Q&A

A failed vaccine means the dog can still get distemper or parvovirus after exposure—vomiting, diarrhea, cough, runny nose, fever. Vaccine side effects like fever, vomiting, diarrhea or allergy can also lower immunity and cause failure. Finally, a vet serum antibody test shows if enough antibodies formed; if too low, revaccinate.

Turtle gastroenteritis shows low spirits, slow response, vomiting, soft or loose stool, often from cold feeding, temperature swings, bad water or spoiled food. Your signs of gaping and foam may instead be pneumonia; if it floats tilted in deep water, gapes at the surface with sound, has blocked nostrils or fears water, it is likely pneumonia linked to hibernation temperature swings. Control the temperature at about 28°C and soak in penicillin or streptomycin.

Blood in stool mainly suggests large-intestine bleeding from hemorrhagic enteritis, parasites or gut scratches. Hemorrhagic enteritis from bacteria shows blood on the surface or frank blood. Parasites like coccidia and Giardia cause end-of-stool blood or stubborn diarrhea; gut scratches from sharp objects like bones or metal cause severe bleeding with ulcer or perforation risk. See a vet promptly.

Based on your description it is not yet confirmed; diagnosis needs the antigen test plus blood work and clinical signs. Due to viral load differences, hospital PCR and strips have 80-85% accuracy, so with no clinical signs do a PCR nucleic-acid test for the most accurate confirmation.

Vomiting may come from hairballs, internal parasites, gastroenteritis, pancreatitis or panleukopenia. If otherwise normal with hair in vomit, try hairball paste. If no improvement, withhold food and water half a day, then give pet anti-inflammatory and an anti-vomit drug; after relief feed small frequent bland meals with probiotics. If still poor and unvaccinated, see a vet.

Raw veggies are usually fine but note: fiber aids digestion but excess causes diarrhea. They may carry bacteria and parasites like salmonella and toxoplasma, causing gastroenteritis, so wash them first. Some have antinutrients like oxalates affecting absorption, so don't overfeed. Onions, scallions and raw garlic are toxic—see a vet if eaten in quantity.

A little apple is usually fine and some dogs love it; apples give vitamin C and fiber for immunity and digestion. But don't let it eat the core, which has trace cyanide that can poison in excess. Too much apple sugar may cause diarrhea or other digestive issues.

Normally no fasting is needed; most oral dewormers work before or after meals, preferably after, since food reduces stomach irritation. But if the label requires fasting, skipping it may cause vomiting, diarrhea or discomfort—watch closely and see a vet if abnormal.

A native dog's digestion suits little sugar; too much causes indigestion, diarrhea and vomiting. Sugar feeds oral bacteria, raising tooth decay and tartar risk. Long-term excess adds weight and diabetes risk.

Give a clean, comfortable, sized home for activity and rest. As herbivores they need plenty of hay, water and a few vegetables; hay gives fiber and vitamins, vegetables add nutrition and moisture. Provide exercise with tunnels and climbing toys. Clean and disinfect the cage daily, removing waste and food scraps to prevent germs.