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Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Male | neutered | 3 years and 2 months old | 12 lbs
12 lb Chihuahua cross has episodes of constant/hard swallowing and licking and will frantically lick floors, eat grass or even eat his own fur. He initially had these episodes very frequently while on a raw/whole prey diet, and had not had a single episode since switching to a high quality kibble over a year ago. Seemingly out of nowhere, with no dietary change, he is having an episode now. What can I give him or do to help? What causes this?
2 Answers
Answered By Ann Dion, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on March 23rd, 2017
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on February 5th, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Zeus!
If Zeus vomits daily he likely is allergic to his food or has inflammatory bowel disease. I would try first to change his food. The most common allergic protein is chicken. I would buy a food that doesn't contain chicken. Try beef, venison, pork, salmon, duck. You have to give the diet 2-3 months before trying a different one. You can not give him any other foods or treats that aren't made from the protein in his food. We can't prescribe medications because we are unable to examine Zeus. Daily vomiting is a lot and I recommend an exam with your Vet so they can prescribe medications while you start a food trial.
I hope this helps and I wish Zeus the very best!
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