When her breakfast predictably resurfaced, I knew we’d be heading off to the vet. Not a mean feat either given Lila’s tendency towards motion sickness. And I had promised myself only to put her in the car when there was something pleasant at the end of the journey. The best laid plans. The poor doggy whimpered and drooled all the way there (with me stroking her head with one hand and steering the car with the other). Thankfully, she’d managed to empty her stomach before our departure.
Not shying away from the vernacular, the vet pronounced that a “sock or jock” blockage was unlikely owing to Lila’s bowel movements continuing in a timely, perfectly formed manner. She thought it far more likely that Lila had ingested something nasty enough to throw the ecosystem of her gut out of whack. She recommended a liquid diet for the remainder of the day, antibiotics, and nothing but chicken and rice (Lila’s favourite!) for the subsequent 48 hours.
We then headed home with me feeling the worst was over. Until Lila came within millimetres of ignoring the vet’s advice and wolfing down the three chicken breasts I’d just picked up from the butcher, without any regard for her proposed convalescence. And then, having averted that disaster (in case I had any doubt about the absence of a blockage), she proceeded to deposit another perfectly formed pile of poo on the back seat of the car.
I hope you won’t think less of me if I confess to pouring myself an extra glass of Shiraz at dinner.
[If you have received this post by email, please click “dog downunder” or “lila gets a tummy ache” in order to view accompanying video in a web page.]
Love your stories or encounters, it’s amazing what these creatures can get themselves into.
My wife and I both get your emails and we always let the others know when a new one comes in.
Anyway hope your puppy is feeling better and back to getting into mischief. :~)
It is morning here and please rest assured Lila is back in top form!!!
Lila has the saddest sad puppy face I’ve ever seen. I hope she’ll recover quickly.
What puppy hasn’t ingested something not meant to be taken internally ? If her system is working, as it seems to be, then there must be a clean shot from mouth to tailend !!!
For the car sickness there are herbal remedies that can help. Essential oil of peppermint and also essential oil of lavendar is a relaxing one.
Love to see a pup experience life!! Even in another part of the world life is very similar.
Thank you for the tip on motion sickness. I’d heard about ginger, but not the remedies you’ve mentioned. We may need to explore a few options!
FYI, essential oil of peppermint is the one more highly recommended by my local herbalist. Give the dog three good whiffs of it and put a cotton ball with some oil on it in the area of the car where she rides. The odor will actually change brain chemistry to soothe motion sickness. BTW, put the same oil on a cotton ball and put it where you don’t want mice and you won’t have mice any more.
Good luck!
Getting rid of mice could come in handy!