[ILUVMYPOOCH]

My dog is 17 years old. I noticed about a week ago she was getting really thin so I changed her from dry dog food to canned food (purina). I noticed about 2-3 days later she had watery stools so I decided to switch back to an old canned food that I knew she was ok eating that I purchased from the vet (I stopped using this food in the past because she didn't like it anymore). Now she doesn't even eat this food and she barley drinks any water. She's old she can barely see and she can't hear. She had x-rays less than a year ago and it showed that she had a enlarged heart and something wrong with her spine, but everything else was fine. Why isn't she eating? is ok to just start feeding her ground beef, chicken and rice forever (that I have to cook)? I'm afraid to take her to the vet cause I'm afraid they'll tell me to put her to sleep. Earlier today we fed her a hamburger patty and she ate it all. If this is ok to do how much should I feed her of this a day? Also, if I don't see her drinking enough water is it ok to start using a syringe?

 

[Angie's Bella]

Have you had her teeth checked? I know that dogs that are old (and 17 is VERY old) that have been on commercial kibble are very prone to dental issues. A lot of times that is what leads to heart issues.

 

[Xie]

I strongly suggest bringing her to a vet. A 17 year old dog not eating is something that needs to be seen and it's not fair to her that your fear of what the vet might say is keeping her from getting the exam and/or medicine that she needs.

No vet I know of is going to bully an owner into putting down their dog. If you want to treat her they will do that. It can also be a good idea to get an outside opinion on how she is doing. A lot of times we are so close to the animal we can't see how they really look. A vet will be able to help you find a diet that will keep her eating and there are even medications that can help boost appetite. Please, for her sake, bring her in.

 

[Kathyy]

Agree, the vet is a good idea. A blood test may show some further health issues that can be helped with medication and/or a change of food. I am sure any vet would be proud of you for keeping a dog to 17 years old and would love the opportunity to keep her healthy and happy to 20 or more.

My old dog hates to drink water and just had a tummy upset. I spoon fed her regular home made food which is mixed with hot water so it smells really good. Maybe try a hamburger 'soup' to get some water down, it is really important to get that water in there.

 

[spotted nikes]

She needs to see a vet immediately. Dogs are very stoic, so she may be suffering more than you know. A vet cannot force you to put her down, but if they do say it's time, in their opinion, keep in mind that they see lots of dogs and know what lies ahead. Most dogs don't just die peacefully in their sleep.

 

[cshellenberger]

The ONLY answer here is the take her to the vet, they won't put her down unless YOU give them permission. Do it soon or you may lose her.

 

[ILUVMYPOOCH]

Thanks for all your replies. My boyfriend looked up somewhere online to get your dog eating/drinking is to feed your dog honey (about half a tsp for our dog size). It worked, but she is a really picky eater and only ate ground beef and chicken. So I started feeding her the chicken and it looked like she was putting on a little weight. So at night I bring her in and put her in the bathroom. Well yesterday morning I walked in the kitchen and smelled this horrible smell and opened the bathroom door. There was diarrhea everywhere. So we took her to the vet (this was yesterday). Well the vet thinks she has diarrhea because I changed her food and her being so old her digestive system is really sensitive. He gave her antibiotics, some medication for worms and medication so I could give her for the next 5 days. He said not to give her chicken or ground beef (not good for her) anymore and to start feeding her yogurt and rice. She doesn't even eat it. I don't know what to do. I've been stressing all day yesterday. I don't want her to get super thin again.

 

[Janine]

I wonder why the vet said not to feed her chicken. Normally when they have an upset stomach they say to feed boiled chicken and rice. When you change food you should do it gradually or they will get diarrhea like you experienced it. My dog has only people food. I cook for him. I mix meat (any kind) with rice and vegetables. If he has pure meat and nothing else mixed with it he will get loose stool. For the diarrhea you can mix canned pumpkin with his food. As a matter of fact, pumpkin works both ways, for diarrhea and constipation.

 

[ILUVMYPOOCH]

I wonder why the vet said not to feed her chicken. Normally when they have an upset stomach they say to feed boiled chicken and rice. When you change food you should do it gradually or they will get diarrhea like you experienced it. My dog has only people food. I cook for him. I mix meat (any kind) with rice and vegetables. If he has pure meat and nothing else mixed with it he will get loose stool. For the diarrhea you can mix canned pumpkin with his food. As a matter of fact, pumpkin works both ways, for diarrhea and constipation.

I know I was wondering about that too. I'm gonna try that canned pumpkin. Thanks.

 

[ioreks_mom]

it has to be canned PURE pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.

 

[Xie]

Can you call your vet and ask why no chicken and beef? I wonder if they aren't concerned about her kidneys or developing pancreatitis, both of which you have to watch high protein foods for, which beef and chicken would be.

There could be a very good reason the vet said only yogurt and rice for now and it could be bad to go against that. If you are questioning the diet and don't think it's appropriate then ask the vet or go to another vet for a second opinion. Don't start adding random things when it could potentially make the issue worse.