Stress Barfing?

[Frannie & Callie]

3-4 times a week, Callie vomits while I'm at the office. The vet has tested her six ways from Sunday and has come to the conclusion that Callie's mild separation anxiety is the cause. I was wondering if anyone else had experienced this with their dogs, and if there's any advice available. Thanks!

[Kendra K. Rhoton]

Yes... Remington is rarely alone... and when we're not home he is crated... BUT... when when our dog sitter comes to dog sit for us Remington almost always vomits. I think he just gets nervous when its not his usual routine you know? Sorry no good advice for you really, but just a comment so you know your not alone :)

[Frannie & Callie]

Kendra - it's always nice to know that I'm not alone! Callie is almost always alone through the full work day...you'd think she'd catch on by now! We spent nearly three hours at the dog park yesterday so I'm hoping she's still too tired to be stressed today.

[DeeDee and Sheila]

I know you are experienced and probably already have a pet walker or daycare for Callie so she has some type of stimulation at least most of the days? It is alot to ask of a smart pack animal to be alone all day every day. Second, if you do this and she STILL vomits, I had a rescued lab that my vet finally put on Chlonipromine. It is NOT a sedative. It is an anti depressant type drug that treats anxiety, but doesn't make the dog loopy. Given regularly, my Sandy still had tons of energy, but ALOT less anxiety. It smoothed out her life. And I didn't even work. But she had been so abused that she just couldn't handle being left alone.

[Frannie & Callie]

Meds may be a next step. Callie generally goes to daycare 1 day a week, and I come home during lunch 2-3 times a week. She seems to get herself the most worked up in the morning, because if she's going to throw up, she has by the time I get there at lunch time. I have a busy time at work coming up and my retired neighbor is going to walk her (even though that means I'll have to give him a key to my house - ick).

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Spud barfs all the time and it was concluded food related. He is on Lamb and Rice and barfs much less. He does barf though after a lot of activity.

This is so unrelated but my youngest son would have separation anxiety and he would barf because he would get so wound up about things as a baby. He barfed every time I left the house. His first day of college after trying to find a place to park for an hour--he barfed out the car door.

Maybe you could try Rescue Remedy on a treat before you leave? Oh, Spud barfs RR too, but it still works for him and our cats when things get stressed. This may be a simple step to try.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Joanne, our neighbor's boy also barfed when very excited. The doctor advised her not to pre-tell him anything - even good stuff. He would find out he was going to a birthday party, when he was told to get ready. I don't know if he ever outgrew it.
On a doggie note, our Springer was very destructive when we were gone when he was a puppy (from anxiety). He outgrew it but has NEVER outgrown his over-excitement when we come home. He actually wheezes and cries! He also pants on car rides and slobbers all over his ears when he goes places like the park.

[Frannie & Callie]

I've never heard of rescue remedy. What is it?

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Hi Frannie and Callie,
Rescue Remedy is an herbal supplement that can be used for humans and animal to relieve anxiety. I was able to find it at the drug store and the health food store. Many DK members have stated in previous discussions they use it on their dogs for long car travels, fireworks, and introducing another animal into the home.
The type I purchased came with a dropper and I added 4 drops to a dog treat. I think I see a calmness in the animals. that doesn't last long, has no side effects and is not a drug.
You may want to read other posts and see what other members think, but it sounds like a great idea for your dog.
There are a few other products out there that do the same thing but were more expensive in my area. This bottle was only $10.99 and would probably last you 6 weeks if you used it everyday.

[Joyce & Wilson]

I'm usually home all day..but when I am gone for a few hours...( I do get a life once in awhile lol ) I leave either the tv on Animal Planet..or a radio on with music and talking..like public radio..I think the noise of other voices lets Wilson know he's got "coompany"! ???? Maybe try that??