Furry Forum
Q: I have a 1-year-old Pekingese who often refuses to eat, which causes her to vomit. My vet says there is nothing internally wrong. I’ve tried a variety of dog foods. What could be wrong, and what can I do?
–Jenny Ayotte, Metamora, MichiganA: First get a second opinion with another vet; there are even specialists who can take a good look at digestive tracts and look for possible food allergies. There are alternative holistic diets out there that may be worth looking into as well as prescription diet food for sensitive stomachs. There are also healthy ways you can cook for your dog, but check with your vet first. I have a hunch there is something wrong here; dogs do not vomit food because of the taste. –Randy Grim, founder of Stray Rescue & host of Animal Tales, St. Louis, Missouri
A: Some dog individuals can be very particular about what they want to eat. Often, the more options they are offered, the pickier they become. Offer her a single type of high-quality dry food. The dry can be top-dressed with a small amount of high-quality canned food to increase her interest in it. Your veterinarian is a good source for a recommendation of a high-quality palatable food if you’re not sure what to use. I have had the occasional individual dog who vomits if on an empty stomach. Feeding multiple meals helps to solve this, and I’ve had some patients do well on acid inhibitors. Do not start any medication without consulting with your own veterinarian. Remember that dogs are survivalists. She will eventually eat what you’ve offered but you’ve got to be more persistent than she is. –Bonnie Walker, DVM, Pima North Animal Hospital, Scottsdale, Arizona
A: Your Pekingese may be vomiting because of acid buildup in the stomach from not eating enough and having an empty stomach. You could contact your veterinarian to get a dose of Pepcid AC that you could give your dog to help with the acid buildup and make her less nauseous. In terms of what type of food to offer her, if you offer wet food, you can heat it gently in the microwave. You may want to consider a sensitive stomach diet. There are over-the-counter brands as well as prescription formulas available from your veterinarian. Be careful when switching foods, and do it gradually over the course of a few days to avoid diarrhea. –Sarah Bowman, V.M.D., CityPaws Animal Hospital, Washington, D.C.
Q: My dog loves to eat chewing gum to the point of scraping it off the sidewalk. Is this bad for him, or can I throw him a fresh stick from time to time? What are some alternatives?
–Patrick Lynch, Monterey, CaliforniaA: Keep the gum away from Fido. Start carrying alternative treats—special treats that he loves—and when he is about to do the gum attack give him a “drop it” command. Replace the gum with his groovy new treats. Make sure they are a chewy texture like jerky, so he gets the same sensation, and only use these “special” treats for the gum-snatching experiences. If it is fresh breath you’re after, they sell doggie mints at most pet stores. –Randy Grim, founder of Stray Rescue & host of Animal Tales, St. Louis, Missouri
A: Chewing gum is a real no-no. Many gums are sweetened artificially, and some artificial sweeteners cause very serious problems in dogs such as hypoglycemia and even liver disease, which can be fatal. With the vast number of treats made for dogs these days, there are many healthy options available. If you are unsure what to buy for him, consult your veterinarian or her staff for recommendations. But by all means, stop allowing him to eat chewing gum. –Bonnie Walker, DVM, Pima North Animal Hospital, Scottsdale, Arizona
A: I would not recommend that your dog be allowed to eat chewing gum. There are plenty of other chew toys available that are safe for your dog. Have you tried a Kong that you can fill with treats or a Booda bone? On walks, try bringing treats with you, and when you see chewing gum on the sidewalk, distract your dog and encourage him to leave the chewing gum alone. Then reward the behavior, and give him the treat as a positive reward for not scraping the gum off the sidewalk. –Sarah Bowman, V.M.D., CityPaws Animal Hospital, Washington, D.C.
Q: My newly adopted guinea pig has been gaining weight. I’m afraid he’s getting too big. How do I put him on a diet?
–Nathaniel Allen, Fairfax, VirginiaA: Since they haven’t invented liposuction for guinea pigs yet or piggy gym memberships, you should reduce the food intake, keep him healthy, and increase his exercise at home. It is really that simple. –Randy Grim, founder of Stray Rescue & host of Animal Tales, St. Louis, Missouri
A: Have him evaluated by your vet to assess whether or not he is overweight. Guinea pigs that are not overweight should be kept on a good quality commercial guinea pig feed with 20 percent protein and 16 percent fiber. In addition, they require a source of supplemental vitamin C. Add eight ounces of drinking water, changed daily. Include one or more high vitamin C-containing foods, such as oranges, cabbage, or kale. Limit treats, such as timothy hay, alfalfa cubes, green vegetables, carrot tops or apples, to one to two tablespoons per 24 hours. Guinea pigs have sensitive intestinal tracts; sudden alterations in diet, including change of food brand, may results in serious GI upset and loss of appetite. Increase his activity by scattering the food around the cage so he has to forage for it. –Bonnie Walker, DVM, Pima North Animal Hospital, Scottsdale, Arizona
A: What type of food do you feed your guinea pig? Please be sure you are feeding him a pelleted guinea pig-specific formula. I don’t recommend feeding him one of the mixtures because he can pick and choose which types of food he eats and leave the others. Often times, they will eat the seeds and other parts of the mixture that are higher in fat and calories and leave the more healthy pieces. In terms of maintenance feeding for the guinea pig, you can add in a small amount of fresh fruit and vegetables. Again, the pelleted formulas made specifically for guinea pigs are the best.
–Sarah Bowman, V.M.D., CityPaws Animal Hospital, Washington, D.C.
