For many months, Milo has been throwing up. It’s most concerning when it’s a bright yellow/orange out of nowhere. Milo is my grandma’s dog and she has Dementia, so there is many things she can be doing to him that the family doesn’t know. We noticed many of his concerns when we moved my grandma closer to us and my sister moved in with her. My grandma believes that Milo doesn’t eat his food/hasn’t eaten, so she’ll feed him table scraps and left over food from her plate. Part of it is because Milo will stick his face in her space while she’s eating. I’m not sure exactly everything she feeds him, but I do know it’s not the healthy natural foods. She also fed him a variety of the chewy treats and milk bones which she’d just throw on the ground or feed by hand. We allowed her to feed him meat market bones to keep Milo busy since he’s very destructive. However, we stopped giving her bones of all sorts to give after last month. So, one morning Milo was throwing up violently, clear liquids, and was bloated. When we took him to the ER, his stomach flipped from eating a whole bone chunk (something my sister says he does a lot). He also eats the dry cat food and litter that my grandma leaves out for her cat.
It sounds like Milo has been through quite a lot, and it's completely understandable that you're concerned about his ongoing vomiting. The bright yellow or orange color of his vomit often indicates bile, which can be a sign of an empty stomach or gastrointestinal irritation. Given his history of eating inappropriate items and the previous surgery for swallowing a bone, there are several factors to consider.
Firstly, the table scraps and leftover food your grandma is feeding Milo could be contributing to his vomiting. Many human foods are not suitable for dogs and can cause gastrointestinal upset. Additionally, the variety of chewy treats and milk bones, especially if given in excess, can also lead to digestive issues.
Here are some steps you can take to help manage Milo's condition at home:
1. **Dietary Management**: It's important to ensure Milo is eating a consistent, high-quality dog food. Avoid giving him table scraps and human food. You might need to supervise meal times to prevent your grandma from feeding him inappropriate foods.
2. **Feeding Schedule**: Feeding smaller, more frequent meals can help reduce bile vomiting. This keeps something in his stomach and can prevent the buildup of stomach acid.
3. **Hydration**: Make sure Milo has access to fresh water at all times. Dehydration can worsen vomiting and lead to other health issues.
4. **Prevent Access to Cat Food and Litter**: Cat food is often higher in fat and protein than dog food, which can upset a dog's stomach. Additionally, ingesting cat litter can cause blockages. Try to place the cat food and litter box in an area that Milo cannot access.
5. **Monitor for Other Symptoms**: Keep an eye on any other symptoms such as lethargy, diarrhea, or changes in behavior. These could indicate a more serious underlying issue.
Given Milo's history of stomach surgery and the severity of his symptoms, it's crucial to have him evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. The vomiting could be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a gastrointestinal obstruction or another complication from his previous surgery. Immediate veterinary attention is necessary to ensure Milo receives the appropriate care and treatment.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask. Thank you.
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