriever is pregnant - due in 7 days. For the past three weeks, she's been panting heavily. Is this normal?

-- Contributed by: Kim Gibson

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Hi Kim,

This really is a problem you should address with your vet. Bloody, mucousy stools may indicate a bowel infection or an undiagnosed case of hookworm. These stools could also be the result of a digestive upset if you happen to be giving your dog rich table scraps. There's really no way to know the cause for sure unless you take a stool sample to your vet for analysis. Perhaps your vet will allow you take pay the bill in a few installments if you ask ahead of time.

Thanks for your question, and I hope you're able to get your dog the care he needs.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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About every 2 weeks my dog will have some mucus like stuff come out and like pure blood and I watch him them it happens again in like 2 weeks .....I have never seen any worms in stools or any fleas on nim he is 3 year old chichuhua I am very worried but no not have a lot of money to take to vet.

-- Contributed by: Kim Pennington

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Hi Adriana,

I'd bet it was the table food. It sounds like your dog had quite a treat that day, and it likely upset his digestion. It doesn't sound like anything more than a temporary disturbance, but do take your dog to the vet if the diarrhea continues. It would probably be a good idea for you and your husband to check with each other be treating your dog to table scraps in the the future. Too much of a good thing, you know...

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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I gave my dog some table scraps it was chicken, rice and veggies, then later my husband gave him some beef. He got diarrhea. But i do give him his dog food also, its called IAMS. I dont know what gave him that diarrhea.

-- Contributed by: adriana

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Hi Brad,

It's difficult to venture what might have happened to your dog, but such a sudden change is well worth asking your vet to examine her. I don't know how old your dog is, but her symptoms might indicate a mild seizure or stroke. However, the situation might not be as serious as this. The only way to find out for sure is to visit your vet.

Best wishes that all turns out well.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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our dog just started breathing and panting hard. She was also shaking for a bit. that has stopped. she hasn't been doing anything but laying around, no running. she doesn't want to jump up on the bed or couch.

-- Contributed by: brad

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Hi C.J.

You'll find my reply to your question as originally posted at Dog Flu.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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HELP, we have a 13 yr old siberian husky, who has spent the last few years pretending to blend in to the living room rug, in the last two week has been vomiting an orangy/yellow frothy liquid, he has started refusing his regular food and lost a lot of weight, we have been hand feeing him small amounts of food and he is regularly drinking water and urinating but has not pased any stools for the last 24 hours and seems to be experiencing pain now when being sick, we are very concerned, please advise our local vet isnt very helpul unless it costs the earth.

-- Contributed by: C.J.

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Hi Heidi,

It's always better to go to the vet sooner rather than later. If your dog isn't any better in another day, or takes a quick turn for the worse, take him to the vet right away.

Out of all the symptoms, it's the change in breathing that concerns me the most, so watch him carefully and visit the emergency vet if need be.

Best wishes for your dog's quick recovery.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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Hi Carmella,

I wish I had an answer for you. Unfortunately, it doesn't sound like your vets have been able to help much either. Have the vets ever checked your dog for abnormalities in the esophagus? Does the vomit look like digested food or whole kibble? Whole kibble would again be linked to a problem with the esophagus.

At the least, you might want to get an opinion from a different vet. Sometimes a fresh set of eyes can pick out a problem that's been overlooked before.

Thanks for your question, and truly hope you can find help for your dog.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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My dog was fine yesterday and this morning he has been throwing up clear liquid, wont eat, at least 1 loose stool, and breathing differently. How long should I wait to take him to the vet.

-- Contributed by: Heidi

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My dog has been sick for over a year or 2 throwing up all the time. And losing his hair. its like he doesnt stomach food what can i do. Vets check him tried steroids. they dont seem to know whats wrong with him.

-- Contributed by: carmella

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Hi Barbara,

This sometimes happens when a dog's ears are very irritated. The scratching and head shaking causes small blood vessels to burst, and this leads to the swelling. My suspicion is that your dog may have a bacterial or ear mite infection. Under the cir...stances it would be best to take your dog to the vet right away for treatment.

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

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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My yellow lab's ears are swollen.(outside of the ear) Why?

-- Contributed by: Barbara

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Hi Sherry,

Your daughter's dog's hips must be in very poor condition to cause such pain, and there isn't much of a chance they will get any better. Canine Hip Dysplasia is a degenerative disease, which means the joints will only become worse with time and as the dog's weight increases. I'm so sorry your family finds itself in this position. The decision to end a dog's suffering is a very personal one, but if you think about what is truly best for this animal, I'm sure you'll make the right choice. Take heart in the fact that you did what you could to treat him and give him a chance.

Best wishes at this very trying time.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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Hi James,

I'm sorry to hear your Yorkie is feeling sick. Since you have a vet appointment for tomorrow, the safest thing you can do is call the vet back and ask if you can give your dog a baby aspirin or childrens tylenol to help with the fever. If the vet gives the okay, be sure to ask what the correct dosage will be, and how often your dog should receive it.

It's also important to coax your dog to drink water to help keep dehydration away.

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

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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My daughters labador has hip displacia and is in a lot of pain he cannot walk. She took him to the emergency pet hospital they gave him pain pills and antiflamatory medication. What is best for this 1 year old lab? He just lays under the kitchen table on his bed. They have to carry him out side to do his thing. He has to be carried back in. My daughter and all of us are torn at what to do. We do not want to see him suffer. please advise me at what to do. Thank you!

-- Contributed by: sherry L. Johnson

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I have a Yorkshire Terrior and he seemd to be running a tempature. He is shivering and is not active at all. Is their anything I can give until we can get to the vet tomorrow?

-- Contributed by: James

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Hi Connie,

It's a good sign that your dog is drinking water and that the vomiting and diarrhea have passed. It seems as though the worst may be over, but watch your dog closely in case you still need to take him to the vet. My hunch is that it will take about a day for your dog to begin acting more normal. I wouldn't try to make him eat right now; in fact, it's probably better to let his digestive system rest for 24 hours. Just keep fresh water out for him, let him rest and keep an eye on him.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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I think my dog ate corn on the cob. He has been throwing up, and had diarrhea earlier today. He hasn't done either in awhile,but is still acting sick. What is there that I can do for him at home? He is drinking water, but not eating. He ate the last time at 5:30 AM today

-- Contributed by: connie

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Hi Gwen

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. An infected mom can pass the hookworm larvae to the pups through the placenta. Hookworms can be passed from one infected dog to the next through feces. They can also be caught from contact with the environment. They can be a passenger on anything a dog eats, from dirt to grass, etc. Hookworms can also pass directly through a dog's skin to begin an infestation.

Hooks are also difficult to diagnose because they are so hard to see. Sometimes will miss them in a stool analysis and need to repeat testing to find them. If you have any other dogs living with you, it's important to have them tested for hookworms as well.

Thank you for your question, and I'm sending hugs your way.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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I'm trying to find out how do dogs get hookworms and where do thay come from.I just would like to know,cause i had and dog and puppies die form this thing call hookworms

-- Contributed by: gwen

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Hi Cynthia,

This is a serious situation and will require vet care as soon as possible. Blood in the stools might indicate a bowel infection, or perhaps even a bowel perforation if your dog swallowed something sharp. There are just too many possibilities, so please take your dog to the clinic right away.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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I hve a 5 months old beagal for the past 2 days he won't really eat.He have used the bathroom twice and this morning he was vomiting but he didn't have anything on his stomach so nothing came up and when he ate a little this evening he vomited it back up with all the water he drunk.bBefore that happened he past blood in his bowel.I do not know what to do until the vet opening monday.please help me.

-- Contributed by: cynthia

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Hi Melissa,

Unfortunately, it's not possible to recommend a remedy without knowing what the cause of the vomiting was. My best recommendation is to go ahead and take your dog to the vet. After three days of vomiting, your dog is likely dehydrated, and she may not be able to take in enough water on her own to reverse the situation. There's a possibility her condition could have been caused by a virus rather than a bite, so it's best to let the vet figure it out.

Best wishes for your dog's full and speedy recovery.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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My 8 year old jack russell has been vomiting for three days. She vomits when she drinks. She has not vomited today and has been drinking some water. She has no energy. She must have been bit by something. Is there a home remedy I could try before spending money at the vet?

-- Contributed by: melissa

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Hi Gabby,

The vet would have to examine your dog to say for sure, but I think this sounds more like a respiratory infection. Parvo usually produces a lot of vomiting and diarrhea. Your best option is to have your vet check your dog in case he needs an antibiotic to help her overcome the illness.

Best wishes for your dog's full and speedy recovey.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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Hi Donna,

That black liquid you saw may have been blood mixed with the digestive juices. Under the cir...stances, I think it would be a very good idea to call your vet right away.

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

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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Hi, my 2 1/2 yr. old dog has been showing some ocular & nasel discharge, he is also very lathargic & is a bit dehydrated. Although he is not vomitting or has diarrhea do you think he could have parvo at his age? I am sad to say he has no vaccines due to financial issues at this point but I do so the importance to having them I have saved enough money to afford them now. Can you please help me?

-- Contributed by: Gabby

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hi, my 6 and a half year old Staffordshire Bull Terrier ..., vomited a black liquid, as well as the usual food, can you give some advice please?

-- Contributed by: donna York

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Hi Carol,

The liquid you're describing sounds like bile. Since this is the second day, I recommend you contact your vet immediately. Chihuhuas have very small and delicate systems that are easily overcome by illnesses that larger dog fight off. It's important to begin any necessary treatment as soon as possible.

Thanks for sharing your situation, and I hope your little Chi recovers very soon. Please give him a cuddle from me.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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Hi Meliza,

i'm sorry to hear your dog is so sick. These could be signs that your dog has a viral infection. My best advice is to call your vet right away because it could be contagious to your other dog. There's also a strong chance the sick dog will become dehydrated, and this will only worsen his condition. Please don't delay.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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My chi is 2 1/2 punds adult. He is vomiting yellow thin liquid and is acting lathargic, this is going on the second day

-- Contributed by: Carol

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my dog looks very sick he doesent want to eat and does not play with our other dog and he was vomiting and diahariia

-- Contributed by: Meliza

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Hi Marianne,

This sounds like a serious situation. If you have access to an emergency vet, I recommend you take your dog there immediately. Vomiting of this frequency will quickly lead to dehydration, and this could be deadly. For the time being, don't try to feed your dog anything, but do encourage her to drink as much water as you can.

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

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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Hello I am Marianne and my dog is so sick and I really need advice its the weekend and we can't see the vet but my dog vomits every 2 hours and that means she vomits about 12 times a day so I am so worried please help me! XOXOX Marianne

-- Contributed by: Marianne

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Hi Sandy,

I'm sorry to hear your dog has been so ill. Since I'm not a vet, I'm really not qualified to give advice in this situation. However, I think it is very important that you let your vet know exactly what has been going on for the last two nights. I want you to write out the times you gave your dog his medication, as well as everything he ate those two days. Make note of the time the symptoms began, what they were and their severity, and when they resided. Continue this diary until you are able to see your vet. Believe me, it will drive home the seriousness of the situation when he sees it all in writing. As I said, I am not a vet, but this really does seem much more serious than just a bladder infection. If you aren't satisfied with the response your get from your vet, request your dog's records and get a second opinion from another vet.

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

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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My Maltese is 7 yrs old, I adopted from the MMR. He has very low enzyme elevations in his liver. He has been on, ursodiol, zentonil, and baytril for a recent bladder infection. He's been on baytril for 5 days now. The last two nights, after dinner, he starts panting very hard for hours. Last night I thought he was dying. He panted untl 1:30 AM, couldnot walk, stomache was very hard, thrwoing up, diarreaha, and didnot want his usual thirst for water, from the bladder infection. His eyes were glassy, and I styed with him, until he finally fell asleep all night, which was a releif for me, but unusual for him. He likes to noramlly wander a bit at night. Today he's resting in his bed, was able to drink some water, and take his meds. Ears perk up at bit at familiar sounds, but still wants to rest. He was tested for cushings a yr ago, there was a slight chance of that, but my recent vet says all he has is a bladder infection. Ultrasound to the heart and tummy says nothing is wrong. I cannot take another night of this. Please, any suggestions? P.S. I did give him some sausage with his dinner the night before, I'm wondering if that's what it was altho, he acted like this on a smaller scale the night before.

-- Contributed by: Sandy

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Hi Diana,

I wouldn't want to second guess your vet who is the true expert in this situation. If your vet feels it's alright to give the meds a rest, you can do so.

Now let's do a bit of brain storming. Aside from giardia, has your vet done any checking for a parasitic infestation? This would cause chronic diarrhea. As for pollups, your vet should be able to check for those.

What concerns me the most is that your dog has stopped drinking. between this and the diarrhea, your dog is going to dehydrate fast. This is a dangerous situation. My best advice is to call your vet back to ask if fasting your dog for 24 hours would be alright, and let him/her know that your dog has stopped drinking. The vet may want to administer subcuetaneous or IV fluids for support.

Thanks for your question, and I hope your vet can solve the problem soon.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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my 1 1/2 yr old min pin got diarrhea 3 weeks ago. test all negative for giardia and disease. 3 weeks of antibiotics, centride then prednisone have not helped. Stool mucousy and sometimes bloody. Vet says the treatments should have 'solidified' stools by now and is stumped. says could have developed pollups? I've read on here that perhaps should stop feeding for a few days and let bowel rest? Also, he isn't drinking water at all..should i just stop all meds (think they may be doing more harm than good now) and give him broth?? otherwise, he's acting fairly normal (no temperature or lethargy)

-- Contributed by: diana

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Hi Jennifer,

I'm so sorry about your recent loss, and what's going on with your remaining canine companion. Although I can't diagnose what's going on, her rapid breathing and weakness may indicate a heart problem. Rapid breathing in a resting state often indicates inadequate oxygen supply in the bloodstream. My guess is that this medical problem might have begun on a smaller scale before the loss of your other dog, and your female may be feeling additional stress and depression over losing her companion. Considering both angles, I think it's important to call your vet right away for an appointment.

Thank you for sharing your situation, and I do hope your vet is able to help your pet.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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Hi our dog of 12 years just passed away 4 days ago and now our other dog of 11years has stopped eating. She is breathing rapidly in a resting state, her eyes look different and she is having a hard time standing on her rear legs. What do you think is happening?

-- Contributed by: Jennifer

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Hi Candi,

It's possible your dog has a bowel infection that's making her feel run down. Since this problem has been stretching on for a month, it would be a good idea to make an appoinment for her with your vet. She may also be suffering from dehydration due to the waterloss from the diarrhea. A round of antibiotics might help her kick the infection.

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

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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My name is Candi, I have a 9 year old German Shepherd/Akita mix. She has had bouts of diarrhea followed by a good day for about a month now. She is just now seeming lethargic, however is still eating and drinking, just not seeming herself. I am worried about her because she just doesn't seem herself lately.

-- Contributed by: Candi

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Hi Nicole,

Trust your instincts, they are right on target. It sounds as though your dog has come down with a virus or some other malady. Sometimes these things come and go, but since this has been going on for three days, it's time to consult with your vet.

Thanks for your question, and I hope this doesn't turn out to be anything serious. Give your dog a snuggle from me, and I hope he's feeling better soon.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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Hi, my name is Nicole. My dog charlie is a two month old golden retriever, and for about three days he's been acting really strange. He's been shaking, not really eating, sleeping alot, and he just hasn't been himself. Im worried about him because we haven't had him long and he seems really ill

-- Contributed by: Nicole

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Hi, I have a chinese shar-pei who refuses to eat and I think she's been vomiting. When I call her she won't move she'll just stay there standing with shaky legs and a hunched back.

• Hi Cristina,

It sounds as though your dog is very sick, although I can't offer an opinion as to what might be wrong. It's very important to take your dog to the vet for an exam. Hopefully the vet will be able to diagnose the cause of her illness and get her back on her feet. Thanks for your question, and please don't delay calling your vet. It will be more difficult to treat her the longer the illness goes on.

Best wishes.

-- Contributed by: Cristina

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Hello. We Just recently got a free dog hwo is 4 months old. She has diarrhea. I think she has it because she is not used to the dog food we buyed for her.Her original owner may have feed her a different brand. is that why she has diarrhea?

• Hi Paul,

A food change can cause loose bowels, but your dog may actually have a virus or a bowel infection. The only way to be sure of what's going on is to let your vet examine her. If it is a bacterial infection, your vet should be able to clear it up with a round of antibiotics.

Thanks for your question, and good luck with your knew pup!

-- Contributed by: Paul

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My dog is a maltipoo and is 3.5 years old. He is always very energenic and loves his walks. This morning, he was disinterested in his walk and didn't care to play with the other dogs he encountered during his walk. His whole body is shaking and and he doesn't have much energy and wants to be held most of the time. We are concerned that there may be a serious problem

• Hi Linda,

It does sound as though your dog is feeling sick. This could be a touch of dog flu, so keep a close eye on him. You can take his temperature if you happen to have a rectal thermometer. Anything over 102 F could be considered a fever.

It's very important to make sure your dog is still drinking liquid. Don't force him to eat if he doesn't have an appetite for the next day or so. If your dog's symptoms seem to get worse, don't hesitate to call your vet.

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

-- Contributed by: Linda Broadwell

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please help!!!!! my dog justice is 12 2 days ago she had dierea like dogfood walterd down and all night i madelittle hamb/rice for her ate fine but 12 hours later trew up and it looked like she just ate it never dijested what can i do to stop the sickness and what dose it sound like to you shes a inside dog 125 pounds

• Hi Linda,

I'm not a vet, so I think it would be best to take your dog to see your own vet. This could be a virus, or some other type of digestive disturbance. There's just no way to be sure without an examination. Senior dogs also have a tougher time fighting off these kinds of illnesses, so it's better to seek treatment at the earliest signs.

In the meantime, try to coax your dog to drink more water. This will help stave off dehydration, which can make things worse.

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

-- Contributed by: lindalou

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i have a 12 week old maybe six week old puppy she jus started getting sick and she keeps throwing up she is moaning but only when she gets sick if you try to play with her she plays she is drinking has ate wht could be wrong with her

• Hi Natasha,

I'm sorry to hear your puppy isn't feeling well. There's a big difference between six and twelve weeks in puppy age, and this is the time a puppy would be receiving its shots. If your puppy is only six weeks old, she may have picked up a virus if she hasn't received her first vaccination yet. If she is twelve weeks old, she should have had two to three vaccinations that should have provided more protection against a virus.

Young puppies and seniors are far more susceptible to illness and their immune systems find it harder to fight off the organisms. My best advice is to give your vet a call. This could be a simple bug, but you don't want to take the risk that it could overwhelm your puppy's delicate system.

Thanks for your question, and I hope this doesn't turn out to be anything serious.

-- Contributed by: natasha

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Hello, I fed my dog his kibble last night, which he was OVERJOYED as usual to get. This morning he seemed fine energetic and playful. Then, my son found that he'd had thrown up his dinner and he wouldn't eat breakfast. We left him in his room for the day and my boyfriend came home and walked him at lunch and found he had climbed to a high shelf and torn up a bag of chewies (though not necessarily eaten them), but not eaten his food. He has recently been neutered and I was concerned about infection, but he seems happy. Is he sick or is this anxiety?

• Hi Ivie,

It's not that unusual for a dog to throw up his dinner once in a while. As long as this was an isolated incident, I wouldn't worry about it too much.

As for the treat bag, I suspect your dog was a bit bored and lonely in his room and found a way to amuse himself. Unless you notice any other symptoms of illness or anxiety, chalk it up to a bad day and give your dog a clean slate to start over.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Ivie

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My dog must hurt his leg or foot yesterday but has still been walking until now he does not want to walk just wants to sleep. He is usually loving and playful but not now and seems to be shaking like he has the chills

• Hi Roxane,

I'd like you to check your dog's gums. Are they still pink or do they look gray? Grayish gums and tongue can be a sign of shock. Your dog's injury may be more serious that you first suspected. I recommend you go ahead and take him to your vet as soon as possible.

Best wishes for your dog's speedy recovery.

-- Contributed by: Roxane

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Hi, my Akita is 6 months old and started breathing heavily. Then last night he began having diarrea. Is this just because I live in Florida or migh the have gotten into something?

• Hi David,

I don't think living in Florida would cause any special problem. Basically, it sounds as though your dog may have picked up a virus. Since it is affecting his breathing, I think it's important to let your vet take a look at your dog to make sure no secondary bacterial infection has set in.

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

-- Contributed by: David Thompson

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my dog has been vomiting and yesterday he didnt come to the door when i came in and all my famiely thinks he is sick too I don't know if he has diarrhea or not

• Hi Carly,

I'm sorry to hear your dog isn't feeling well. It would probably be best if your family took him to the vet. Try to make sure he at least keeps drinking water so he doesn't get dehydrated.

Best wishes for your dog's quick recovery.

-- Contributed by: carly

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I have several dogs(lab w/2 pups, shi tzu, schnauzer, datsun) They all are getting sick. They are vomiting & have diarrhea. Their vomit is a yellow color. They recently recieved parvo shots (all except the shi tzu which has already had a parvo shot). I have been trying to find some homes for most of the dogs because I can not afford to keep them all. I cannot afford teh vet bill for all of them. I was wondering what it could be and how to treat it?

• Hi Tony,

Sometimes dogs will get a lighter case of parvo from the vaccination. This could also be another highly contagious virus such as coronavirus. Without testing, you won't know for sure what you are dealing with.

You can try taking them off kibble for 24 hours to rest their stomachs and hopefully interrupt the cycle. You should also offer them pedialyte instead of plain water to keep up their electrolytes. You'll also need to meticulously clean up all their emissions to lower the bacterial count in the environment.

Please realize that these dogs really should see a vet. These suggestions are only a stop gap measure, and are not a good substitution for veterinary care. I wish you and your dogs the best of luck.

-- Contributed by: Tony

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My dog lost his appetite on Thursday, February 14th. So on the 15th I took him to the vet thinking it was parvo since he was exposed to a dog with parvo. The test cambe back negative. On Saturday when I called the vet like asked, he recommended to feed the dog some bland baby food, but my dog will not eat it. I have to fight with him to get the meds down. He drinks water fine. The vet told me to give him Pedialyte to help with keeping him hydrated. He isn't vomiting anymore and still has diarrhea. I'm just concerned about the amount of weight loss and him not eating. How can I get him to eat?

• Hi Brandi,

From your description, it sounds as though the parvo test was carried out just a bit too soon to detect the virus, but that your dog eventually came down with all the symptoms. This is a fairly common occurrance, but it was good that you knew your dog had been exposed and you were on top of the situation.

Is your vet aware that your dog is still having diarrhea? Has he prescribed any medication to help stop it? The virus does have to run it's course, but an antidiarrheal may be helpful at this point. Offering Pedialyte is also more beneficial than plain water because it balances your dog's electrolytes.

The problem with coaxing a dog with diarrhea to eat is that it puts pressure on the bowels and can cause the cycle to continue. I would consult your vet about the situation one more time, and if he approves, you can try offering your dog some low sodium chicken soup. This provides hydration as well as some much needed nutrition.

Thanks for your question, and I do hope your dog makes a quick and complete recovery.

-- Contributed by: Brandi

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My dog acts very thirsty, but can't hold nothing down. Even the water...

• Hi Walt,

The situation becomes serious when a dog can't keep water down because dehydration can set it. Prolonged dehydration weakens the body and can lead to death, so I recommend you call your vet and take your dog in as soon as possible.

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

-- Contributed by: Walt

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Hello, I have an 8 year old rottie, and she has been vomiting for a week now. I called my vet to explain that at the moment i have no money due to my financial situation and they would not even budge on seeing her. I am very dissapointed in them for not trying to work out some sort of payment for her visit. since then her condition has worsened, I have left another message regarding her urgency to be seen and am awaiting there response. She is now lethargic, and not responsive. Please help with any advise or if you have any other suggestions.

• Hi Kimberly,

I'm so sorry to hear about your situation. Some vets are willing to work out a plan for established clients, others are not. I would try calling your local humane society to see if they can offer any help.

Best wishes, and I'll keep you and your dog in my thoughts.

-- Contributed by: kimberly phillips

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I have 14-15 yr. old enlg springer. her pee has a light red color and some small bright red clumps. She is haveing to pee often evry 10-20 min. If she is not let outside she ishaving accidents in the house. This started this morning and she has no ohter signs of illness. she has been fixed and is not cycleing. She always has and still is acting like she is 3yrs. old. should I take her to vet ASAP? or wait and see if it gets better?

• Hi Rodney,

This sounds like an advanced urinary tract infection to be. It would be best to take your dog to the vet right away. She'll need an antibiotic to clear it up.

Best wishes.

-- Contributed by: rodney

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I am currently living in Vietnam with my girlfriend and two weeks ago we bought a puppy from off the street. We took the puppy to the local vet clinc and the Vet there told us that he had Bronchitis. Since that time he was getting regular shots to help build up his immune system against it. Anyway, my Vet is now on vacation for the next five days and my puppy has started to develope some strange symptoms: It started with a runny nose which has turned into a very green mucus discharge, it went away for a while tonight but it's come back. Also, he's been having chronic diareha, with the stool varying from a greenish color to a watery brown. Also, the other day when we were cleaning up his stool we found something that looked like a piece of spaghetti in it, it wasn't moving though and we though maybe it was just an irregular piece. Anyway, upon reading up on it I'm starting to suspect my Vet misdiagnosed our puppy on the first day and that he may have Round worms instead of Bronchitis (He did cough a little a few days ago, but that seems to have been replaced by a hacking nasalily sound to get the mucus out of his nose). Am I right in what I'm thinking here, or can these be symptoms of Bronchitis as well? Also, could he possibly have both? Since our Vet is still on holiday we have no idea about what to do with him and it's really heartbreaking to see him just laying there in absolute misery. Any help you could us would be very appreciated.

• Hi Stephen,

I'm not a vet, but I do suspect that your dog has both worms and a respiratory infection. He'll need an antibiotic for the infection, and worming medication to iradicate the worms.

If you have the option, I would forget about the vet who misdiagnosed your puppy, and try to find another vet to look at a stool sample.

Thanks for your question, and best wishes.

-- Contributed by: Stephen

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My dog has been vomiting and walking around all the walls in the house licking everything. And she is eating Grass. She just started doing this yesterday.

• Hi Collen,

My best advice is to take your dog to the vet. Continued vomiting can lead to dehydration, which can become a very serious condition in a short amount of time.

Thanks for your question, and I hope things turn out alright.

-- Contributed by: Colleen

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Hello, I have a nine-year-old toy fox terrier who just recently began to shiver a lot even when it's not cold. He also has a loss of appetite and is unusually attached to our family members. Could he have a cold or could it be something more serious?

• Hi Erin,

Unless you're seeing additional symptoms such as a runny nose or watery eyes, this probably isn't a cold. At nine, your dog is reaching his senior years. This means there's a slight chance that the problem could be neurological in nature. I recommend you observe your dog for another day or two to see if the trembling stops or more cold symptoms appear. After this, you can make a decision about whether to call your vet for a consultation.

Thanks for your question, and I do hope there's nothing too serious going on.

-- Contributed by: Erin

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my am bulldog,grm shep mix has a problem..his snout seems to be clogged severly...there is no discharge from nose...but is having trouble eating because of it...first sign was that i noticed he has a diff. look in his eyes....almost as if his eyes sank down alittle...the whites of his upper part of his eyes show more...its wierd i know..i pushed it off at first thinking that his head is just so muscular that it stretched the skin on his head like a canvass...but im not so sure now..almost like shark eyes..when he eats its like he smacks his lips im thinking because its hard to breath and drools also..vetsare closed til monday and i was wondering if any1 could help...oh and no cough either..thanx in advance brett

• Hi Brett,

This actually sounds pretty serious, so please don't delay in calling the vet. I'm not a vet, but it sounds like something is creating pressure inside your dog's head, obstructing his nasal passages and causing his eyes to bulge. This could be due a tumor growing somewhere in the nasal cavity. I think the sooner you can get your dog to the vet, the better his chance of recovery may be. Please let us know what you find out, and I'll keep your dog in my thoughts.

-- Contributed by: brett

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Hi my dog is having this continuous cough/difficult breathing and then tries to vomit but nothing comes out. Also he has had dirarhea lately. I called my vet and asked what is up and she said that it might be Kennel Cough but my dog doesn't go to doggie daycare, grooming, playing with other dogs, and other stuff. Any ideas?

• Hi Kelley, Kennel Cough is very contagious and it can be transfered from human hands and other objects. Kennel cough usually goes away on its own once the virus has run its course. However, since your dog appears to have difficulty breathing, he may have contracted a secondary respiratory infection caused by opportunistic bacteria. This could lead to pneumonia. For this reason, I recommend you take your dog in for a chest exam. He may now need an antibiotic to kick the infection.

Best wishes for your dog's speedy recovery.

-- Contributed by: kelley

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Hello, I have a border collie mix, male, about 6 years old. I forgot to put away about half a cup of mixed nuts (salted) and he ate them during the night. He also threw them up during the night. All day he has not been his normal self. He seems tired and his ears (floppy ears) are tucked down even more. His nose is wet and cold. I recently heard nuts are very bad for dogs. He finds peanuts in the yard from neighbors that feed the squirls and we found out through this that he loves nuts. Any thoughts?

• Hi Christel,

By any chance, were their macadamia nits in that mix? They are toxic to dogs. I recommend you call your vet, and try to recall every type of nut in the mix. This will help your vet decide whether your dog needs to come to the clinic. Hopefully this episode will resolve itself since your dog did throw up some of the nuts he ate.

Best wishes for your dog's speedy recovery.

-- Contributed by: Christel

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My 10-year-old miniature dachshund has been just laying around since yesterday. I don't think he has slept at all, he won't even close his eyes. He yelps when we try to pick him up.

This happened last month, too. We took him to the vet and after xrays and bloodwork, they couldn't find anything. Then he was find again, until yesterday. Any ideas?

• Hi Jen,

This is perplexing, especially since the vets have already done initial testing. I'm not a vet, so the best advice I can offer in this situation is to call your vets and let them know the symptoms are back. They need to look beyond the results of the last tests and brainstorm new directions to search for a cause.

Tell me, did they specifically search for any kind of blockage in the intestinal track? Were they able to pinpoint the area of the pain? It's location will give your vets a better idea of what to search for.

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

-- Contributed by: Jen

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Hi I have a 10 year old Pomiramian Dog, she has started bleeding from her bum and Vagina, I was wondering if this is a sign of cancer?? Her coat is still looking very well and she looks healthy, she has gone off most of her food, just having a little dry food. She has a couple of lumps on her back, I was just wondering if you would be able to give me an idea of what it could be???? Thank you!

• Hi Beck, I'm not a vet so I really think you should have your vet examine your dog. Your dog could be bleeding internally, although I couldn't hazard a guess about the cause.

Best wishes.

-- Contributed by: Beck

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My eight year old terrier mutt has recently had an enormous increase in thirst, he is now incontinent and has some difficulty breathing.

Is this just old age, or something worse.

• Hi Liz, it would be a good idea to have your vet check your dog for diabetes. The excessivet thirst is one of the biggest indicators of this illness.

Best wishes.

-- Contributed by: Liz

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my dog is throwing up he has trembers some times wet nose sometimes dry acting little strange no get up and go

• Hi Robert,

Your dog is obviously very sick. Please take him to the vet straight away.

-- Contributed by: robert

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please help me,, i have a beautiful 6 month old mutt she started to vomit 3 days ago. sence then she has quit vomiting but,, she will not eat a BITE of food she will drink her water but thats all. she has not had a bowel movment for 3 days the vet says they r not sure what is wrong so they just keep giving her shots and pills and sends us back home.any help would be real helpful asap i really worried about my beautiful fiona. thank you for your time christie

• Hi Christie,

Your vet really should check your dog to make sure she's not impacted. You might also be able to entice her to eat again by offering her a combination of boiled ground beef and brown rice. Most dogs find this very tempting. You can feed her small bites by hand to get her started. If she continues to refuse food, you'll need to go back to the vet, but don't be afraind to get a second opinion.

You have my best wishes for Fiona's recovery. Don't give up hope.

-- Contributed by: christie thomas

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I have a miniature male poodle who is about 2 years old. Ever since we brought the dog home, he who throw up once in a while if he had a upset stomach. When we took him to the vet, they said that he has a sensitive stomach. Lately he as been throwing up a lot more that looks like yellow bile and he seems to be choking and unable to breath without any reason. The day of his choking incident we tried to take him to his usual doctor but because she was busy we had to take him to a new doctor.The doctor says that he has bronchitis. I've been looking online for symptoms of bronchitis but it seems to not fit in with our dogs symptoms. We were wondering if we could get another opinion?

• You're certainly entitled to another opinion, so don't hesitate to see another vet. Since the bile vomiting appears to be more frequent, you might want to ask your vet about liver disease.

Thanks for your question, and I hope everything works out alright.

-- Contributed by: Esther

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I have a 1/2 Jack Russel and 1/2 Rat Terrior She is one year old. At about 6 months old she was diagnosed with pancrestitus and she was put on Hills Science Diet Prescription formula dog food and she stopped eating it. So they started her on Hills Senative Stomach formula and after about a year she has started vomiting again. It is not like when she first got sick she throws up 1 time a day and then she seems to be fine. She can eat the rest of her food and may never get sick again that day. From what I have studied She does not have pancrestitus. She has none of the other symptoms. She does however seem to act like something is cought in her throat even when she drinks water. The vet is at a loss. She plays, eats, and is very hyper even though she throws up. She is still hungry and looks for her food, and has not lost any weight. I am just wondering if I should switch back to the prescription formula even though she does not eat it very well. ?

• Hi Sharon, how long did you have her on the first prescription diet before you gave up on it? Sometimes it takes a dog longer to accept a food change, especially if the food doesn't taste as good as the previous kibble.

If you go back to the first diet, ask your vet if it would hurt to soak the food in sodium free chicken broth. This would likely make it more enticing to your dog, and you may eventually be able to discontinue the broth once she gets used to the new kibble.

Thanks for your question, and I hope you find this suggestion helpful.

-- Contributed by: Sharon

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My dog (Skipper) is part ridgeback, He is about 45 #s 15 years old We are his 3rd owners. His first owner abused him,he still has bad dreams. Just a liitle while ago he had trouble coming up the steps, After he got up here he had trouble trying to lay down, He is having problems with his left hind leg. I know about hip dysplashea. I was a puppy shop manager. He is laying down and unable to get up. If we clap our hands 2 times he knows that is the go outside sign. I do it and he does not move. His heart rate is OK at about 120 beats per minute. I am wondering if its time to put him down. I hope you get this soon. I dont want my "other kid" to suffer. He has been a big part of our family. I just want him to be at peace and pain free. This is my real e-mail. People would see me at the mall and say "hey its the puppy guy" so i use it for my e-mail. I need help

• Hi Gary,

Hve you taken your dog to the vet yet? There's still a chance your dog's condition could be treatable. However, Your vet can help you evaluate your dog's condition as well as his quality of life. Theis will help you decide whether putting your dog to sleep is the best thing for him.

Whatever happens, I wsh you the very best during this extremely difficult time.

-- Contributed by: Gary

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My dog is limping for some reason its his hind left leg. He lets me touch it and seems to be in no pain. He even puts his weight on it when he is playing but when he is walking casually he lifts it up and limps. Should I be worried.

• Hi Monica,

I think it's worth having your vet check it out. Can you tell if the tenderness is in the foot itself, or somewhere higher along the leg through the hip joint? It's a little unusual that your dog limps when he's simply walking, but not when he's playing.

I wouldn't be terribly worried just yet, however, you need to find out exactly what is wrong. I don't know which breed or how large your dog is, but this could be a very early indication of hip or elbow dysplasia. A thorough examination from your vet and a few X-rays should shed some light on the cause of the limping.

-- Contributed by: Monica

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Hello my dog is acting sick, hes been vomitting and just started diarria,he lost his hunger. I notic when I try to feed him he acts like his month hearts. I been trying to give him water, thank god his been taking it. I called the vet but they cant see him for aleast three more days. what should I do?

• Hi James,

I'm sorry to hear how sick your dog is. Vomiting and diarrhea are serious issues. Continue to try to keep your dog hydrated.

I think that if your regular vet isn't able to see your dog, you should call other vet offices in your area to see if you can get an appointment elsewhere. Your dog can lose a lot of ground in three more days without treatment. If need be, take him to the emergency vet.

I truly hope you can find a vet with time to see your dog. Best wishes, and please let us know how he's doing.

-- Contributed by: James

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I have a 4 yr old dauthchnd and she has for the last 3 days or so has been having diahrea and has vomited at least once yellow stuff. she has not lost her appitite nor has fever.. i found her eating toliet paper and leaves from out side when i have let her out to potty.

• Hi Esther,

Neither toilet paper nor leaves are good for your dog, so I suggest that you go outside with her to keep her from eating unhealthy items. It's good that your dog is still eating and drinking, and since she only threw up once, it's probably not serious yet.

I recommend you pick up her food bowl for 24 hours to give her digestive tract time to settle down. Just make sure she has fresh water. After 24 hours, you can offer her a small amount of food and see if this triggers another round of diarrhea. If it doesn't, you can work her back into her normal feeding schedule. If she does resume having diarrhea, you should let your vet take a look at her.

Thanks for your question, and I hope your dog is feeling normal again soon :)

-- Contributed by: esther

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Hi, I just have a quick question, It all started yesterday. My dog is an indoor dog and has been shaking like crazy. He wont play with any of the toy's he loves. He acts like something is wrong with his jaw. He loves to eat ice cubed, but cant eat a whole one all of a sudden. His mouth seems to be very hot and he really wont do anything. We cant afford to take him to a vet...do you have any ideas?

• Hi Rhiannon,

I reallyt isn't a good idea to feed your dog ice cubes. This can eventually damage his teeth.

That said, I'd like you to take a thorough look around in his mouth and see if any of the teeth are cracked or damaged in any way. This could lead to an exposed nerve that would cause a good deal of pain and trembling.

I'd also like you to discuss the situation with your vet and see if he/she would be willing to work out a payment schedule with you so your dog can get treatment if needed. Some vets are willing to do this to ensure an animal doesn't suffer needlessly. If your vet isn't willing to work out a deal, keep trying other vets until you find one who is.

Thanks for your question, and I hope you're able to get the help your dog needs.

-- Contributed by: Rhiannon Garvey

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i have a dingo cross blue healer and kelpy and she's 11. yesterday we found her flat on the floor. she couldnt walk or open her eyes very well and we thought she was close to dying. She wouldn't let us get her into the car to take her to the vet and got agressive but didnt seem in pain and allowed us to comfort her. She got up when she had strength and would walk around in circles but her back legs would give way and it would exhaust her. most of the day she sat in the shade she ate well and drank but would just sit and couldnt keep her eyes open and they were blood shot as if she were doped up and kept walking into things and chattering her teeth.her breathing has been a bit deep and raspy for a few years but only when she sleeps and she has no bites on her or anything else visable to cause these symptoms we thought maybe she had a stroke or was just old? she is getting better but still seems dazed and her back legs dont work propperly but she knows where she is now. i am worried she would have just been put down if we got help but am worried it may happen again

• Hi Danica,

It sounds like your dog may have had a fever, but there was probably more to it than that. You won't know what's going on unless you take her in for an exam. Rest assured, no vet can euthanize her without your permission, so don't let that keep you from getting help.

Thanks for your question, and I hope your dog makes a full recovery.

-- Contributed by: Danica

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I brought my Bichon to the vet yesterday, as she was scooting and seemed to be in a lot of pain. I couldn't pick her up without her moaning or yelping. It seemed to really hurt her anytime I tried to hold her. Her most comfortable position is lying down. The vet said she had a fever and he found that he needed to express her anal glands. Although she is feeling a bit better, I'm very concerned that she is still moaning or yelping when I pick her up. She has spent yesterday and today just lying down. Could there be something other than the anal glands that is bothering her, or is this simply a symptom of an infection from the glands?

• Hi Danielle,

Your Bichon may also have a bit of a blockage going on. There's also a possibiliy that her anal gland abscessed and ruptured on the inside. Did your vet provide an antibiotic to clear the infection? All things considered, I'd take your dog back in for another check.

Good luck!

-- Contributed by: Danielle

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Hi, quick question, this morning we noticed that our 9 tear old beagle has blood in her urine, and acting quite different, she seems to be having to go potty quite often(sitting by door) and when she does, its just alittle, but all blood, what could be the problem?

Hi Lisa,

You may just now be noticing what has become a severe urinary tract infection or something of a similar nature. I think it would be best to take your dog to the vet right away.

I hope everything turns out alright.

-- Contributed by: Lisa Burman

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I have a Blue Healer..He is 11 years old. In the last few days , it appears he has suddenly put on some weight and walks with a slight limp. He also has diarrhea. His breathing seems to be abnormal too. He takes long raspy breaths. He has always been very Hiper , but suddenly he is moving rather slowly. Someone told us if he got bitten by a snake or ate a frog , that could cause this. I also recently cleaned out his food dish, because it had several worms in it. Any ideas on what could be wrong with my dog Taz?

• Hi Shawn,

The weight gain you're describing could also be cause by edema, which is basically water rention that could be caused by a number of ailments. The rasping could be caused by fluid build up in the lungs. Whatever the cause turns out to be, I really believe you should take your dog to the vet without delay.

Best wishes for your dog's recovery.

-- Contributed by: Shawn

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I will run him in to the vet first thing in the morning unless things are worse.....about an hour ago...I got some honey down him and some water....he took a nap...and just got up is moving around slowly...not himself at all....because he is a very active happy dog.....so I know he is not feeling well....soooo worried and scared he is my baby....he is soooo active it is hard to get any weight on him......tonight he looks very skinny....we were at the vet 3 weeks ago and had a great check-up....mommy is worried.....thanks for you advice.....if you have anything else that could help me let me know...like getting some weight on my lil guy...thanks again..

• Please let us know what the vet says.

As for your dog's weight, Yorkies are notorious for being on the thin side. Sometimes you can get a little weight on them by offering ground beef along with their regular kibble.

-- Contributed by: Joeiy

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my little 2lb yorkie ...I just got home from work...and he is very lathargic ...wineing and holds head down and lays with butt in the air??? what might be wrong...what can I do...it is after vet hours....need help fast?????

Expert Reply

Hi Joely,

It's difficult to say what happened. Your dog could have fallen and hit his head, or perhaps he's had a stroke. There are a number of things that could be going on.

Comsidering his condition, I think it would be a very good idea to take him to your nearest emergency vet. I realize that this kind of care is very expensive, but your dog's condition sounds serious.

If you absolutely can't take him tonight, take him to your vet first thing in the morning. Just call and tell them you're coming in, and don't take no for an answer.

Thank you for your question, and I hope everything turns out alright.

-- Contributed by: Joeiy

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My 8 year old sheperd has in the last 2 weeks dropped weight,not eating much and very listless. She seems to always want to go out side and try to go #2 with very little happening. She also has enlarged nipples and is sensitive to touch. I will be taking here to the vet this weekend but thought i would ask.

thanks

Expert Reply

Hi Rob,

I'm glad you have an appointment scheduled for your bitch. A sudden weight drop can be a sign of a more serious problem. She might not be eating enough to produce much stool, but she may also be developing a blockage. Gently check her abdomen to see if it feels kind of hard.

You also mentioned that her nipples have enlarged. Do you suspect she might be pregnant? That might be why she has gone off her food, but I'm not totally convinced it's the reason she's losing weight.

Thanks for your question, and I hope everything turns out alright.

-- Contributed by: Rob

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One of our two dogs just died. They were fine early Friday morning, but by midday they could barly walk or eat. They both lost a lot of weight in just a few days. I blame myself for not doing more to prevent the death of the one. Can you please help figure out what this may be.

Expert Reply

Hi Michelle,

I'm so sorry to hear about the death of your pet. I hope your remaining dog is doing better. Have you taken it to the vet yet? It's nearly impossible for me to tell you what kind of illness they have, but your vet could test for viruses or toxins in your dog's system. This might reveal a course of treatment to help your remaining dog, as well as establish what caused the death of your other pet.

Thank you for your question, and I'll keep your dog in my thoughts.

-- Contributed by: Michelle

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I have a 2 year old puggle that developed diarrhea on Thursday night. He went almost every two hours. I stayed home from work on Friday and gave him rice and he just wanted to lay with me all day. It seems to have gone away on Saturday and Sunday but Sunday night he was back to going out in the middle of the night. Is is vet time? Or should I give him rice?

Expert Reply

Hi Jamie,

Since the diarrhea has recurred, it's probably a good idea to check in with your vet. You might be able to get some preliminary advice over the phone, but if the diarrhea still continues, your vet will want to examine your dog and test for a virus.

The immediate danger to your dog is possible dehydration, so try to keep him drinking.

Thanks for your question, and I hope everything turns out okay.

-- Contributed by: Jaime

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I have an eleven month old great perynese. He was fine last night b ut this morning he did not want to go for his usual walk he has thrown up twice during the day watery/mucusy contents and he has been very lethargic. He has not eaten much of anything all day either. He seems fine (i.e. no trouble breathing, no diarriha, etc.) I plan on taking him to the vet monday (day after tomorrow ) because we don't have an ER fr animals but whatshould I do for him in the meantime? I do not have a themometer to check his temprature either

Expert Reply

Hi Hilary,

Since you plan on taking your dog to the vet, the most important thing you can do is try to keep him hydrated. Offer him fresh water, even if you have to bring the bowl to him. If he won't drink water, try offering some canned chicken broth. This will usually do the trick.

I hope your dog recovers quickly.

-- Contributed by: Hilary

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Hi, My dog has had continous wax build up in his ear, today he hasn't realy eaten as much has he usualy does and he puked about an hour ago. He's all shaky now, shaking about 3 times in between each breath. Anything you can tell me?

Expert Reply

Hi Kristina,

I'm not sure the two situations are connected, but it would be a good idea to have your vet take a look.

Some dogs naturally have more wax, but if that wax looks bloody or like it contains coffe grounds, then you're probably looking at an ear infection. If the infection has gone deep enough, it could cause grave discomfort that might result in nausea and trembling.

Whatever is going on, I hope your vet is able to figure it out quickly and provide your dog with some relief.

Best wishes~~ Kelly

-- Contributed by: Kristina

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My 7 mo. old Boston Terrier is constantly licking his paws and chewing his hind legs as well as biting his lower back. Now he has about 20 small welts on his lower back.

Expert Reply

Hi Linda,

It sounds as though your dog has a dermatitis condition of some sort. Have you thoroughly gone through his coat for fleas? This could be the original source of the skin irritation.

Food allergies can also surface in the same kind of signs you're seeing now.

By now, your dog may have developed a secondary yeast infection, which might explain the excessive licking of his paws.

All things considered, it would be a good idea to let your vet take a look at him. Skin conditions like this only get worse without treatment.

Thanks for your question, and I hope the vet can get to the root of the problem so your dog feels better.

-- Contributed by: Linda

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Hi, my dog just started acting funny. Usually she follows me around everywhere and sleeps at the foot of the bed. Last night she slept in the bathroom and has not been around me all day. She has not touched her food or water and was eating grass. The vet said for me to just keep an eye on her if she throws up or has diarrhea to bring her in. Is this something to wait on? Or should i take her to the clinic now?

Expert Reply

Hi Tami,

I agree with your vet. For now, keep a close on her to see if she begins displaying more signs that something is wrong.

I don't discount your observations. You know your dog better than anyone else, and a behavioral change like this does indicate that she's probably not feeling completely well. The grass eating would bear this theory out.

Do try to get her to drink some water for you. If need be, move her water dish into the bathroom with her. If she won't take water, try tempting her with some broth.

You might also want to take her temperature if you have a rectal thermometer handy. Normal temperature for a dog is between 100 and 101 degrees F. If she's above 101, she has a low grade fever, and that indicates her immune system is fighting off some sort of a bug.

If she's still acting strangely in another day or two, I would definitely take her in to your vet for an examination. Hopefully this is just something that will pass on its own.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: tami

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I have noticed that my dog is drinking so much water lately. He often times will throw up clear vomit later and is having accidents in the house - which he hasn't done for a long time. He is 9 years old. Do you think there might be something wrong?

Expert Reply

Hi Ellen,

I don't want to alarm you, but excessive drinking and urination can be signs of a kidney problem.

Given the fact that your dog is entering his senior years, I think it would be a good idea to make an appointment for him with your vet. At least this way you'll know for sure whether or not you have something to worry about.

Thanks for your question, and I hope everything turns out alright.

-- Contributed by: Ellen

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Our dog has gotten real skinny and has real soft poop with an orange tint to it. does this sound serious or just a diet thing?

Expert Reply

Hi Kristi,

Serious weight loss is typically a sign of some kind of health problem and should be addressed with your vet.

Which brand of food are you currently feeding your dog? Some of the less expensive brands contain far less nutrition than the label would lead your to believe. Large mushy stools can be a sign that your dog is unable to digest the food properly. This would definitely lead to weight loss.

I really think you should ask your vet to examine your dog, but I also recommend that you invest in a premium brand dog food. Hopefully this will help your dog regain some weight. You can also supplement your dog with ground beef and brown rice. This will usually entice most dogs to eat.

Thanks for your question, and I hope everything will turn out alright.

-- Contributed by: Kristi

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my dog has been sick the first time it had worms in it so i gave him worm tablets from the vets but he stil being sick abd this is day two,every time he eats cbout 2hrs later he brings it up and the last time it was orange in colour .........?

Expert Reply

Hi Tracey,

I think you should let your vet know what's going on. Your dog may have a worse case of worms than your vet initially suspected, or he could even have an intolerance for the medication.

Either way, your vet should be notified so he/she can give you further instructions.

In the meantime, I would refrain from feeding your dog for the next 24 hours unless the medication calls for it. This would give your dog's system time to settle down. Be sure to keep fresh water on hand for him.

As for the orange color in his vomit, it could be from the coloring in the dog food, or it could be some blood. Again, this is something your vet will want to know about in order to make a diagnosis.

Thanks for your question, and I hope your dog is back to normal very soon.

-- Contributed by: tracey

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My dog Maggie jumped on our bed today and spit up about a teaspoon of clear vomit. She is eating and happy, sleeping a little bit more than usual. Should I be concerned.

Expert Reply

Hi Monica,

No, I don't think you have anything to worry about. My dogs have done this from time to time and nothing else happened.

As long as your dog is eating and drinking normally with no other signs of digestive upset then I don't think there's anything seriously wrong. Just keep a bit of an eye on her. If things escalate, call your vet right away.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Monica

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My dog doesn't have any appetite and he seems to be infected by the cold that I had lately. What would I do since I am far from a veterinarian at the moment

Expert Reply

Hi Charlyanne,

I think you'll find the following articles helpful.

• My Dog Has a Cold
• Home Treatment for Kennel Cough
• How Do I Cure Kennel Cough

You'll find plenty of tips to help your dog feel better, but you should still watch him closely. If he gets significantly worse, you'll need to take him to the vet.

Best wishes~~ Kelly

-- Contributed by: Charlynne

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MyJack Russell terrier is lethargic and his eyes look cloudy. Last month I took him to the vet for the same thing,and they did bloodwork, re-hydrated him, gave him antibiotics, yet did not have a diagnosis for him. I called thevet today, but he is out of town until Monday. Any help you can give would be appreciated.

Expert Reply

Hi Karen,

I'm sorry to hear your dog is having such difficulty. I'm not a vet, so we'll have to wait until your vet comes in on Monday to find out if he has any further ideas about what is wrong with your dog.

The one thing that I advise you to do is keep pushing for answers. I also think you should ask your vet to prescribe drops for your dog's eyes. The cloudiness could be cataracts forming, but it could also be a sign of ulcerations forming. Drops would help soothe your pet's eyes and help clear away the condition if they truly are ulcers.

Thank you for your question, and I hope your dog recovers soon.

-- Contributed by: Karen

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Today our dog started limping extremely bad on his front right leg. We just assumed that he hurt himself but when we returned home after dinner, he is now limping/struggling to walk with his back legs too. We took him to the vet this afternoon (before the back legs started bothering him) and they said they thought he sprained his front right leg and has a cold because he was running a fever of 103.3. He is occasionally crying and I'm concerned something more than what the vet thinks may be going on. Can a virus or bacterial infection cause this limping/lameness? His front right leg has always shaken at times but never caused him pain. Should we be concerned about any spinal issues? Thanks

Expert Reply

Hi Stephen,

I think you are on the right track thinking injury rather than infection. I'm not a vet, but it sounds as though this is a progressing paralysis of some sort, and it could be connected to a spinal injury. Late stage kidney disease can also result in paralysis of the legs.

All things considered, you should contact your vet about the sudden progression of your dog's symptoms. Your vet will most likely rethink the original diagnosis. Your dog may indeed have a respiratory infection at this time, but I'm not so sure that the lameness is connected.

I truly hope your dog recovers quickly. Thank you for your question.

-- Contributed by: Stephen

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Hi Monica,

You know your dog best, and from what you're telling me there is a major difference in his behavior since he got into the trash. He could be feeling sick from eating spoiled food, but he could also have eaten something he can't digest.

The fact that he is hardly drinking water concerns me more than anything else. Taking all of this into account, I really think a trip to the vet is the wisest course of action. Your vet will try to feel for any obvious obstructions, and may even want to take an X-ray to look for foreign objects.

I sincerely hope that your dog isn't in any serious trouble and that he feels better soon. Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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My extremely hyper dog is acting very lethargic...no appetite, no energy, and hardly drinks water. He has a touch of diarrhea on top of that. He ate out of the trash can while I was sleeping and ate about 4 egg yolks from a hard boiled egg and god knows what else. Tried giving him chicken and rice but will not take to it right now. When do I get extremely worried.

-- Contributed by: Monica

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Hi Keisha,

Honestly, it sounds like there is something drastically wrong with your dog. He could have eaten something in the yard that posioned him, or he might even have been stung by a bee and be in shock. It's very important that you take him to the vet right away before his condition deteriorates any further.

My best wishes for your dog's full recovery~~ Kelly

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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my dog was fine last night and this morning when i came home from work he was just laying in the yard and nevr came to greet me i have tried to get him up to moving around and get him to eat but he won't do either one he just lays on the patio and doesn't move

-- Contributed by: keisha

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Hi Terrie,

It sounds as though the dog has a case of constipation, and he may actually need to see the vet. The panting could be an outward sign of the stress his system is going through right now. As a temporary remedy, you can try feeding him a few spoonfuls of plain canned pumpkin. Pumpkin is high in fiber and can sometimes help move the stools along. This is not a guaranteed cure.

Unfortunately, since you removed the dog from his original owner, you are now liable for his care, including any veterinary treament needed. Perhaps you can work out a payment plan with your vet if you need to pay him a visit.

My best advice to anyone who has witnessed a dog being abused is to call the local Humane Society so they can carry out an investigation. If the allegations of abuse turn out to be fact, the Humane Society will not only remove the dog from the abusive situation, they'll also make sure the dog gets the veterinary care it needs. This a great way to help an animal in need without any risk to yourself.

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

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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my dog is a yr now up to date shots. i having problems feeding him he was living with the owner and she abused him and just fed him people food. i took him away from her and now he won't eat nothing except people food. so i gave him maccroni and cheese 2 times he love it. i gave him beef strogenoff noodles and hamburger meat.. anyways he has been panting alot he as not poop in 3 days and he is starting to get red eyes. and he is hot alot bottom of feet and he starting to get bad breath. please i need help. i can't afford a vet bill. i took him away from a mean women. he has been with me 2 weeks. he is a mix dog fox and pomerian med size. oh and he stares at me panting and his penis comes out alot. he won't stop doing that. he was treated 2 weeks ago for worms gave him pills. he sniff everything and he spray alot about 20 trees everytime i take him out. but no poop. i have to feed the food to him. i was just giving him dog food but i waited 3 days he won't eat so i gave in. now we are on day 2 with him no eating. what should i do urgent help i don't want him to die!

-- Contributed by: terrie

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Hi Bob,

I'm sorry to hear your dog is going through such a terrible time.

I'm curious to know exactly what method of treatment your current vet is recommending. Did he send you home with any kind of medication or a game plan? If he didn't, then you really should get a second opinion from another vet.

Be sure to write out exactly what's been happening so you don't forget to tell the second vet anything. It's easy to forget crucial details in the office, and you never know what might help the vet search in the right direction for a diagnosis.

You have my very best wishes that your dog recovers soon.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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hi, i came home from work and found my 1 year old female pomerainain puppy vomited in every room, she kept running along the walls, i could imdiately tell she was not well, took her to the vet, he claims liver problems, i need a 2nd advise, when we took her home and place her in her crate with a blanket she was very still. then she woke up and was wet, she had relived herself so we cleaned her up and let her go out in the yard, again its like she is trying to run away, i was concerned she might be blind, cause she kept to walls and fences. she wasn't blind, soon after we went inside, we placed a blanket on the floor, and when she calmed down she would lay on the blanket for a short time. also she doesn't like to be held more than a minute, i thought maybe she was in pain, no sounds though, also she never really did like being held. what do you think?

-- Contributed by: bobandersonjr

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Hi Nancy,

Senior pets can present a number of challenges. When your vet checked your dog, did he/she do a baseline check on her heart and lung functions? Now is a good time to do that so you have something as a reference for future check ups. The panting could be related to lowered function.

As for the night wandering, if she truly doesn't have to potty, then it could be related to the onset of senility. I happen to have a 13-year-old Shih Tzu who does the same thing at night. She also seems to have foggy periods throughout the day as well.

My advice is to continue to monitor her health and behavior, jot it down in a journal and present it to your vet at her next check up. This may provide clues as to what is causing the changes.

Thanks for your questions.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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My 12 Year Old Jack Russell terrier is overweight by about 5 lbs and pants much more at night than in the day. She also has begun waking up at night for us to take her out.. mostly so she can just sniff around the yard! This is not normal for her.. or us. The Vet has not found any medical problems. Just wondered if you had any clues that might be of help. Of course we are trying our best to make her exercise more and loose the weight. She is happy to go on more and longer walks.. but ends up at home panting like crazy.

Thanks for any help you might have for us!

-- Contributed by: Nancy

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Hi GW,

I'm not a vet, but with the accumulation of symptoms your dog is showing, it's definitely time to let your vet take a look at her. Her pain seems the most serious symptom to me, although her lack of appetite could become a serious issue if it continues for too long.

Is she drinking any water for you? If she doesn't she'll also become dehydrated. You can check for this by pulling up a bit of her skin. It should spring right back into place. If it kind of stays where you left it and then slowly moves back into place, dehydration may have already begun.

All in all, the safest thing you can do is make an appointment and take her in.

Best wishes that your dog will be feeling better soon.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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My dog has recently been listless, and has been unable to jump from the bed to the floor. In fact, if anyone in the family picks her up, she whimpers in pain, we think from her legs. She's also had a runny nose, and hasn't been eating much. Do you know what it might be?

-- Contributed by: GW

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Hi Dana,

It's hard to say what is causing the cough. Most reactions to vaccinations take place very quickly, but I wouldn't rule it out. Your pup may also have been exposed to kennel cough from another patient at the vet's. Has your dog been vaccinated for it? If not, it's another possibility.

The best thing to do is put in a follow up call to your vet's office. Remind them that your dog just received a vaccination within the week, and describe the symptoms. Chances are, your vet is going to want to see your dog for a follow up exam to listen to his chest and gage the depth of the congestion. It's better to do this now than take a risk that the cough will turn into a full blown respiratory infection.

Best wishes for your puppy's health, and thank you for your question.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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My Puppy was at the vet just on Monday for his vaccination.. Yesterday he started making some throut noises, Like if he is congested.

He does not do it all the time and he does not cough , but when he does it it is strong you can't miss it.

about his temperament is perfect. he is very enegetic.

what could that be?

-- Contributed by: DANA

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Hi EJ,

Sounds like she may have some type of respiratory infection or inhalant allergy. It would be a good idea to take her to your vet to find out if it's just a cold-type of thing or something more serious. Respiratory infections do have the potential to progress into pneumonia, so it's definitely worth checking on.

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

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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om my dog has been coughing a lot has a stuphy nose can she be sick or what can be the symtoms???

-- Contributed by: ej

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Hi Staci,

A warm dry nose isn't necessarily an indicator of illness, however your dog is showing other signs that she is under the weather. Has she been drinking water as usual? This is very important so she doesn't become dehydrated.

If she is eating treats and keeping them down, then she can eat. Now we need to get her to eat something more nourishing. Since she is turning her nose up at her regular dog food, I'd recommend offering her some boiled ground beef and brown rice. This is very nutricious, as well as tempting, and it should help get her back on a healthy diet. Discontinue the treats until she is eating normally again.

Don't hesitate to call your vet if you are truly concerned over her condition, or if her symptoms escalate. She may just have a touch of doggie flu, but her symptoms may also indicate an underlying condition.

I hope you find my suggestions helpful, and thank you for your question.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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Hi Stephanie,

I am not a vet, so please take my thoughts with a grain of salt and run them by your vet.

• Low protein and esophageal bleeding are both signs associated with decreased liver function. Has your vet checked this angle?
• An allergy to wheat, a common component of dog food, can cause a malfuntion of the intestines, leading to protein loss. Is wheat listed as an ingredient in your dog's food? If so, it might be worth pursuing the allergy angle because allergies can build up over time.
• I'd also recommend having a good look around the house and yard to see if she could have gotten into something that could have poisoned her.

I haven't been able to find anything that relates to the extreme skin inflammation your dog is displaying, but it could be part of an allergic reaction. Hopefully the emergency vets are conducting tests that will reveal what's going on.

You have my very best wishes for your dog's complete recovery.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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my baby has been unplayful and is warm to the touch. she just wants to lay around. she will not eat the food but will eat treats. she is like a child that has the flu. she just wants to be held. i have always been told that if there nose is dry and warm they are sick is that true?

-- Contributed by: staci

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My yorkie got sick one week ago and and started vomiting. Normally energetic she became lethargic. I took her to the vet and he found her skin was red and he said her protein was low. I gave her predisone that he prescribed and she seemed to be getting better. Then this morning she got sick again and I had to take her to the emergency clinic. She was vomiting and had blood in her vomit. Her skin was extremely red and they are keeping her overnight. Does anyone have a similar situation?

-- Contributed by: Stephanie

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Hi Patty,

A major change in behavior is often a signal that there is something going on with a pet. If she has been content outdoors and is suddenly desparate to come inside, then I think you should look into it. The crying doesn't sound normal to your situation.

First, take a quick look around the yard and her kennel or dog house. It may be something as simple as a woodchuck or a raccoon has moved in and your dog is afraid of it. Second, schedule an appointment to take her in to see your vet. The vet can check her for pregnancy and/or illness, and then at least you'll know what your dealing with and can get her treatment if necessary.

Thanks for your question, and I hope everything works out alright.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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My dog has been cried last night and desperately wants to come in the house although she is an outside dog and is very unlike her to cry and insist to come inside. She has changed and only wants to be held and when left alone she just lays down. We think she is pregnant because her niples has gotten bigger and her eating and activy habbits have decreased. Is the crying normal or is there possiblity she might have worms instead?

-- Contributed by: patty

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I'm glad you found what you needed here Brittany.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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thank you this is the only artcle that helped me.

-- Contributed by: brittany

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I'm not a vet, but it sounds like he may have severe case of dehydration. Are you able to take his temperature rectally? If it's over 102 degrees F. it's a definite possibility. The dehydration could be a secondary problem to a virus, so get him to a vet quickly.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

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what do we do when our dog is sick hes about 2 months and we found him i dont think he has his shots we were waiting until monday when the clinic opens so we can get his shots but today he didnt wont to eat anything and he tried to vomit but he couldnt hes a little shaky and really hot but we dont know what he has we called a hostpital {pets} and they said it would be $80 for the visit plus testing would be $100 and then they said if the illness was positive then it would cost $800 for the treatment but its to much money so we dont know what to do so please help us!!

-- Contributed by: elizabeth

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Khaalis Test

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