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Question
Hello,
my 1+ yorkie/spaniel puppy has been throwing up a white foamy substance recently, not all the time, but once in a while - maybe three times in the past month. This morning when he did, he gagged for a period of time then threw up... he did this 3 times. I was wondering if you would be able to tell me your suggestions on what could be done, or if i need to take him to the vet. thank you!
His name is Peter Parker, and he is a very picky eater. He only eats once a day, because he won't eat more then that. I don't know if that is normal for dogs?
He has his rabies shots and all the other necessary ones.
Your puppy might be getting a sore throat off and on. Tonsillitis is not uncommon in dogs, so you should have him looked at by your vet.
There is nothing wrong with feeding once a day, just make sure it's in the morning to prevent obesity. Dogs are not born picky eaters. They are created by owners changing their food often because they think the dog wants a variety.
Dogs are not dumb. Once an owner does this, they realize that they can get new food by refusing to eat the old food.
What this causes is obesity, digestive problems, some of which can be fatal, and dogs who become picky.
Stick to one food, preferably a highly nutritious food such as Science Diet. Do not change his food. Let him eat it and leave it down and walk away if he doesn't. After a half hour if he doesn't eat it, pick it up and give it to him the next morning.
Don't add anything to it and don't feed him treats. He will soon stop being picky and will start appreciating his food in the morning.
Have the vet look at his throat soon.
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Answers by Expert:
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.
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