Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler)

Question
My dog has been off her food for a couple of days.  She has been
eating grass and throwing up foamy white stuff.  She seems OK
but I am concerned with the throwing up and not eating.  Got
her some fresh meat today and she ate one mouthful and the
second took away and buried it.  She is not interested in any
food.  Is she OK - will it just be something she ate.  She will be 2
years old at the end of April 2005.

Answer
Dear Ruth -

I have a Golden Retriever and he has on occassion would do what you are describing at a young age. He is now 4 (four) and very rarely goes through this phase. It is possible she ate something that did not agree with her disgestion and caused her to be sick. Puppies get into everything and eventhough you watch them the best you can, it always seems the eyes in the back of your head are closed for a split second! I would not worry to much about this unless there were other symptoms along with the vomitting such as blood and/or mucous in the vomit or stool and chronic disgestive complaints to diet or environment. If this continues for over 5 (five) days I would suggest taking her to your veterinarian, there they can run a few tests to see if this is a chronic condition.

Dogs eat grass because the natural chemical constituent of grass helps soothe their stomach acids. They will at times either vomit before or after eating the grass. This is their natural health way of combatting their tummy aches. Let her do this as long as the grass she is eating is not chemically treated.

The foamy white stuff you are describing is very common. Its stomach acid and as long as there is not blood or mucous present, you shouldn't have too much to worry about. This should pass within a few days. Again, if it continues for 5 (five) days or more, take her to a veterinarian. They will give her an antibiotic. If you choose to not put her on the antibiotic, you can contact me and I will be more than happy to help you with natural and herbal remedies. I will put my contact information at the bottom of this message.

Fresh meat would not be the way to go in your situation. It is too heavy for your pet to digest and will turn her off to eating more. You need to give your pet small amounts of bland, easily digestible food - such as rice mixed with boiled chicken or hamburger (with the fat drained off). This is soft enough for your pet to digest and has essential vitamins and minerals in to it to help combat the bacteria or infection. If she begins to eat her normal food, add Garlic powder to it. Garlic is an anti-microbial and will help fight the bad bacteria in the gut. Don't be afraid to shake it on with a heavy hand. Dogs love Garlic and she should eat it up right away. The only draw back to administering Garlic powder to the food is flatulence. It may be a a little stinky but the Garlic is doing what it needs to do to push the bacteria through. Just keep a couple clothes pins handy!

You may also want to try Probiotics such as Acidophilus. You can purchase canine probiotics in your local pet store. This would not hurt your pet to take on a daily basis especially if you feed her table food. Probiotics help to build up the good flora (bacteria) of the gut and will help to decrease chances of digestive disorders. It is safe enough to give to a puppy and to continue with through adulthood.

Should this problem continue, I recommend a visit to your veterinarian. They will run some tests to be sure this not a chronic disorder. The diagnostic tests recommended to help in the investigation may include the following. First and foremost a fecal sample may be requested if possible. This test may show evidence of intestinal parasites, bacteria or other organisms.. Blood and urine tests may show infection or liver, kidney, pancreas, electrolyte abnormalities, etc. that may be contributing to digestive problems. X-rays, barium studies, ultrasound, and endoscopy. may also be requested to assist in the diagnostic work up. Again, because your pet can not talk to you, a complete diagnostic evaluation will help rule out many of the underlying causes of gastrointestinal diseases.

It is okay that she is not interested in food, just make sure she is drinking plenty of water. Try the diet suggestions above, if she doesn't eat it, try giving her chicken or beef broth with Garlic powder. It will be easy for her to lap up if she doesn't feel like chewing.

Watch her emotion, if she is good spirits she should be on the way to recovery. If she gets very grumpy she may have something a little more going on in her tummy. Check to be sure she hasn't swallowed something that could be dangerous or difficult for her to pass. If you think she may have ingested something hazardous take her the veterinarian immediately.

I hope this information has helped with the healing of your pet. If you would like information on natural and herbal remedies, please contact me at  wintersaurora@yahoo.com. I will be happy to help you and send you a catalog of human and animal remedies.

Best wishes to you and your pet.

Sincerely,
Sharon Hubbs, AHG
Certified Natural Health Consultant & Herbalist