pls help

Question
Hi

I need a little bit of help from you.

I have a dog that's about 16-17yrs old. She's a medium sized dog,i'm not sure of her weight.

A few months ago she developed a kind of dry cough. She only used to cough once or twice in the early morning and once or twice at night.

I always give her chicken meat for lunch( chicken chest and liver and gizzard, sometimes mixed with cauliflower and spincah, and carrots too). She always used to be enthusiastic over her food. She used to bark for her food.

Now, she's no longer enthusiastic. For the past two days, I noticed she had a little constipation and since these past two days, everytime after eating two or three pieces, she'll jerk her body a little like she's trying to vomit it out. Two days ago, when my sister fed her, she vomited out all the food.

What is wrong and what can i do? I don't trust any of the vets in my place cos two of my dogs died when they treated them. Pls help.

Answer
Dear Prashanth,

Thank you for writing to me about your senior dog.  

I understand your hesitation to bring your dog to a vet after having had two traumatic experiences with your other dogs.  If you can find another vet that you trust, even if it means travelling to another town, I would advise that you do so.

By the time a dog refuses to eat, it is a sure sign that something is seriously wrong and needs attention.  I believe that your dog is in pain and therefore cannot eat although she is making attempts to do so.  It is imperative that she be seen as soon as possible by a medical professional.   

I am truly sorry that I cannot tell you what is wrong with your dog and I understand how worried you must be feeling but this is a medical problem that must be determined hands on.

I wish you all the best with your precious dog.

Regards,
Shelley Davis