You are here:

Ask the Veterinarian/Dog might hae a stomach ache. What to do!?

Advertisement

Expert: - 10/23/2010


Question
My dog is a rat terrier he's usually very active and happy, today he doesn't even want to get up and walk.  He hasn't barked since the early morning.  We gave him his own food and won't even eat that when usually he wants to eat everything. he stands up and tries to strectch but he can't he lays back down. I've looked around to see if he vomit but he hasn't.  Could it be just a stomach ache? or something more serious? What should I do?  

Answer
He could have a stomach ache or he could have pulled a muscle in his lower back. That is a common cause of pain and inappetence in dogs.

You could give him until Monday morning to see if he feels better since you are sure he didn't eat something bad. Dogs have good days and bad ones too, but not as often as we do!

You might want to give him a tums or two, but make sure they are just plain tums. If his tummy is upset that could help.

If they don't then get him in to see the vet Monday morning. If he is really lethargic tomorrow and won't drink water you might have to find a vet open tomorrow as that is more serious. You don't want him to get dehydrated so make sure he is drinking water. Withholding his food is recommended if he is vomiting.

Please let me know how he does.

Ask the Veterinarian

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Jana Connell RVT, CVT

Expertise

PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!

Experience

I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina. I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.

Organizations
Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.

Education/Credentials
Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT. Certified Veterinary Dental Technician Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).

Awards and Honors
Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.