Hi, wonder if anyone has got any advice! On Wed my two dogs had a big raw marrow bone each, to chew on, as I thought it would help clean their teeth. Anyway, one dog is fine, but my 10-year old collie started vomiting yesterday, with the runs as well, and today she has been really quiet, not like herself at all. Not vomited today, but has still got the runs, and I've not fed her anything today except bio-yoghurt. Do you think she might have swallowed some of the bone and got a blockage, or is it a normal effect of chewing on it? Any advice appreciated!
Hilda

Hi Hilda,
sorry your dog is poorly. Vomiting and the runs aren't uaually a normal effect of chewing on bones, in fact it usually makes their poos more firm if anything. If there was a blockage I think she would stop altogether. Was there any blood at all in her vomit or poo? Are they used to having bones or is it their first time? It may just have irritated her stomach a bit. My dog has quite a sensitive stomach and I've used porridge (made with water) and slippery elm powder (from health food shops) with success. I just give her little and often and see what the reaction is. It seems to soothe her tum. Also make sure she's drinking ok so she doesn't get dehydrated.

Sorry I can't be more help, except for moral support!

I hope she's feeling better soon,
Kath.

Bones always make mine "loose" and occasionally sick. I give them boiled rice and yoghurt until it clears and try to remember not to give them bones again - until the time I think mmm that might be a nice change and round we go again!

Its funny this, one of mine also used to get the runs when given a bone to chew ,but this was when she was fed on complete now shes raw feed it doesnt happen anymore I think it is either due to to much rich marrow or that mixing bone and complete to close together may not work with some dogs.This is just my thoughts on it and someone may disagree. Hope your fur baby is better soon.Gillian

Hi Gillian,
I agree with you, it could be the actual marrow rather than swallowing any pieces of bone. Would it be better to switch from marrow to other types of bone...ribs etc? Mine's on half complete, half raw (slowly changing to all raw) but didn't have a problem before anyway. Just shows how each dog is different.

How is she doing. Hilda?
Kath.

My pup got realy sick once after having a white marrow bone...kept throwing up white foam! I gave him boild rice and hard boiled eggs (vet's advice) in small quantities till it he he got better. Now we stick to raw hide chews!

Hi Hilda

What do the bones look like? Are there bits missing?

Dogs that have blockages can often get D & V to start with then the dire-rear dries up and if it is a total blockage then after a few days anything they try to drink (they have stopped eating by this time in my experience) comes straight back up.

Keep an eye on her and if you are at all concerned then take her to the vets

Good luck

Christine

Hi everyone,
Thanks for the replies! Fortunately Sherrie seems to be back to her normal self this morning, jumping around and eating her normal food. The bone was a big one, so I don't think she was actually able to chew a piece off it to swallow, though of course can't be sure. It probably was the marrow then, and yes, she is on a complete dried food, so possibly that was something to do with it then. She hadn't had a bone like this before either, but it's so unlike her to be off colour that I was quite worried. Anyway, over the weekend just gave her yoghurt and rice. She didn't pass/throw-up any blood or anything, but I don't think I'll give her one of these bones again - just in case! At her age (11) I don't want her to be unwell! Thanks again!
Hilda

Glad she's OK now, Hilda

Kath.

I found that the first time or two my dogs got marrowbones they were a bit runny - it was from eating too much marrow when they weren't used to it. Now that they have them frequently they dont' have this trouble. Marrow can make a dog runny.

Wendy

Hi Wendy,
Seems as though that was the problem! If it had just been the runs I wouldn't have been too worried, but with the vomiting as well, and Sherrie was just really quiet, lying round on her bed doing nothing, that I thought she might have a more serious prob like a blockage. She's usually a really lively character, but anyway, seems to be back to normal now, thank goodness!
Hilda

It can be really rich and if a dog's not used to the rich stuff and it hits their tummy it can come out either way!! But always better to be safe than sorry:) I'm glad things are okay now.

Wendy