Lost of appetite

Question
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Followup To
Question -
Thanks for the prompt reply. He changed to adult food last month. He is 63 pounds last week. Should I let him eat the grass? He vomited once tonight at 10pm after he ate a bit of dry dog food at 2pm.

He stays still with the towels cover up his whole body for a very long time. His ears are cold and did he get a cold?

Should I bring him to walk as usual or just let him sleep the whole day long?

Can I feed him Congee (Rice & water)?

Did the last sentence you wrote mean I should not feed him too much everyday? Should I keep on feeding him 2 meals everyday?

Thanks again for the help.


Hi, my Golden Retriever is ten months old now. He used to be very energetic and love to eat. The night before yesterday (Oct 25), we fed him with some boiled meat before his usual 2 cups dry dog food. He can finish them all.

But the next morning (Oct 26), he vomited a bit and he didn't want to eat another 2 cups of dry dog food as usual. Then I brought him out to urinate, defecate and he ate grass from the yard. Later, he vomited all the grass and lots of water. He had vomit 4 times for the whole day and didn't eat anything except drink water. He slept a lot and we used a blanket to cover him up the whole night.

Today (Oct 27), he still didn't want to eat and I brought him out at the balcony to sunbath. We live in Vancouver, Canada and the weather is now around 8-12 degree celsius. His ears are cold and did he get a cold?

I fed him 5 tablets of dried yeast tablets and he vomited them together with the grass he ate. How long can he not eat and stay hungry?

He is so quiet now and sitting outside with the sun. He had full shots and dewormed. Can I feed him glucose water?

What else can I do other than bring him to the vet?

Thanks for your prompt reply.
Answer -
Any sudden change in diet can upset a dog's stomach or bowels.  It is best to choose a dry dog chow and feed very little else.  That is not to say that little treats are a problem.  Dogs do get a virus sometimes too.  I would watch him another day or 2.  Do not let Friday go by without him being better or seeing a vet.  Weekend care can be an expensive problem.  

Dogs can go several days without eating with no problem.  Offer him his regular food, but take it up if he doesn't eat it.  At 10 months, you may need to cut back a little and switch to an adult chow if you haven't already.  See http://www.purina.com/dogs/nutrition.asp?article=292 for a great guide on maintaining a lean, healthy dog.  Goldens are almost as quick as Labs to eat themselves to a premature death.  

Answer
If he wants to eat grass, let him.  He is feeling miserable, better not to fuss with him over it.

If he seems interested in his walk, go ahead.  Do not force him if he isn't interested.

Some times a switch to rice and boiled chicken will help a dog's stomach settle down.  

After a dog is 6 months old, you can cut it back to one meal a day if that is more convenient for you.  2 meals never hurts, and many people feel it is better.  Just keep an eye on him and make sure he isn't building up a layer of fat.  Many dogs will over eat.  Over weight is one of the most serious health problems in otherwise well cared for dogs.