Loss of Appetite
When food, which is usually gobbled down in one minute flat, is left untouched for hours, you know something is disturbing this usually ravenous canine. However, lack of appetite by itself is no cause for alarm. All dogs will at some time or other refuse to eat a meal or two. They should be allowed to do this without being pestered to eat or coaxed with tempting tidbits. The cause for this disinterest in food may be purely adjusting to overeating on previous days or to indigestion. Very often a dog will also eat grass, and then he will vomit. This is nature's way of curing an upset stomach. As mentioned previously, this is perfectly normal on occasion and should not be any reason for concern. However, should such poor eating habits or grass eating accompanied by vomiting occur more than once a week, then the dog's diet might be faulty and should be re-evaluated. If this persists after dietary changes, then an examination by the vet would be in order.

Dog Vomiting
I. The habitual after meal vomiter
Some dogs who are healthy in every respect vomit quite regularly. This may be due to eating too rapidly and/or eating too much. These dogs will usually want to eat this regurgitated mass up again—there is nothing wrong with this, and they should be allowed to do so if they so desire. However, having such a mess regularly is not too pleasant especially when the dog lives in the house. It may be a relief to know that your dog isn't sick, but you will, in all probability, want to learn how to avoid this mess in the first place. Try these hints, and, if they don't help, consult your vet:
1—Let your dog rest about half an hour before feeding him.
2—Feed him in a quiet place away from the usual household commotion.
3—Feed him smaller portions—perhaps two small
meals rather than one large one.
4—Let him rest after eating—avoid heavy exercise for at least hah* an hour.

II. Vomiting Yellow Stomach Juices.
Some dogs occasionally vomit stomach juices before their regular meal tune. They will gag, ask to go out (if well trained) and then vomit a yellowy-foamy liquid. If this gets on carpeting, it makes quite a stain so wash it off immediately. As far as the dog is concerned, it is nothing to be overly concerned about. It's a build up of acid in the stomach when empty. This can sometimes be avoided by having a very regular meal time or by leaving a bowl with some dry kibble available at all times.

III. Continuous Vomiting.
An otherwise healthy appearing dog may start to vomit suddenly and continuously. If this vomiting continues and the dog can't keep anything down, then medical attention is required promptly. Excessive vomiting will cause dehydration, and, if this isn't treated, it can lead to death.

Puppies are particularly vulnerable to this type of situation. Like small children, they love to put things in their mouths and swallow them. Often, puppies will get something caught in their throat or lodged in their stomach, and this will cause the incessant vomiting. This misfortune can easily happen to a mature dog as well. That is why dog owners are cautioned not to give their dogs soft or small bones or rubber toys. These items, when chewed up, can create such a problem.

Dog Constipation
This condition may be chronic or temporary. Insufficient exercise as well as the diet may be the cause. In chronic cases your vet may wish to examine the dog and prescribe a mode of treatment. When the problem is merely temporary, you might try giving your pet additional walks and exercise as well as some milk of magnesia or adding mineral oil to his food.

Diarrhea
Diarrhea is symptomatic of other problems. It may be caused by illness, intestinal parasites, or even emotional distress. The diarrhea can be treated, but the cause should be ascertained as well. Kaopectate can be administered. The quantity will depend on the size of the dog and the severity of the case. Check with your vet. Some dogs have very "delicate" digestive systems and cannot tolerate rich food or certain types of table scraps. They must be maintained on specially prepared dog food in order to avoid any upset.

Nervous, high strung animals will react to an exciting or stressful situation by having diarrhea. This is particularly annoying to pet owners when it is uncontrollable and occurs in the house. Veterinarians often prescribe tranquilizers as well as special diets to calm these types. Puppies suffering from this nervous digestive disturbance are particularly difficult to housebreak. Tremendous patience is required to cope with this dilemma.