Hi there XXXXXXX,
Thank you for your question regarding your 5 year old Standard Poodle who has vomiting and a loose stool for last little while. It definitely sounds as though she is not feeling very well and the fact she has been vomiting indicates she probably has some abdominal discomfort by now!! As you can imagine there are quite a number of things that could be going on here from an acute gastroenteritis (from getting into the trash, something or she shouldn't have - or even from the raw meat - particularly if it was chicken), a toxicity or something like an obstruction (partial or complete within her bowel) . If this has been going on for several days and your dog has not had much to eat or drink, then I would definitely encourage you to get your dog examined at your local Vet or emergency vet. It is much better being safe than sorry in these situations as there could be a myriad of things going on here and only a full Veterinary physical examination can help pinpoint the cause of the problem in order to instigate a treatment and of course set your mind at ease and give your Std Poodle some comfort from todays events!
Whatever the case you should visit your Vet in the morning - unless she seems absolutely symptomless. Please keep a close eye on your dog's mucus membranes, capillary refill time and respiratory rate tonight as follows:
Mucus membranes - flip her lip and look at the color of the gums. They should maintain a nice salmon pink color. Get your dog to the emergency Vet if they appeal white or very pale pink, or if they are a dark deep red color.
Capillary Refill time - this measures blood perfusion and test this by putting your thumb on her gum to apply pressure. After you release your thumb you will see the gum blanch. Capillary refill time is the amount of time it takes (in seconds) for the gum to return to a healthy pink color from the blanced white color. If 2 seconds or less don't worry - if it is taking significantly more time, again - off to the emergency Vet.
Respiratory Rate - if she is continuously panting throughout the night this is a sign of shock and or pain and a signal for a trip to the emergency Vet.
I would also recommend she goes on a bland diet for the next few days - such as Hill's I/D (Intestinal Diet) or continue with your rice and chicken. Your Vet can also provide you with some peptobismyl or scourban which is also very helpful in these situations.
Please get in touch with your Vet or emergency Vet if these symptoms are ongoing or if you are overly concerned about your girl's current state of health. Please keep in touch and let me know how you get on. I hope this has been of help to you and do try and get some sleep tonight. If you can't sleep because you are worried - this is enough for me to tell you to visit your emergency vet now.
Thank you and please now click ACCEPT.
Kind Regards,
Dr M D Edwards
Dog Veterinarian
Veterinarian - BVSc (DVM equivalent) - Webmaster & Head Veterinarian for www. onlinepetdr.com