Puppy vomiting - what to do?

[oxfordowners]

Our 5 month old puppy vomited up his entire breakfast this morning. I called the vet, who advised that it probably wasn't too serious, just keep an eye on him and don't feed him for 24 hours. But he's vomited a couple times since then (just stomach juices or water, I guess). He doesn't seem to be suffering (as far as I can tell), although he might be a little less energetic than usual. Should we be concerned? Do any of you have advice on what to do in this situation? This is the first time he's vomited, so we're not really sure what to do!

[rwasinski]

Our little girl Blodwen had a nasty sickness incident when she was around 5 months old - here is the thread.


http://www.cockersonline.co.uk/discuss/index.php?topic=64151.0

Hopefully this will help somewhat. Our main advice was to keep the fluids up and because it continued for days, she had an anti-sickness injection. The vets didnt want to do this too soon as it could have masked another problem. If you are in doubt, take him in, at least then the vet can check that the pup may have swallowed something and check temperature.

It is awful when they are sick - it is such a worry, both of ours sleep with us when they are ill so that we can monitor them carefully.

Does he have diarrhea too or is it just sickness?

[oxfordowners]

Thanks for the tips!

Just vomit - no diarrhea (yet!).

[sal spring]

I seem to remember that vomiting that lasts more than 24 hrs should be seen by a vet. Also after a vomiting spell plain rice and cooked chicken are good for a sore tummy . Hope your puppy is better in the morning.

[jann]

The main thing I would be worried about is dehydration, is he drinking at all ? 

[oxfordowners]

He is drinking, but also he keeps throwing up stomach juices. So I don't really know how much water is being absorbed. I tried the skin-pinch test for dehydration and he seems okay, but I'm no expert. I tried giving some ice cubes just now, which he enjoyed a lot... then 10 minutes later he threw up again. Since it is continuing and wasn't just a one time thing, I think I'll call the vet again tomorrow morning...

If he gets better, are you supposed to count the 24 hour fast from his last vomit incident?

[jann]

  As long as he keeps drinking he will absorb some of it at least,so even if he brings it back I would keep offering him water or the ice if he likes it.

If no improvement by morning, yes I would call the vet too and be guided by him as to when and what to feed. I hope he soon recovers. it is a worry when they are so young isn't it 

[scott0904]

i get paranoid now every time i hear of a pup vomitting.

My first instinct now is to suggest is there a blockage somewhere..ie might your pup have swallowed something it shouldnt. As mentioned vomitting which lasts more than 24 hours doesnt usually mean an upset tummy.

How is the pups toilet...is he still going for a number 1 and a number 2?

[oxfordowners]

He hasn't vomited so far today, at least not that I've noticed, and he's back to his usual playful self. He's taking ice cubes and seems to be keeping the water down. He hasn't done a #2 since yesterday afternoon (which was a normal one), but since he hasn't digested any solid food since Tuesday evening, I guess that makes sense. #1 seems normal. So if he keeps up not throwing up today, I'll try the chicken and rice thing tonight.

[jann]

  That sounds good, hope he continues the improvemeny t today and enjoys his special meal later on 

[Holly Berry]

How is he with his teething?
Ebony, 5 months, had this a few weeks ago but it wasn't everytime she had something to eat, but I did notice that it seemed to coincide with when her teeth were giving her pain, ie she was chewing everything in sight especially if it was cold metal!! I put her on chicken and rice for 3 days incase she had a stomach upset but she didn't have diarrhoea and then she was ok. 

If this is the case with your puppy it could be the side effect of the ice cube easing the pain. If its persistent the speak to your vet.

Hope he feels better soon.

[oxfordowners]

Thanks for all the good wishes. Alas he threw up again this afternoon, kind of yellowish, so we went to the vet, who said it was probably an infection since she didn't feel any blockage. She gave him some anti-vomit injection and advised that we could give him some chicken and rice tonight. We gave him some and he ate it like it was the most delicious thing he'd ever eaten in his life! Then he was staring at us with those sad eyes like "I haven't eaten in 2 days, is that it?!" but I figure we shouldn't give him too much food at first... Poor guy... The vet said if he throws up again tomorrow we should bring him in again for a blood test.

[oxfordowners]

Oh yea, on the teething. He does chew everything in sight: sticks, rocks, grass, random plants... I can't really tell if he's in pain from the teething - but he sure does enjoy those ice cubes!

[Holly Berry]

Since posting about Ebony, she brought her lunch and grass up this afternoon so no tea tonight and she's feeling a bit sorry for herself. She never drinks much anyway so will try her on ice cubes!
She is having real problems with her incisors coming through and her gums are really swollen and bruised looking, so I'm just hoping its that thats making her sick.

They are such a worry aren't they