i'm looking after this dog for a week while our friends are on holiday. he has been eating his dry food but a few nights ago he was sick. he's been sick a few times since and now he hasn't eaten anything for about three days. my mum fed him a piece of meat, just so that he had eaten SOMETHING, but he threw the meat up too. he seems fine otherwise, and still wants to play and go on walks. he likes swimming, and i wondered if the river water might have affected him? i really need help coz he's a lovely dog and i feel bad that he's not eating. please give me some advice- i would rather NOT take him to the vet though.
2007-05-31 22:57:29 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
we had the same problem, the dog is just home sick, feed tiny bits of ham to him by hand.
2007-05-31 22:59:39 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I'm afraid it's too bad that you'd rather not take him to the vet because this is where he has to go.
Three days vomiting and not eating? This is very bad! Yes he may have an infection, but he may also have an obstruction in his gut. Whatever else it may be, it IS serious. So he seems otherwise - he's not going to for much longer let me tell you, because after three days in this condition he's going to become very weak and then you'll really be in trouble.
Vets NOW. Does your friend know that you're not taking care of her sick dog?
Chalice
EDIT: I can't BELIEVE people are putting this down to homesickness or separation anxiety! Yes it may cause a dog to stop eating, but not to vomit everytime he eats! How much more obvious does illness need to be? Even if it WAS homesickness, three days of vomiting and no eating and the dog WILL be dehyrated. Please do not just put this down to the dog being sad for being away from his owner.
2007-06-01 06:49:17 · answer #2 · answered by Chalice 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dogs often go off their feed when they are upset. He won't starve to death in a week.
If he is still active and playing, there is probably nothing wrong with him. Dogs are pretty stoic, but when they feel ill they usually act ill.
Do check him for dehydration: pinch a fold of skin on the back of the neck. If the skin falls back normally, he's fine, if it remains "tented" at all, his tummy upset is for real, he's dehydrated, and needs a vet.
Stress also causes diarrhea, but if there is blood in the stool it is serious.
At this point I would just let him be. A visit to the vet will just add to his misery. Keep an eye on him, though, and if he suddenly gets worse take him in right away.
2007-06-01 06:47:29 · answer #3 · answered by twosweethounds 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
sometimes animals act like that when they are in a different enviroment away from their home. Also the dog could have what they call finicy (sp?) eating habits, meaning it only eats table scraps and will eat dry food sometimes. He could have eaten something that has made him sick, i remember my dog being sick like that once, and my mother bought it pedilite (for kids) and let the dog drink it just so it wouldnt get sicker and dehydrated. Needless to say it works. Have you tried calling the owner yet and letting them know whats goin on with the dog? It may have been like that before you got it.
2007-06-01 06:01:31 · answer #4 · answered by courtney_825 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Id keep him out of the river They can get an illness in fact humans can of the Urine of rats called Streptospirosis . I honestly think you should overcome your reluctance to take him to the vet is it the money ? take him to PDSA free but be good and give a donation Is he depressed ? Don't dismiss this they have found with the latest research that all animals have their own personalities why should they be so different to us if their serotonin levels get low .
I,m sure most owners would say their pets have different personalities .
Take him to a vet get some dogie Prozac and start fussing him when hes good and eats his food they have to have you fussing over them ( as leader of the Pack to now they are valued Self esteem is important when beating depression ,I hope you are spoiling him with lots of lovely walks.
2007-06-01 06:09:43 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You need to take him to the vet and get him tested for PARVO
that is what is sounds like to me and if a dog catches the disease it can kill him.
Also maybe check and see if he has worms that could be another reason for why he hasn't been eating...
I don' t see why river water would hurt the dog unless the water is unsafe and unsanitary or something lol
I hope your doggy gets better soon
good luck
â¥
2007-06-01 06:01:29 · answer #6 · answered by amy-j 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Most vets will give you advice over the phone for free - but if they say they really need to see him you should take him. Imagine how you would feel if he died!! I'm sure your friend will pay you back
2007-06-01 06:01:55 · answer #7 · answered by Simba 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be seperation anxiety. Or he might be generally ill. Try giving him a little cooked white rice and chicken... that usually helps settle a dog's stomach.
2007-06-01 06:03:08 · answer #8 · answered by jamielgates 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋