Opinions on why my dog always has a tummy ache? Help please!

[Megan Amber]

So my dog Buck has had almost a constant stomach ache for a few months now. All he wants to do is eat grass and throw up. He keeps his food down and is eating, has only lost a little weight and still seems overall healthy .....except for his stomach issues. I'm 98% sure he does not have worms, Any opinions on what the deal is?

Thanks!

 

[Glenmar]

Feed him just rice and cooked hamburger for a few days. That usually helps.

 

[Megan Amber]

Okay, Thanks!

 

[Chickerdoodle13]

What are you feeding him? It in possible the food is causing some sort of allergy which upsets his stomach. How much does he weigh and how much weight do you think he has lost? Over what period of time has he lost the weight? Have you started him on any new foods, or given him anything different?

It is fairly common for dogs to eat grass, but if he is losing weight at a more rapid pace, then I suspect something else going on. Has he been more itchy than normal, especially under his arms and his belly area? Any strange smells coming from him (Other than typically doggy smell?)

It may help to try and slowly switch over to a new food, preferably one with less grains. Wheat and corn can often cause stomach problems in many dogs.

 

[Megan Amber]

He is eating Sunshine performance dog food and we are slowly switching him over to purina one lamb and rice formula. He weighed about sixty pounds and seems to have lost about ten over a period of two weeks, he was a bit overweight so it's not a bad thing yet. Is stomach actually has been itchy lately, what does that mean? But he smells normal, has been having stool issues as well though.

 

[Chickerdoodle13]

Sounds like he is adjusting to the new food and its possible he has an allergy to it (itchy stomach is usually a sign of that). Did this start before or after the food switch? If it started before, it may not be due to the food. If it started after, I would say new food is the culprit and I would try a different brand/ingredients.

 

[Megan Amber]

It started before, the new food is an attempt to make it go away. He lives outside, maybe he's allergic to something out there? He also has this bump on the side of his leg that appeared a year or so ago, it has never bothered him before, but maybe it's contributing to his illness?

 

[Eggsoteric]

The bump on the leg looks like it could be a histiocytoma. With the rapid weight loss, it sounds like a visit to the vet is in order. Good luck.

 

[Stacykins]

I second the trip to the veterinarian, as soon as you can schedule one. There are so many things that could be wrong with your lad. I also second feeding him ground chicken or ground beef mixed with cooked white rice. Just that. That is a great 'sickness' diet that is easy to digest and very palatable for the dog.

It is also possible he has ingested more than just grass. He could have ingested rocks or other indigestible material. If he had a blockage, he'd be dead by now. But indigestible material in his gi tract could be causing him extreme discomfort, causing the weight loss (from reduced nutrient absorbtion) and vomiting (from the irritation of his gut).

I know you think he does not have worms. But bring a fresh stool sample for the vet...just in case. They can also look for occult blood (blood that can not be seen, but can be tested for) in the stool sample. Also, they really should check for worms. Outdoor dogs almost always have a worm load. If he is sick, then their numbers can explode and cause him to become even sicker. Worms take advantage of a stressed animal to increase in numbers, since the immune system can't keep them in check (which is what happens in a healthy dog).

 

[Chickerdoodle13]

With the addition of that information, I think a trip to the vet is also a good idea. Some blood work may be able to uncover some answers for you.