My recently adopted German Shepherd threw up and howled. Is he okay?

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! Poor guy! Causes of vomiting are: intestinal parasites, viral or bacterial infections, dietary indiscretion, foreign body, food allergy/intolerance, new food/treat.human food, intestinal disease (inflammatory bowel disease) or pancreatic disease. I am in agreement with you about your dog. German Shepherds, at least in the US have a lot of intestinal and pancreatic disease, specifically Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI). Sometimes they have both conditions. Symptoms of IBD are weight loss with or with out vomiting or diarrhea. Signs of EPI are weight loss and diarrhea. I recommend deworming him 3 weeks apart with Drontal plus to cover parasites: https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=1459 Then I would start him on a prescription hydrolyzed diet, you will need a prescription from a Vet. I like Royal Canin Ultimino or HP or Purina HA: https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/royal-canin-veterinary-diet-hydrolyzed-protein-adult-dry-dog-food If there is no improvement in weight or vomiting in 2 months then consider a trial of pancreazyme (supplement for EPI), again you will need a Vet to prescribe it for you: https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=11245 I know there isn't a Vet close by but I highly encourage you to find one and have them examine your dog. It is best to figure out what is wrong with someone who can help you along the way. I hope this helps and I wish you all the best!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Alex! I would worry if Alex is able to hold down liquids but not solids. If this has been going on since you have had him then I would worry about a congenital defect causing constriction of the esophagus (PDA=patent ductus arterosis). if this is a new thing it could be intestinal parasites, viral or bacterial infections (especially parvo), food intolerance/allergy, or foreign body obstruction. I do not recommend human dairy products in animals as they are lactose intolerance. It is also not nutritionally appropriate for a 4 month large breed dog. I would try canned dog food or wet dry dog food in a mush. See if he can hod that down. If he can not he needs to see a Veterinarian for a work up. We are not legally allowed to diagnose and prescribe drugs over the internet as we can't examine the pet which is required to prescribe drugs. I wish you and Alex the best!

As long as he is behaving normally otherwise, you can try withholding all food for 12-24 hours. Allow small amounts of water or unflavored PediaLyte during this fasting period. Resume feeding a bland diet in small, frequent amounts. Begin with 1 tablespoon of food every hour and gradually increase the amount if there is no vomiting. Once the vomiting stops for 24 hours, gradually transition to the regular diet If the vomiting persists, see your veterinarian. Other symptoms that should be addressed by your veterinarian include diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite or abdominal pain.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. If Buddy seems off and is whimpering and vomiting, he may have something going on causing him discomfort. Because of his age, I would be suspicious of a viral infection, something he ate that he is having an indiscretion to or a foreign object he ate that is lodged somewhere in his intestines causing problems. Because there are multiple causes and it is difficult to determine what it is for sure, I would have a veterinarian examine Buddy so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I would consider having his blood tested and abdominal x-rays taken. I hope this helps and that Buddy gets better soon! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I understand your worry! I would just watch her if it was only one time and she is acting fine! If she is eating and holding that down and water that is also good news. If she continues to vomit or becomes lethargic than try to get her seen sooner. In that case, fast her for 6-8 hours then start a bland diet of boiled chicken or hamburger with rice as small frequent meals. Feed 1 cup per 20lbs. I hope this helps and good luck!

If lethargy is not present, you could try, as a first approach to start feeding with a bland diet based on boiled chicken and rice in small portion every 6 hours for the following 48hours. Then gradually reintroduce the normal diet over 5 days. I would definitively recommend a veterinary check up if the signs persist or you notice more vomiting, lethargy or inappetence. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Hello, thank you for your question about Gismo. Vomiting and inappetance can be a sign of many possibly underlying conditions. It can be a sign of a problem within the GI tract such as an obstruction, inflammation (gastritis), or infection. It can also be a sign of a systemic problem such as pancreatitis, liver disease, or kidney disease. Depending on Gismo's age the likelihood of each of these possibilities varies. Since it has been 24hrs and Gismo is still feeling ill I would recommend having him seen by your veterinarian. With continued vomiting dogs can become quite dehydrated. The veterinarian can perform an examination and look for abnormalities. Based on their examination they can discuss the need for diagnostics such as abdominal x-rays or systemic bloodwork (to look for kidney/liver abnormalities). The results of these tests can help determine the necessary treatments, which may include an injection of an anti-nausea medication, IV fluids, etc. Hope this helps!