View Full Version : Dog is not feeling well?
simon10
Jul 18, 2011, 09:25 PM
My dog is breathing kind of shallow,and looks a little swollan in his stomach area,he is not eaten in two days, but has been drinking water. He is 10 years old and 5lbs over weight.I just had a vet check up,and everything was fine,so what is going on?
joypulv
Jul 18, 2011, 09:29 PM
Some conditions can happen suddenly, like twisted bowel. Two days not eating and shallow breathing indicate pain, most likely. Or he ate something that is blocking his intestine. Those are just 2 wild GUESSES.
Aurora_Bell
Jul 19, 2011, 06:18 AM
I agree, he needs to go back to the vet for another look over. Has he been treated for worms? What breed? Is he gagging or hunching over? Do his gums look pale? Are his bowel movements regular? Could he have possibly gotten into anything he shouldn't have? Cooked bones or yard plants or mushrooms?
simethicone is safe for dogs, you should always double check with your vet before giving any human meds, as no one here knows your dogs medical history. So Something like Mylanta Gas (not regular Mylanta), Gas-X, etc. If it is bloat, it can kill your dog with in hours, well worth the extra vet trip.
Good luck and please keep us posted.
Alty
Jul 19, 2011, 12:23 PM
I'm going to third the suggestion to go to the vet.
There are so many things this could be. Many of them have been mentioned. He could have a blockage, he could have worms, he could have twisted his bowl, heck, it could be cancer.
He's not a young dog, and this sort of drastic change in behavior, and physical appearance, needs to be seen by a vet.
Good luck.
paleophlatus
Jul 19, 2011, 01:36 PM
Vet check ups are not comprehensive exams... a general comprehensive exam, covering several to all the dog's systems, would really be 'off-putting', when it comes to going to the vet again, $$ wise. Plus, a 'clean' bill of health is like a window, it works just fine up until the time it breaks.
I wonder about pain as well, but it's hard to localize... chest or abdomen, and the symptoms don't necessarily help. (not your fault,either) It doesn't seem like much to go on, because many dogs go off feed, especially in hot weather (and where is it not hot this month?).
But, it's really up to his vet to say whether there are any real worries involved. Of things I could think of checking out, your vet should be able to determine by your dog's reaction to being picked up, and how he sounds through a stethoscope. And maybe a thermometer, just stuck in for good measure.
Alty
Jul 19, 2011, 03:18 PM
I agree with Paleo. Just have to mention though, it's not "hot" in Australia right now. It's winter for them. ;)
My main concern is the age of the dog. So many things can start to go wrong once a dog gets older. He can have a clean bill of health one month, and be sick as a dog (pardon the expression), the next month.
Knowing the breed of the dog would be slightly helpful. It won't allow a diagnosis, as none of us can offer that, but some breeds are prone to certain things, more so then others.
LadySam
Jul 19, 2011, 06:36 PM
I agree that there are many things that could go wrong,especially with an older dog. Did your Vet do any testing to rule things out?