My dog has Erlichia, is vomiting, and won't eat. How can I help?

While less common than fever, lameness and lethargy, Ehrlichiosis can cause vomiting and diarrhea, as well as neurologic signs (tremors, changes in pupil size, head tilt and a loss of balance). Regardless of the types of signs seen, Ehrlichiosis is typically treated with doxycycline for 4 weeks and most dogs do quite well. Some additional supportive medications can be necessary to treat any signs of gastrointestinal upset or excessive terming. If Amaia has been diagnosed with Ehrlichiosis, be sure that she has been examined by her vet and ask about starting doxycycline and supportive medications to treat any GI or neurologic signs. I hope that she feels better soon!

I would recommend trying the antibiotic one more time. Make sure Chloe has a full stomach prior to giving it. If she vomits again, I would recommend calling your veterinarian tomorrow and discussing what the next steps are. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

It's most important right now to get Shep to eat so he can take his medication, so the chicken and rice is fine. Once he's feeling better, you can worry abou transitioning him back to his dog food. I hope this helps!

Hi there, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Diarrhea is not typically a symptom of tickborne disease so this is probably unrelated. Sometimes diarrhea can be a result of antibiotics, but usually it starts earlier in the course of treatment, so the timing doesn't seem related to that either. More likely she got into something that upset her tummy. As long as she's feeling fine, probiotics are a great idea, and you can feed a bland diet of boiled chicken with white rice for a few days. Once her stools improve, mix the rice/chicken mixture with her kibble to gradually switch her back. If the diarrhea doesn't improve over the next few days, and certainly if she starts acting sick (decreased appetite, vomiting, lethargy, etc), then a vet visit is in order. Hope this helps!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Charlie. Oh no, poor boy. Typically signs of Lyme disease include a loss of appetite, fever, reduced energy, lameness, stiffness, and swelling of the joints. It's not typically vomiting, but it could be another tick borne disease. I'm concerned about him, and I think it's best he sees a vet now asap. I would take him into one first thing in the morning. Best of luck.

Hello and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Soft stool is not something thought to be caused by erhlichia so I don't think it's related. Antibiotic use can definitely result in softer stool so if you've just finished the antibiotics you may want to introduce a probiotic. A bland diet of boiled chicken and sweet potato or rice may also help. If the softer stool persists or any other signs develop like vomiting, inappetance or lethargy then I would schedule a visit for Spock to see your veterinarian. I hope the diarrhea resolves quickly!

Here's a great article that can give you a more in-depth look about Erlichiosis: https://www.petcoach.co/article/ehrlichiosis-in-dogs/ If Spock is currently on any medications to treat it (such as an antibiotic) it can change the gut flora which can lead to diarrhea during those times. Switching to a bland diet (like you have) or adding in a little bit of plain yogurt can help keep the gut calmer and encourage healthy bacteria. If he needs more of a probiotic boost, many vets now carry probiotics designed for pets as well. If the diarrhea is happening and he isn't currently on any other medications, bringing in a stool sample and having it checked is a good idea to rule out any common issues such as parasites that may be causing it.