GSD Puppy Vomiting - Underweight

Question
We rescued a GSD 3 days ago he appears to be around 5/6 months old! I don't know anything about his past and he is our first GSD! He is a very intelligent puppy, although every once in a while he will throw up. Either just a little slimy water with a couple of kibbles or today it was his whole lunch.  I've been working a lot with him and using training treats and he gets feed 2-3 times a day right now due to him being under-weight. The people who we rescued him from where "not the most dog friendly".  So I know nothing about his previous life.  He does have a vet appt this coming Saturday.  Do you maybe know why he could be throwing up?

Thank you
Ashleigh, Joe, & Sergeant

Answer
The most common cause of vomiting in dogs is eating indigestible substances such as grass that irritate the lining of the stomach.  

Another cause of vomiting is overeating.  Puppies that gobble their food and exercise immediately afterward are more likely to vomit.  Feeding more meals in smaller portions and keeping exercising down after a meal with help eliminate this problem.

Dogs can also vomit when upset, excited or suffering from a phobia (ie during thunderstorms).  Other symptoms of a phobia include drooling, whining, pawing and trembling.

Vomiting can also occur with most acute infectious diseases or chronic diseases.

I am glad to hear you have a vet appointment for your new pup and I'm sure you'll get more answers at that time.  It will help your vet to determine the cause of the vomiting to note if it is repeated, and if so, whether it is sporadic or persistent.  How soon after eating does it occur.  Is it projectile?  Inspect it for signs of blood, fecal material, foreign objects and worms.

FOR FEEDING AND UNDERWEIGHT PUPS
German Shepherds are known for having sensitive digestive systems and pups even more so.  I recommend feeding this pup a PREMIUM Large breed puppy food such as Royal Canine Large Breed puppy or Ekanuba Large Breed Puppy.

Since this pup is underweight I suggest reading my article on underweight pups.  It will give you some very good tips on feeding. http://www.gallantshepherds.com/puppyunderweight.htm

GSD INFO
Since German Shepherds are new to you I also recommend my GSD information page
www.gallantshepherds.com/gsdinfo.htm

GSD HELP
To answer your questions or concerns as they arise, such as crate training, dealing with behavior issues or puppy issues, fears, etc. check out my GSD help page at http://www.gallantshepherds.com/gsdhelp.htm

PACKLEADER
For starting off on the right foot with your new dog http://www.gallantshepherds.com/packleader.htm

YOUR VISIT WITH THE VET
Because you are going to the vet, I'll also provide some information regarding vaccines.

Pups usually get their first shot at 8 Weeks, one month later and a booster one month after that.  That's 3 Sets of shots.  A Rabies shot is usually given with the 3rd shot.  And puppies should be dewormed at 8 weeks.  Other considerations are vaccines for kennel cough, flees and ticks or lyme disease.  

You may want to check with the previous owner to see if they have any papers from obtaining these shots or if the dog was a registered purebred.  Any paperwork you can obtain from the previous owner will be beneficial to you.

This website from my vet will give you some valuable information on the care of your dog
http://www.infovet.ca/morinvillevet/showPage.do?itemId=2514

You are to be commended for rescuing this pup.  Thank you for caring enough to rescue him.  Wishing You all the Best in the future.

Sincerely

Gallant German Shepherds
http://www.gallantshepherds.com