Dog with upset stomach - Answered by Dr. Lee

[BusterBoo]

Well, Buster (age 1 yr old tzu/bichon) has had a little problem for the past week or so. If appears that for about 4 out of 7 nights he wakes up between 2:00 and 4:00 am and pukes! Nothing has changed in his routine or eating habits, he still plays, pees, poops, drinks, eats, etc. He eats at the same time every day, morning and later in the evening (around 8:00). I free feed my boys, so the times can vary a bit, but he always eats during the evening. He doesn't get any junk food from anyone any home. Buster is on Eukanuba Fish and Potatoe and loves his food.

Luckily I hear him when he starts and am able to jump out of bed and make sure his blanket is under him (he sleeps on our bed).

So, when he pukes it is not bile....it's more brown, usually with no food chunks or anything in it. When he is done, he just lays back down and goes back to sleep as if nothing has happened.

I have a call into the Vet, but was just wondering if anyone had any ideas on what could be causing this???

[mummummum]

How to say this politely ??? Is it possible he is sh-nacking when they go out for their nightly business ? Or could he be having an accident in the night and covering it up by sh-nacking it ?

[Lukka'sma]

Originally Posted by mummummum

How to say this politely ??? Is it possible he is sh-nacking when they go out for their nightly business ? Or could he be having an accident in the night and covering it up by sh-nacking it ?

I guess that is one possibility isn't it

[BusterBoo]

I actually thought about that, but no......I am 100% sure that isn't the problem. There are no "marks" on my comforter and Buster's breath isn't ..... well....poopy!

His appt is at 2:40 tomorrow, so hopefully the Vet can find out what the problem is.

[BusterBoo]

So....we are back from the Vet and of course, she couldn't find anything wrong with Buster. She checked him over from head to toe (or nose to tail???) and everything is good! The only thing she mentioned was that since he is a nervous dog to start with, it could just be reflux during the night. She gave me a prescription for Sucralfate, to be taken once a night over the next two weeks. It will coat his stomach and should help. He could be starting an ulcer so if this is the case, the meds will help.

We talked about changing his food and she said to wait and see if the meds help. She is a real advocate of home cooking for dogs but did stress that it is a huge commitment. She could order all the supplements and vitamins but I am not sure I want to go that way. She recommended that if I change foods, I go with no grain, no chicken. So.....once everything has settled for Buster I will seriously look into changing foods for both boys.

And she also said........I am a worry-wart!!!! (she wishes more people were like me! )

Buster is now sleeping in his crate, the visit always tires him out!

[Dr Lee]

Sorry to hear that Harley hasn't been feeling well. On young, otherwise healthy pets; it is common to have 'normal' physical examinations. Sucralfate is a good and very safe medication.

If you are looking for food options that are not 'home cooked' (I agree they can be a big commitment). There are several options. As far as OVER THE COUNTER: Science Diet makes a "Sensitive Stomach" formula that can help out in some types of food issues. Waltham and probably Pet Smart have similar formulas. Prescription diets can sometime help... there are several types, you will need to ask your vet.

If the problem does not resolve, I would take her back to your vet. Unfortunately sometimes the diagnostic path for these guys can be long.

Let us know how Harley does.

[BusterBoo]

Thanks! (actually it is Buster who is having the tummy problems....)

Once I have tried the meds for a couple of weeks, then we will see what food might help the problem

[BusterBoo]

Originally Posted by Dr Lee

Sorry to hear that Buster hasn't been feeling well. On young, otherwise healthy pets; it is common to have 'normal' physical examinations. Sucralfate is a good and very safe medication.

If the problem does not resolve, I would take her back to your vet. Unfortunately sometimes the diagnostic path for these guys can be long.

Let us know how Buster does.

Dr Lee....just to let you know that the Sucralfate seems to be working great! No more vomitting at night (or any other time) since he has been taking it. He isn't thrilled and runs when he sees me get the syringe ready, but at least it is working!

[MuddyPaws]

BusterBoo

How is your dog? did that medicine work?

I have a 18 month old lab who has been on meds his entire life - and we are now on that and back on kibble science diet with a mix of royal canine rabbit and potatoe...

he still gets a grumbling stomach which makes me look around some more for other ideas....

[BusterBoo]

hhhmmm.... I posted a reply to this earlier and it disappeared......

Anyways (hope this won't double post..) Welcome to the board!

Buster is doing fine, he still has a sensitive stomach but mostly when he eats too many twigs, toilet paper etc etc. He hasn't been on any meds since then (going on 2 yrs ago).

I did change his food to Wellness Fish and Potatoe mixed with a bit of Orijen Fish and that seems to suit him.

Hopefully someone with more experience will see this post and offer you some suggestions.

....got pictures????