Stomach Problem

[bsa720]

Our labrador retriever will occasionally have these symptoms (without any reason) She will begin doing the prayer position, stretching her stomach like she is in distress. She immediately wants to go outside, where she heads for grass to eat and then will occasionally vomit and defecate. The symptoms usually subside after 20-30 minutes. I thought bloat, but the vet has told me bloat is a fast fatal disease. Can you help me.

[Circe123]

The eating grass part is completely normal. No one knows for sure why dogs do this, but most seem to, and prefer fresh grass. Some people have suggested it may be to aid fibre intake, but who knows.

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

Your dog may have food allergies, bacteria overgrowth in the digestive system, low digestive enzymes, or gastrointestinal parasites, or a combination of the above.

You can try over the counter Beano, probiotics, and a digestive enzyme.  These are available at good pharmacies and health food stores.  You can use an adult human dose and the frequency prescribed on the label.

If this is ineffective in controlling your dogs symptoms it might be best to try a prescription hypoallergenic or non-allergenic food.