Help!!!! my Saint bernard is sick :(

[nchandler]

Hey there... ok, so I feel kinda retarded coming to a dog forum for advice about my sick baby but I don't know where else to turn... he's 1 year old an up until this afternoon he was doing great... full of energy, bouncing around like he is the size of my aussie shepard etc...

now I can barely get him to eat or drink.. he doesn't want treats, isn't following me everywhere, nothing... an it has been so long since I have had a sick dog on my hands I am clueless!! I don't have the 250 they want me to have to take him into the late night hospital an I am starting to freak out... I know I can give him aspirin but I'll be damned if he'll take it...

suggestions??

[Bosley Slave]

Have you taken his temp?
Could he have gotten into something?
You may have to take him into the vet to be sure he is ok.

[nchandler]

Can I take his temperature with a regular thermometer? An what "should" his temp be.... an I dunno what he could have gotten into, I was gone most of the day... as far as the vet tonight.. I'm a single mom of 3, I can't afford emergency room fees

[dogcraz_ee]

Yes, I have used my thermo. to take temperature of dog. It will give you a good idea if he has one above 102.1. If so you must get to a vet for it could be alot of things. If no temp has he been wormed good? Up to date on shots to one year with Rabi vac necessary? Might he gotten into what he should not have, eaten bad food or junk, chocolate of anykind candy or baked food? See if he might eat a tbsp of canned unspiced pumpkin if no temp, etc. Is his bowels working ok and kidneys? Is he drinking forgot now what you said in post.? If not slip slivers of crushed ice into his mouth on the side of. Please repost how he is or what his problem is if you find out.

[Kim]

Normal rectal temp for dogs is 100.5 to 102.5...here's a link for info on taking a dog's temp:

http://www.dog.com/information/dogtemp.asp

I know how it is to be a single working parent & not have the $...it can be very frustrating! Have you tried calling the emergency clinic explaining your dog's symptoms & your financial situation to see if they can offer you some form of help over the phone? If he doesn't get better soon, you may have to bite the bullet, though. Good luck!

[nchandler]

His temp is 103.3 an he's had all his shots, I just got him about 3 weeks ago an he got all his shots that week...

I dunno who said try to give him a teaspoonof pumpkin... ya mean just the stuff out of a can that you would make pumpkin pie with???

I'm trying to find an all night vet that is open now... sighs... although I have just had him a few weeks, let me tell you it has been a very eventful few weeks... an I am so attached

[Kim]

Yes, the stuff in the can. I've used it for diarrhea but I don't know what else it's good for.

How old is he? I know that puppies are supposed to get three rounds of vaccs starting at 8 wks. & then one round a year after the last round & then a round every three years.

[nchandler]

he turned a year on Dec 12. He's had all his shots... I just talked to a vet an they don't even really want to talk to you, just want you automatically to bring him in.. groans... I dunno what to do

[Dignity]

You should try to get some fluids in him. If you have pedialyte (unflavored is best), try and get him to drink that. It really does sound that he needs to see the vet . Please keep us updated!!

[Bosley Slave]

I know it is tough when you have so many other obligations. The Pedialite is a good idea so he won't get dehydrated. I know it is expensive but you may just need to go into the vet.