Thank you Gary,
Oh Chilli!
Now with young dogs, we do always have to be vigilant and cautious when we see signs of this nature. As I am sure you can appreciate, there are a range of conditions that can cause GI upset and induce these signs (ie bacterial infections, viruses, pancreatitis, etc).
Still based on the signs you are seeing with Chilli, I would be very concerned about a primary GI based issue despite the lack of vomiting or diarrhea. As you noted, the grass eating is a sign we often see with nauseous dogs, as is the retching you noted more recently. More specifically, with his age, his lack of appetite/drinking, the straining/trying to pass feces, and the teeth gnashing (often a sign of belly pain), I would very concerned that he has ingested something that he should not have. It may have been ingested a few days ago and it was in the stomach. But his worsening could be a sign that the item is either starting to traumatize the stomach or potentially could have passed into the intestines where it may be stuck.
So, while I cannot see if you had appreciated any belly soreness, discomfort or tenseness; I'd be concerned that with all the other signs that we may have something in his GI that should not be here. So, while I will often outline home supportive care for dogs with stomach upset, in this case I think it is prudent to just get Chilli checked this morning. Most vets to have Saturday morning surgeries (usually starting in the next 30 minutes to an hours), and I do think it is worth phoning as soon as they are open and getting him evaluated (since we don't want to leave this over the weekend). The vet can have a good feel of his belly +/- an xray to determine if there is something in his GI. Depending on their findings, they can address this appropriately for him (ie if its in the stomach they may be able to use their endoscope to remove it, if its in the GI then surgery may be required, or if they see its something that should be able to pass then they can start medical management to help him do so).
So, in this case, his signs are very suggestive of a potential foreign body. And in this case, we'd want him checked this morning without delay. So, do give your vet a ring to get him seen or if you don't have a vet for Chilli yet then you can check the RCVS Register (HERE). And if you need emergency care, you can also find your local Vets Now who are open all nights/weekends here (LINK). In any case, we want a wee check up now to address this for him.
I hope this information is helpful.
If you need any additional information, do not hesitate to ask!
All the best,
Dr. B.
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