First off, Happy Thanksgiving. So here's my story, monday night we had bbq and left the grill cover on the floor. Woke up the next morning and saw a tear in it (dog chewed it). I thought nothing of it and began with my routine of changing his water and later to give his food. I poured him some fresh water and as he drank he gagged right after. Nothing came out, but was unusal. I thought "hey it happens" maybe got some in the wrong tube. Anyways, he drank some more, this time normally and ate his food like he usually does. we exercised later that afternoon and he was upbeat and normal. The next day (wednesday) is when I noticed he was not himself. After our walk he plopped himself on the floor and was acting lethargic. Still eating, pooping fine, but gagging after he drank. Didn't go out to exercise that day and thought I'd wait it out to see if he turns around. Well, he hasn't gotten any better. Really tired today, not wanting to drink (although he does a little; still gags), he still eats and poops fine though. All the vets I've called are closed today and I'm worried for him. Maybe got some string from the cover caught in his throat or something?? Maybe he's caught a flu/sick?? I don't know. Also, his breath stinks. He's a 5 month Dutch Shepherd. I'm keeping a close eye on him now making sure he's drinking till tomorrow. He's walking and still fairly alert, but not at the level it should be at. What are your thoughts. Thanks.

Not only does he need a vet visit, he needs it now. I understand that it's a holiday and this is going to be a major PITA to go to an e-vet, but you're describing very frightening symptoms.

I'm with Connie. Find a vet.

When did he last poop and how did it look?

Is the gagging productive or non-?



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Never mind. Don't let typing on here take the place of phoning e-vets.

He pooped this morning at 8:00am, firm, one piece. He's fed Orijen and gets everything he needs nutritionally. His gagging is non-productive. I'll get on it with an e-vet. Thanks

Have you opened his mouth to look down his throat for a partial obstruction? (might be a two person job)

Not meant as avdice to replace the e-vet call...

 Quote: Lynne Barrows

Have you opened his mouth to look down his throat for a partial obstruction? (might be a two person job)

Not meant as avdice to replace the e-vet call...

That's what it sounds like to me, too, Lynne. The very bad breath makes it sound worse, too (infection beginning or even partial food intake rotting).



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Todd, please let us know!


Edited by Connie Sutherland (11/26/2009 02:42 PM)
Edit reason: eta

I wish I had seen this sooner. I see you're in So Cal Todd. There is an incredible 24 hour e-vet in Fountain Valley. It's a VCA open 365 days a year, with a great group of doctor's and specialists on hand all the time. I really hope your dog is okay. You're in my thoughts. Please keep us updated.

VCA All-Care Animal Referral Center
18440 Amistad St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 963-0909

Ok, so had him checked out and he had a cut/small puncture in his gum. Doc thought he might have similar cuts in his esophagus which could be the reason for his gag reflex when drinking. Nothing blocking his belly or intestines which was a relief. She prescribed some anit-inflammatory anitbiotics and some pepcid to coat the digestive tract and stop whatever infection may be going on. He got some fluids and hopefully will be back to normal soon. Thanks everyone.

Todd, glad to hear that the news was less serious then it seemed like it might be.