worried about dog

codemonkey

Not looking for medical advice, just reassurance. Today we took the dog to the beach and he had a great time diving into the waves. Then we took him to my mum's house - turns out a lot of my large extended family were there and I've since found out they were feeding him people food, even though I asked them not to. Anyway about 30 minutes after we got home I noticed he was being a bit lethargic - not bouncing up onto the sofa and drooling a bit more than normal. He ate about half of his dinner and has been drinking water. I took him out and he had diarrhea. He seems ok, but still lethargic. I'm going to spend the night on the sofa tonight with him next to me so I can keep an eye on him and call the emergency vet if he deteriorates, else I'll take him tomorrow (rather typically the vet cover on his insurance doesn't start for another week, but I'd rather pay to have him checked than risk him being in pain or dying). Not sure if he's tired from all the fun he's had today combined with a sore tummy from all the people food and some sea water or if he's eaten something dodgy on the beach or if there's something wrong. Any ideas on how I can help him just now?

Lieja

I would try not to worry too much - eating food he isn't used to (or meant to eat!) will have upset his stomach. I would be more concerned if he was being sick, but diarrhoea is pretty common with any new food, especially large quantities of people food!

The only thing you can at the moment is make sure he has plenty of fresh water and let him out as often as he wants to go. Hopefully tomorrow he'll be feeling himself again!

It's always scary when they seem even a little bit off colour cos they can't tell us how they're feeling, but given that he's eaten new food I wouldn't be surprised if he's feeling poorly. If it lasts through tomorrow then it may be something more serious.

I hope he's feeling better in the morning

scaredy_cat

if he swallowed some sea water, he might not be feeling to great with the added food on top. it might have just upset his tummy.

codemonkey

Thanks. Am quite annoyed with the family members tbh. I know he had some sausage rolls and iirc there was a full pack of dog biscuits when we arrived and I dont remember seeing them when we left. They also gave him a bone but I said that was ok. Everytime I left the room or turned my back, he was being slipped more food. He is part lab but he doesn't really eat like one so maybe he's suffering a bit because of that.

RachRubyD

Maybe they gave him something a little to rich or spicy. I know my dog suffers from a dodgy stomach if she is given anything spicy.

I know what you mean its annoying when people feed your dog. I live with my mum and she is constantly given the dog toast (saying its good for her because its wholegrain with oats and seeds, even though i've told her dogs cannot tolerate wheat and it bloats them) and always sneaking the dog little bits of biscuits and cakes (dog has a massive sweet-tooth). There is been countless arguments as am the one who has to clean the poo up and its always loose when she been feeding her human junk food.

Try not to worry I know its hard not to I have my dog at the vets over nothing like one of those mothers who have their children down A&E when they have a cold lol. Its hard to know though because they can't just say oh my stomachs a little off. As people have commented he hasn't vomited right and even if he has well unless it is constant I wouldn't be worried.

I know my partners lab has been a little sick after day at beach and swallowing salt water.

He is probs just tired from the beach and the hot weather and his tummy a little off. We all know that feeling a bit sick can make you feel run down and tired right

Ring the vets tomorrow if he still no better and just feed chicken and rice thats what they all say to me when my dog has been sick.

rustyboy21

His Runs will most likely be from the sea water

Rusty was a beach bum. he was in the sea, whilst we were 1/2 way down the beach, him lying down in the surf waiting.

He chased his Frisbee and balls in the surf and must have drank loads of water each time.

He would then decide to find a family having something to eat and then stop down and have a very loose one ( It was embarrassing to be honest )

Just let it get out his system before he tries to eat, then a little fresh chicken and boiled rice, will bung him up for you.

I wouldn't worry too much.

Shassa

I agree with the other posters...I take my dog to the beach regularly. I have to keep her out the water as she drinks it and it gives her terrible diarrhoea. She's usually exhausted for a few hours when we get home and finds a quiet corner for a lie down.

Your dog has obviously had a fun packed and exciting day at the beach and with family, the sausage rolls probably didn't help though!

codemonkey

He seems to have perked up today. Poos are firmer and he's back to being a bit mad and bouncy cuddle monster. Thanks everyone for your advice.

snozberry

My old girl was like a vacuum cleaner whenever we took her to the beach. She was dreadful for eating things - even when kept on the lead. Ew, when I think back to some of the things she scoffed on the sly!

Wellyboots6

My dog seems to have pretty explosive consequences after going to the beach He usually goes very quiet, and then starts spinning in circles and then just explodes! Sometimes out of both ends

Usually an hour or so after erruptions he perks up and gets back to normal.

He does drink a lot of clean water though which seems to flush it through pretty quickly.

It does sound like he had a lovely day though, and glad he is cheering up

zaksmum

One of my dogs always gets the trots after being in the sea. He drinks some of it but my vet said it can also act a bit like an enema if the sea is rough. Sea water gets in the dog's bottom and loosens him right up.