I just adopted a new dog. Question?

Question

I just adopted a cocker mix yesterday night. He was a stray and was found one week ago, only in the "pound" for a day, then I got him. My question is - last night was his first night here and he was obviously nervous. He was shaking a lot, but has taken quite a liking to me, so seems to calm down when he's by me.

But, last night while I was sleeping, he got sick (threw up) like 7 ties throughout the house. I don't know why. I'm not sure if he's very sick (when he pooped yesterday, it was very solid so I have to believe he HAS been holding down food just fine), or if it was just nerves. I did give him a new kind of bone, maybe that just upset his stomach? Or, he did grab my son's roast beef sandwich last night (but honestly, I think the most he got was a bite of the bread because I immediately took it away).

What I want to know is - do you all think it could be his nerves? If he keeps it up, I will make a vet appointment for him, but I want to know what it could be...

Answer 1

While it's okay to give him new toys, don't give him too many treats or other foods. Steer CLEAR of all bones, all types of them for now.

Your dog will be nervous, who knows what he's been through. From the sound of things, keep him quiet. Don't get him all worked up or overly stimulated at all. Give him water and dog food. Possibly a food that is easy on the stomach. NO fancy foods, canned food. Just a basic food. No treats.

Gradually, you can add new things in. Be sure he has water. Also, with smaller dogs especially, their stomach can flip! So really, keep him quiet and relaxed. Give him a few days, maybe even a few weeks, of quiet and rest. No horseplay, just quiet.

It absolutely could be nerves. When you adopt a stray, you have to think of the worst possible conditions he may have lived in. He could have been beaten, starved, fed only human food (which is actually bad for dogs, so stay AWAY From all human foods now, unless you want to cook him some chicken meat or lean hamburger, and feed a little at a time.) or possibly not given good clean water. He could have been scared of people, loud sounds, just attention in general. Quiet and rest. Add new things in gradually, trust me.

Answer 2

Change in diet can often cause that and whatever kind of bone he ate, if he ate it and swallowed big chunks, that could do it too. So could the roast beef sandwich.
Also, since you just got him last night he is likely quite stressed. The Vet is a good idea. He could have other issues that would be common for any stray, like some parasitical infection.
This sort of thing is very treatable and as your dog adjusts to your home he should be fine, but the Vet visits will help get and keep him healthy.
GL with your dog! Ask your Vet about adding Pumpkin Pie filling to his food for a bit. It's a natural binder.

Answer 3

I think it's not just nerves. Seven times is a lot. I think it's a combination of new home, new bone, nerves and possibly some rich roast beef. Plus, the dog food you're giving him is probably different than the brand he was used to. I would try to give him bland food (rice cooked with chicken broth) and see how he acts and if his BM's are firm. If he's not feeling better in a day or two, then take him to the vet. You're going to want to take him anyway to get him up-to-date on vaccinations and make sure he's healthy. Congratulations on your new dog. What a lucky dog to have such a caring family take him in. Good Luck!

Answer 4

he is a very lucky dog,well done to you,first this is all new and strange to him so he will be nervous for a while,let him roam around your place on his own to get use to it,let him sniffout the different areas in your place,he is use to you alittle so if you have an old jumper or shirt leave it with him at night for comfort.you will need to get him wormed and vaccinated,dont over feed him give him lots of love and reasurrance,it will take alot of patience but will be worth it to you and him.so goodluck