Dog shihtzu. Earlier he throw up and feels like theres something on his throat. Foamy. There's food. Hatchi 2yrs in next

Hello! I am Dr. Fields, a licensed veterinarian with Just Answer, and I understand you are concerned about your pet. I have been a veterinarian treating dogs and cats for 15 years; and I will let you know that while this is a forum for veterinary advice, I am not legally permitted to make a diagnosis or write prescriptions through this virtual format. However, I am here to help guide you and your pet toward a resolution to the best of my ability. The site will automatically offer a phone call, which you are not obligated to accept as we can continue by text if you would prefer.

Is he coughing as well? Has he been around any other dogs in the past two weeks?

Has he been to a groomer in the past few weeks?

Has he had any new food or treats recently? How is his activity level?

Are his stools normal?

Great. I am going to type some recommendations for him, which will take a few minutes.

Vomiting can be due to a sudden change in diet, inflammatory bowel disease or even a food allergy. It can also be related to parasites, and metabolic organ disease (such kidney or liver disease, pancreatitis, ketoacidotic diabetes) due to organ wastes irritating the gut or a mass in the intestinal tract. (Unlikely, given his age). I am suspicious the breathing changes you are seeing are related to nausea, but without an in person examination, I cannot be sure. It would be best to get him scheduled to see his family veterinarian today if possible. In the meantime, there are some things we can try at home.

I would not feed any food for 8-12 hours. This should help stop gut spasms and restore normal gut motility. Water is important, and I would not limit his access, and continue to monitor that he is drinking normally for you.

To try and settle his stomach today you can give an over the counter acid reducer that people take for gastroesophageal reflux, either:

1) Pepcid-ac (famotidine) at a dose of one 10mg tablet per 15 to 40 pounds of body weight every 12 hours.

OR

After his food fast, start a bland diet of 1/3 boiled, white, skinless chicken all fats and juices drained off the meat, mixed with 2/3 boiled, plain white rice. Feed several small meals a day. You can also add probiotics to the bland diet mix to replace the good bacteria lost with diarrhea. Good brand name products include Fortiflora, Proviable, or Benebac. They can be found online or at pet stores.

Once he feels better (no vomiting or for 48 hours) start mixing in his regular dog food very slowly, less bland more regular with each day. It should take a week or so to convert him back.

If he begins having diarrhea or acting less playful, he should definitely be seen in person for a full examination. If his vomiting worsens, or does not improve over the next 48 hours, I would also recommend he be seen for prescription medications.

Perfect. Do you have any further questions about Hatchi we need to address this morning?

Our chat here will be open for several days, so feel free to reply with any further questions or updates. I hope he feels better quickly for you.

Thank you for using Just Answer.