Expert: Patti - 6/6/2007

Question
Hi Patti! My fiancee and I picked up a 4 yr old Chihuahua mix at the shelter a couple days ago. He looks to be in good health, but won't eat. He just started drinking water, but has no interest in food. Additionally, he dry heaves or vomits bile pretty much all day. It almost seems like anxiety... any suggestions? Thanks!

Answer
Hi Chris,

Looking to be in good health, isn't the same as actually being in good health! Your new dog should be examined by a vet.

In you message, you've said that your dog hasn't eaten for a few days. You can try enticing him with something irresistible, canned dog food that is warmed slightly (to release it's delicious odor) might jump start him into eating, so might a little scrambled egg or broiled hamburger mixed into his regular food. You shouldn't let this go for much longer without having your a vet examine the dog. Chihuahua's are noted to have poor teeth, but it's possible he has a broken tooth too. If he's having oral pain, that would certainly make him avoid food.

It's also possible the dog has a preexisting condition such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, which can cause a wide spectrum of symptoms, including chronic vomiting

The dog probably has the anxiety you wondered about. Chihuahua's are pretty high strung and sensitive, so besides the stress of being in a new home (though a loving home, I'm sure) it's still an incredibly stressful event to a dog, especially if it's not the first home he's been in.

What might help the dog relax while he gets used to being in his new home is a product called  Dog Appeasing Pheromone spray (DAP).
Within three to five days after giving birth, a female dog generates pheromones that give their puppies a sense of well-being and reassurance. Dogs retain the response of being calmed by the pheromones even as adults.
The odor of pheromone spray is picked up and detected by the dog, but it's not detectable to humans. By replicating this signal of comfort, DAP helps alleviate fear and stress related signs in dogs. You can read about DAP here:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/04/040422225509.htm

I have three dogs and I can tell you from personal experience that DAP really DOES work to soothe and calm nervous dogs.

The vomiting bile just means his stomach is empty, by itself it's not a symptom of anything in particular.

I hope I've been a help.
Best of luck,

Patti