How do you know what is normal and what is serious?

[YoureAllABunchOfBastards]

BastardPup is not himself. He's had three very loose poos and thrown up twice this morning. No interest in his food. I can hear his tummy squeaking. Has greeted us but no windmill tail and is now lying down trying to chew the patio doors.

How do you tell when it is just a bug/something he has eaten and when it is something more?

I'm currently off work with anxiety so not best placed to judge rationally

[BiteyShark]

My dog is often ill and I always used to say in the beginning that whilst he is wagging his tail at them he 'isn't' himself and my vets do listen to that.

I think you just start to know what is ok for your dog or not. I 'know' mine isn't a vomity dog so every time we have had vomiting it has been serious. I also know that if diarrhoea hasn't cleared up in my dog in 24-48 hours we are on another major decline.

It's hard but I think you have to trust your instincts. Also don't worry about going to the vets because firstly you are paying and secondly they tend to ask you what's wrong so will put you in as routine or urgent.

[BiteyShark]

Oh and I would say in your situation as he is off his food, has vomiting and you know he isn't greeting you with his usual vigour that would make me go to the vets.

This is because they can't tell you what's wrong and they tend to try and hide pain. Also vomiting always rings bells for an obstruction and having gone to our vets where they felt something in his stomach and had emergency surgery to remove a rag I would always be cautious.

[YoureAllABunchOfBastards]

He is mooching as normal and got to his usual level of excitement for the cat! Not sure if the gurgling now is hunger or something else.

He was fine yesterday so will give it a bit of time to see if he settles. He may have eaten a snail again.

Jesus, between him, the cat disappearing for 3 days (now back) and DS1's Y7 settling issues it's no wonder I am a nervous wreck

[MaryBoBary]

I have been told that around this time of year and again in the spring dogs can get upset stomachs, and you often catching them eating a lot of grass. If your dog seems out of character still after a couple of days then go to vets.