Dog Community

I don't think Charlie Feels Well

Posted : 1/22/2007 10:55:44 AM

It started yesterday evening when he wouldn't eat his dinner. I wasn't that concerned because we had a bunch of people over and there was a lot of excitement.

Then he threw up a little bit later. Nothing huge or unusual. So I thought maybe just an upset stomach (someone giving him a chip or pretzel behind my back). This morning he has a very loose poop so I tried to give him some pumpkin but he barely ate any of it or his regular breakfast. He has also been a little extra sleepy, not sleeping all of the time, but taking a little longer than normal naps.

I stayed home from work today to keep an eye on him and right now he is acting fairly normal (sitting on the back of the couch looking out the window) and roaming around. Not as rambunctious as normal, but not totally strange either.

I guess I am not sure what I should do. We are going to the vet on Wednesday for his bordatella shot, so I think I can wait or should I demand an appointment right now? He is still interested in food (i.e. watched me eat my breakfast) hoping for some droppage [

]. Is there anything I can give him besides the pumpkin that he would eat that would be OK? Is he just feeling a little under the weather and am I overreacting?

Thanks.

cakana

Posted : 1/22/2007 12:51:00 PM

Well, I'm not sure how Charlie is normally, but if either of my dogs (labs) ever passed up their food, I'd pack them up and take them to the vet. They're both such chow hounds that I'd know something was seriously wrong. Just me, but I think I'd try to get him to eat something, even like maybe some scrambled eggs or cooked rice. If he eats that and doesn't get sick, then you might be okay waiting until Wed. If you see any other signs, like getting sick or increased lethargy, then I'd get him in sooner. Again, it's always hard to advise someone when you don't know their dog's habits or personality. I hope Charlie's just feeling a little under the weather and it's nothing serious, but go with your gut feelings and if you think it's something more serious, I'd take him in.

p.s. Do you think you could manage to take his temp? It might give you an idea if it's something more serious.

calliecritturs

Posted : 1/23/2007 12:00:31 AM

Look at his gums -- are they pink and healthy looking or pale. Press against them with the tip of your index finger and then release. You'll see it looks a bit white but the color should snap back right away -- not take 3-4 seconds.

If the color is off, VET NOW.

Go with your gut -- frankly, I had way less 'symptoms' than that when I took Billy in and we saw the IMHA first ... and I'd have lost him otherwise! Ask the vet to run a blood panel -- sometimes you don't have to 'see' something to KNOW as an owner all is not well.

mrstjohnson

Posted : 1/23/2007 6:32:30 AM

Well, I ended up taking his temperature and it was normal. I think I was overreacting in general. About noon he ate his breakfast (believe it or not, even as a beagle Charlie is a picky eater when it comes to his kibble. He would eat garbage off the street if I let him though).

When I did take him outside he was happy and running around and ate his dinner. He did sleep a lot but I think he was just over tired maybe from the night before (we had people over from 2:00 until 11:00 pm and his bed time is usually no later than 9:00). And he was all excited and running around last night.

His poops were better and no throwing up. If he wouldn't have eaten by 2:00 I had decided I would go to the vet!

Thanks for the suggestions.

tzu_mom

Posted : 1/23/2007 9:01:49 AM

It started yesterday evening when he wouldn't eat his dinner. I wasn't that concerned because we had a bunch of people over and there was a lot of excitement.

Sometimes, having people over can be stressful for the dog, which in turn will alter eating habits. When we have out of town guests stay with us, my tzu usually won't eat very much the first day the guests are here. After they settle in, so does he.

It sounds like Charlie may have just been stressed out, with all the excitement.