Sick Beagle & Pommeranian

Question
My beagle became sick 2 weeks ago. He had excessive drooling (he does not usually drool), lethargy, wouldn't bring his tail out from under his body, and basically acted like an old, depressed dog.  He is only 6. The vet has never been able to diagnose his problems. He still will not play, bring out his tail, or acknowledge my 2 granddaughters whom he adores. He just wants to be left alone. His drooling has stopped, but he is just not the same. Tonight, my 5 month old Pommeranian has started the drooling, unsteady on his feet, not playful, just wants to be left alone. He blinks as though his eyes hurt or are sensitive. Upon my examination, they seem fine in that there is no discharge. He is usually a bouncy ball of hair. All of the bloodwork and physical exams on my Beagle have come up negative. I don't think my little Pom will be able to handle being so sick. None of my Vets are available tonight. I live in small town Montana, we have to get a vet when we can find one.  My Beagle eats Iams, my Pommeranian eats Iams for Puppies.  The Beagle eats about 2 cups a day, the Pommeranian about 1 cup a day, half morning, half around 4 p.m.
Thank you,
Twyla

Answer
Twyla,
When I hear of two dogs coming down with similar symptoms I think of a few things right off the bat:
1. Some sort of toxin they have both gotten into. Be it bug spray, moldy corn, chocolate whatever, I wonder about that first off.
2. I wonder about their vaccination history and if they are in contact with wild animals, are they current on their rabies shots, are they around dogs that might have parvo or distemper.
3. Both of them are eating a food that could be contaminated. Iams is not as careful with their food or their formulas as they used to be due to market pressure.

I find it hard to understand why the vet cannot pinpoint a problem. Drooling is usually a sign of toxicity, kidney problems, bug spray contact, bad teeth, or a central nervous system problem which can be secondary to the what is causing the CNS problem.
I think your dogs both need a good work up and you need to do some investigating around your house and property. Is it possible the bug spray guys were there a while back? Do you set out any kind of slug bait or mice poison?
These types of illnesses need detective work. I cannot do more then suggest what to look for. I hope that helps some. You might want to call around a neighboring town and ask for a vet there.
I hope you can find the cause soon. 5 month Poms don't do well if not treated quickly.
Please let me know what you find.