Old Dog Throwing Up

This question for our Pet Doc comes from the concerned owner of a 14.5 year old Bichon named Harley...

My Old Dog Harley Has Been Throwing Up...

Harley has been throwing up every day, sometimes twice. He has a wheezing problem that stops temporarily when he throws up. Harley has slowed down a bit but seems spritley for a dog his age. He has been on an all vegetable dog food prescribed from our bath due to allergies. He has been on this for 5 years with out any skin problems recurring.

The throwing up started about 2 weeks ago and has been recurring more frequently.

Our Pet Doc Says...

Thanks for the question. My recommendation would be to take Harley in to see your veterinarian reasonably soon. Two weeks of vomiting for any aged dog is cause for concern and especially raises a brow when speaking of an older pet. Would you know Harley was sick if you didn't see him vomiting? How is his attitude and appetite? How soon after eating does the vomiting occur or is it inconsistent? Can you describe what the vomit looks like? These are a few of the questions that you should be prepared to answer when speaking with your vet. If I were to examine Harley and not find an obvious reason to explain the problem, then I would start with diagnostic testing. Testing may include blood chemistry analysis, urinalysis, fecal analysis and possibly a radiograph. The decision as to what tests will be run will be made by your veterinarian based on his or her physical exam findings. Be sure to mention Harley's wheezing episodes. These two problems sound as though they may be unrelated but be sure to mention all of your concerns. I hope this helps. If there is anything I didn't answer or you have more questions, then please contact me again.

Thanks,
Jacob Mireles, DVM, aka The Pet Doc