I have a 9 yr old Rottweiler that eats grass and vomits almost nightly. She has severe hip displaysia.?

Question

Her displaysia is being treated with Omega3/Omega6 Fish Oil and Glucosamine given with food daily. We feed her twice a day. She generally throws up in the middle of the night. There is little to no undigested food in the vomit, but lots of grass, hair and a small amount of bile. Our vet hasn't been much help. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

It might be that the medicine is upseting her stomach and she eats grass to sooth it - apparently dogs do that.
My american bulldog has a severe hip dysplasia, too. She has been diagnosed 5 years ago and all I give her is Rymadil daily, it seems to help. Maybe you should switch the medicine on her.
The vet suggested 2 pills a day, but I cut down to 1/2, because I didn't want her over-medicated. When it's cold or wet and I can tell hips are bothering her, I give her an extra 1/2 a pill.
I don't like my dogs to be medicated too much, they don't seem to like it either when they're woozy or dizzy from the medicine, so I try and give them as little as possible and still keep them out of pain or getting better.

Answer 2

I own a Rottie too. Sometimes she does the same thing, eating grass, then spitting up. I can never understand why she does this, but most likely the cause is due to the fact that her stomach is upset. I also have another large dog, as well as 2 smaller dogs. Both my Lab, & Rottie have a tendency towards hip displaysia, common in most larger breeds. I have given both dogs products with glucosamine, and it would upset their stomach. I have found a procuct that I now use daily, and it's all natural. The dogs can eat as many of the tablets, without becoming sick, again they are all natural, AND they work. The product is also used for jumping Horses, to help with their legs and also. I don't sell this procust, but as a Professional Pet Sitter, I do reccomend it to all my clients with large breed dogs. It's called FRESH FACTORS, and there is absolutely NO WAY the pet can take too many, as I said it won't harm them. I have had my pets on this for about 5 years now, and that is after I have tried almost every product with the glucosamine to help my pets. I also give this to my toy poodle, as well as my westie. I swear by this product, as I have seen the results in my Lab, who is 13 years old, and she can keep up with the other doggies pretty much. Most glucosamine products do upset the stomach, thus the vomit. It is difficult to find a product that really helps, and does not cause side effects on your pet. If you are interested in this, I can give you the name of the product. As for my Rottie, this has worked for her too, no side effects like vomiting, etc. Now when she eats grass, I no that she probably really does have an upset stomach. Also these dogs are so very smart, they know when to stop eating if they are full. There have been times that my Rottie has walked away from her doggie dish, and it's only half eaten. There is not a thing I can do to make her finish, when she is full, she is done.You may want to change her diet for a few days to boiled hamburger and rice, this too may also settle her stomach. There really are so many reasons that a dog would have this problem, and since they can't speak, it is really hit or miss, so maybe just start with the hamburger mix, and also check around for a product that is age appropriate since she is 9 years old, you may need something less harsh on the stomach. Hope this helps.
Debi

Answer 3

The grass eatting is causing the vomit. Sometimes if their tummy is upset the dogs will eat grass to empty it. Then again I've seen dogs that just seemed to like eatting grass and it makes them throw up. Don't let her eat any grass if you can stop her. If you think her tummy might be upset give her a tums, spoon of mylanta, or pepto to settle the tummy and see how she does.

Sounds like the vet has her on good stuff for the hips. Unless she continues to vomit after you stop her from eatting grass I wouldn't worry about the medication bothering her. If she gets painful in the future you can ask about Rimadyl, it's a painkiller/antiinflamitory that is good for long term use. Do not use more than what is prescribed. (only mention that because a friend just did that)

Answer 4

Dogs generally eat grass when their stomachs are upset. Are you giving the supplements with food? If not,start giving them with the food and see if that helps. Dogs will also often vomit bile if their tums are too empty. You may want to start feeding a mini meal before bedtime. If none of these options help,try switching foods. If the problem persists or gets worse let the vet have a look. Good luck!

Answer 5

These are two completely different issues.

The displaysia is not related to this eating issue. So take a sigh of relief. Also if she is in pain, we gave our "girl" low dose aspirin and at the feed store they offer some food supplement for arthritic animals. IT really helped our larger animals, on these cold days when their joints and bones hurt them.

The issue of concern:
Okay when they barf grass they are eating it because their stomach hurts or they "feel" they are missing something in their diet. Most domestic animals will do this. That is not strange or odd, that is why the vet seemed unconcerned. Yet, it means alot to you, rightlyfully so. So I would "Get" her the right kinda green to help her out.

I make up this recipe and lets the cats or older dogs eat this, I mix this warm with the dry food. They love it.
Works on humans too:
Recipe:
Two packages of raw parsley- (wash, dry and scissor cut small)
Package of brown rice (the grainer and not seasoned)
A large container of Chicken broth

Make the rice with broth, not water, as it finishes, mix all the greens into it and just package it in cup size portions and refrig for up to three days or make a lot of it and freeze it.

I often will make several pounds of rice at one time and package them to freeze. That really comes in handy when YOU have the flu and we feed it to both our cats and my senior dog.
Sometimes, I will use the "stock" from my cooking for the dog, since she loves the beef.

Answer 6

dogs eat grass to add bulk to make themselves throw up. her stomach is irritated by something. How long has this been going on and has the onset coincided with the Omega 3/6?

Oh, and kenster is way off the mark. if the food has too much fiber, then why feed a salad which is nothing but fiber? makes no sense at all.

Answer 7

Dont let your dog stay outside for so long and he'll quit eating the grass. Grass makes dogs ralph.

Answer 8

It might be the food is too much fiber. You should give her a salad in her food or lettuce. She wants something leafy it was the same with my old dog.