Is my dog okay?

Question

She does this every so often.

I have a cold, and have had a cold for the past couple days. But I'm getting over it, and she's been hanging around me alot lately since I'm sick.

Today when I woke up, my sister told me that my dog (Helga) threw up when she had her out for a walk. She keeps shaking, and she seems really lazy. My mom checked her for a fever (put her hand on her forehead, nose, checked for wet nose, etc.) and she doesn't have one.

She threw up again, and if it helps, it was kind of white-cream colored, foamy, and there didn't appear to be anything in it.

She just lays there and shakes and shivers, and her breathing is fast.

She's done this before, and always recovers in about a day. I'm just asking opinions to make sure she's okay.

1. Just because she's done it before doesn't make me think it's something serious, but to be on the safe side, that's why I asked opinions. I mean, we all get colds and flus. Do we get them only once? No, we get them throughout life.

2. Money is sort of an issue. I feel bad for asking my parents to take her to a vet. We used to live on a farm, where dogs just sort of cured themselves.

Answer 1

She misses you! Congratulations you have a "Velcro" dog like mine! :D My dogs do this too when I get sick. They get so nervous and worked up with out me or you, they eat grass to help their upset stomachs and then throw it up. Grass does help their tummy's but unfortunately it also has itty bitty barbs on the blades and as it moves through the dog it can irritate the inside causing them to barf. Your dog might have kept the grass down but it is white and foamy when it comes up usually accompanies with some grass (but just not in your dogs case that time). Dumb dogs huh?

A little info on dogs noses:
Despite what many people think, you cannot determine your dog's temperature by feeling his nose. A warm nose does not mean your dog has a fever. Only a properly used thermometer can tell you that. So remember, if your dog shows discomfort, lethargy or loss of appetite, you'll need to have your local vet examine him, regardless of the condition of his nose. If you see a nasal discharge, swelling, or detect unpleasant odors emanating from your dog's nose, or if he has difficulty breathing, get him checked out right away. It could mean the presence of a foreign object, tumor or infection.

Answer 2

Well that sounds like she has something. But what? It is not because you are sick as you seem to wondering about. There is very little a human can give a dog and vice versa. However, the fact that she is breathing heavy is a big concern.

The vomiting sounds like something is going on with her digestive system, maybe a blockage? But remember that dogs can make themselves throw up, so it could just be that she feels something is upsetting her stomache.

You can't really tell by feeling the dog if she has a fever. The cold wet nose thing is a myth. You might be able to tell if her fever was very high by feeling under her forearms, but that method is very unreliable. The rectal thermometer is the way to test for fever. Remember that normal body temp for a dog is 101-102.5 or so.

I don't know what to tell you it might be, there are so many factors to consider, most of which you don't mention in your post. But the breathing thing is a serious issue that should be explored with a vet. I'm merely an experienced rescuer, not a vet, but I would be concerned.

Answer 3

The opinion you should be asking for is that of your vet's. The call is free, you should be on the phone with him asking him these questions.

You can not tell if a dog has a fever by feeling it's forehead or nose, etc. The only way to tell is by a rectal thermometer.

It could be something, it could be nothing, but your best bet would be to call the vet and ask them what they think. Like another posted said, some breeds are prone to stomach problems (and throwing up). But lethargy and shaking are signs that she isn't feeling very well.

Good luck

Answer 4

What breed of dog do you have? I know with Bulldogs if their bellies get too empty they will throw up what you are describing. As for the shaking, Bulldogs are also prone to tremmors if their blood sugar drops which could also be caused by an empty stomach. I'm not sure if any other breed has these problems also or not. Just to be on the safe side I would call my vet if I were you.

Answer 5

My dog's done that before and I wonder if she's just upset b/c you're sick. The phlegm is just stomach stuff so there's nothing in there that's upsetting her stomach that would need to come out. I would take her to the vet to make yourself feel better, but I wonder if they won't be able to find anything wrong with her. Doggies are very sensitive and they don't like it when things aren't right.

Answer 6

Why don't you take your dog to the vet just to be sure. If money is an object, wait another day, but don't put it off too long. You wouldn't want something to happen to your best friend!

Answer 7

When my dog had done that I took her to the vet and she had slight poisoning. Keep her hydrated and watch her closely when you take her out. Oh and give her some pedialyte. Keeps all the nutrients in her body while keeping her hydrated. I hope this help.

Answer 8

She doesn't sound ok. She sounds really sick, I would get to the vet and tell him all you have said here. Especially since she has done it before. It is a pattern that sounds like a disease that needs treatment. Why wouldn't you think it was a problem if it happened more than once?

Answer 9

If you truly love your dog (which I believe you do) you will take her to a vet asap.
anytime your dog displays illness behavior..even if you believe it might be psychological (as your letter implies) you should take her to the vet.
None of us are licensed vets, and cannot help with questions like this except to tell you take your pet to the vet.
I would feel truly horrible if my dog was sick and feeling bad and I didn't take them to a vet because I didn't believe she was truly ill.

Answer 10

ok, it sounds like your dog is either prone to catch one day bugs from you, or something serious...maybe you should take her to your vet the next time this happens, AS IT HAPPENS!! do not wait until she gets better, if it is serious, then you want poor Helga to get treatment!