Teething and Sick? Help!

[Amy & Albee]

Hi all --

I haven't been on much lately because I decided to go back to school, yikes! But Albee has made a great study buddy so far!

Albee is 4 and a half months old. He's lost all of his front teeth and 2 new ones are poking through. He's a chewer right now, as expected. But I'm writing because he's our first puppy and I think he's a little sick and I need your advice (I just don't know what's normal).

I'll start off by saying he's still pretty spunky. Right now he's trying to get my attention and pushing an ice cube across the floor...

He threw up twice in his crate yesterday morning (530 am) and twice more around 9am. Since then, he has been on softer food (due to teething) and a little bit of pumpkin. He isn't drinking much water, but he's licking and eating ice cubes. His poo is a little soft and its regular, considering he isn't eating a whole lot.

So he's kept food down for 27 hours now- just a loss of appetite and not drinking much. Still spunky and everything else is fine.

So what do you think -- does he have an upset tummy? Is some of this because of teething? I am trying not to over worry here, but like I said, he's our first :)

Thanks!

[Susan and Bentley]

When Bentley hit that age, he started showing little to no interest in his food.  I think their teeth just hurt them so much.  He still chewed on my walls, rugs, everything else but his food.  He never ate his breakfast, and sometimes didn't eat any dinner until like 8:30 at night.  If he starts vomiting again though, I would bring him to the vet.  Bentley's been to the vet 3x for vomiting and loose stools, one time they kept him bc he was dehydrated.  They give him a shot of fluids which stops the vomiting and med for the diarrhea.  He feels so much better afterwards.  So I wouldn't worry about the not eating unless he throws up more or seems lethargic.  Hope that helps!

[Amy & Albee]

Thanks, Susan, I appreciate the response! If he were lethargic, I would definitely be at the vets. I've read here plenty of times that they won't starve themselves, and will eat when need be. It's just hard first hand I suppose.

Right now he keeps running back to his dish to grab more ice cubes, so I feel like he's getting in some more water.

Good to know that its not out of the norm. I do feel bad about his little chompers though - plenty of fun toys to chew on here!

[Susan and Bentley]

yes, as Bentley gets older (he's 7 months old now) he seems to prefer to chew on everything other than his toys, which he has way to many of - lol.  He did eat a hole in my wall and we've had to take up all our throw rugs, and of course he loves to pull out huge chunks of grass in my backyard, and eat the bushes.   He's a lot better than he was, it's frustrating but I know it shall pass.  The vet said we just have to get him threw his first year in one piece!!!  And yes, it's so sad, their teeth must hurt so much :(

[Bonnie and Kona]

Because there is a canine flu going around I would take him to the vet. Our doodle ended up dehydrated after one night of vomiting and had to stay at the clinic two days for IV's. I hope your pup is fine, but you should have him checked.

[Amy & Albee]

I wanted to update (after seeing a thread about not updating- I was reminded that I had not done so) that Albee is feeling much better. So here was how things played out:

Albee is teething, as mentioned.. He had an upset tummy on Saturday morning (he sometimes does because he has an empty stomach, but this was a little bit more). We monitored him on Saturday and Sunday. I really contemplated taking him in, but he was otherwise acting normal. Full of energy, still urinating, just not pooing as often.

So I got thinking... I had given him some more pumpkin to try and calm his tummy AND I bought him can food (still TOTW, which is what he eats in kibble). I think I was aiding to his upset tummy. I read so often that Karen mentions to only add one thing at a time, and take it away as well. So I started to think about the new or increased amounts that he was getting this food. So I cut him off.

He was back to kibble (lightly soaked) and water. Well, wouldn't ya know... The next morning, his poos are great and he's roudy as ever. We went for a lengthy walk and he was full of energy!

So, lesson learned for me. If I'm ever in doubt, I will always take him to the vet.. but I also need to take a note of what happened leading up to it, and see what environmental things had changed!

[Bonnie and Kona]

Thank you so much for updating, Amy! I am so glad it worked out well and safely and easily. Big hugs to you and Albee.