Old Dog Throwing Up

Bubby is in his 15th year

Submitted by a hound with a fashionable sense on September 27, 2011 - 10:50pm.

Dr. Mireles,

My Australian cattle dog, Bubby is in his 15th year now. He sleeps a lot and has arthritis in his hips. But other than that, he has always been a good eater and bowels have worked fine (except I've had to help "push" the poo out because of his sore hips). Last night Bubby threw up. He threw up again this morning. And again this afternoon. I'm hoping it's just an upset tummy as I gave him a little Kielbasa sausage that I cooked for my husband, which Bubby normally doesn't eat.

Bubby's meals consist of any of the following: range fed cooked ground beef, chicken, broccoli, peas, mashed potatoes, brown rice, and raw vegetable "smoothie" (carrots, celery, cabbage, tomatoes, red bell pepper). He's never thrown up eating any of these items. My question is: do older dogs that are close to dying start losing their ability to digest foods? And also the ability to control their bowels or urine? I also noticed this afternoon that not only was there throw-up in his bed, but also a small urine puddle near his pee'er.

He does not have the strength to get up and walk. I carried him outside and layed him on the grass then put him on his feet. He layed back down again. I had to carry him back into the house and put him back in his bed. Bubby and I have been best of pals since 1998 (rescued him from an abusive owner). The thought of losing him is too much to bear.

Heeler Mom in Hawaii

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My dog is almost 17 now

Submitted by a hound with a fashionable sense on May 30, 2011 - 5:00pm.

My dog is almost 17 now and pure bichon as well! His name is Minkey, and he's been throwing up sometimes as well. It's usually only when he eats something out of his regular diet, such as a new dog treat or scraps that may fall while preparing dinner. But other than the vomiting he's completely normal and even lively and energetic at times for a 17 year old dog. I don't know why or what could be wrong. If the owner of the dog Harley reads this: please respond with some feedback over the last 15 months. How is he doing? Did it get worse? Or go away...

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