Ask the Veterinarian/Dog won't drink

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Expert: - 8/13/2009


Question
I have a 5 year old chessy. he used to be normal and full of energy. This last winter he had a partial paralysis. We took him to emergency and the next day to his regular vet. After $750 they couldn't find anything wrong with him. It sort of wore off after a few hours, but he has never been the same. I always took him for runs and swims, and still do, but he is slow as can be. The thing that bothers me most is he won't drink after a long run when he should obviously be thirsty. Tonight I took him for a run. It wasn't that hot but we went a long way. he simply wouldn't drink after! I was thirsty, how could he not be? I never see him drink more that one or two laps and NEVER after exercise... He's a chessy for god sake, he should LOVE the water! Even when I take him swimming he doesn't drink. Is an aversion to water a symptom of something?

Answer
Aversion to water does not indicate ill health from a conventional standpoint. When I had only my conventional training I would have said not to worry. I would have taught you how to do a skin and gum test for dehydration. This would be the main complication of not drinking enough. I would have said that some dogs just do not drink much and are fine. As a conventional veterinarian I would not have been able to offer you much. Overdrinking does indicate many diseases.

My profile does say I am a holistic veterinarian, so for me, a dog that is not drinking much would be worth questioning some more. I would be suggesting treatment.

Even though you did not want to hear about holistic approaches, I hope something in it was useful in the long run for your dog's health - maybe at least the early warning signs.

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Dr. Christina Chambreau

Expertise

I can give you the holistic approach to any problem in any species, though mostly I work with dogs and cats. Depending on the condition and the type of animal, I will be able to give very specific treatment suggestions such as what flower essences, homeopathic remedies, nutritional supplements, diet changes, lifestyle changes or herbs that may be helpful - not drugs. I can also suggest where you can go for further education or to find a specialist in a specific holistic field. I can help you understand why your animal is ill and what improvements can be expected. I do not check messages more than every one to two days, so PLEASE DO NOT ask about EMERGENCIES - call your local veterinarian. I cannot diagnose your animal. I cannot prescribe specific treatments. I am no longer very current with conventional treatments, so cannot answer questions on those. I am not an expert on birds or small critters. I will give you helpful connections about hose species.

Experience

I graduated from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 1980 and began using homeopathy in my practice after a client introduced me to it. By 1988 I was using exclusively holistic treatments. I began lecturing in 1987 and have spoken at veterinary conferences, health food stores, people's homes, churches, veterinary college conferences - anywhere people want to learn more about keeping their animals healthy.

Organizations
Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy (I helped found this one) American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association National Center for Homeopathy American Veterinary Medical Association

Publications
I have written in many magazines, journals and newspapers. A few include Bark Magazine; Journal of the AHVMA; Baltimore Dog Magazine; Whole Dog Journal; Tiger Tribe; Wolf Clan. I have also been frequently interveiwed on radio and TV.

Education/Credentials
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Certified Veterinary Homeopath (CVH)

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