Sending massive jingles your pup’s way!
Jingles. I hope you can get an answer, and I really hope your dog turns around. All my sympathy.
Our little daschund started to shut down in the same way as yours - there did not seem to be anything wrong with him, but he could not eat. He was 17
and went on his little way pretty soon after that. Hugs, and hopes for yours.
I just went through the same thing with my collie. Last week she had bad diarrhea (I think a combination of the heat, the bad storms and then the firecrackers) On Thursday she simply stopped eating. She would drink but she would not eat. I tried chicken, boiled hamburger, baby food and canned dog food, but nothing worked. Then she lost the spark in her eyes and I knew it was time. She was almost 12 years old, which is old for a big dog. I took her to the vet yesterday and stayed with her. It was very peaceful and I was ok with it because I knew she was ready.
^ judmor, I’m sorry for your loss. 
[QUOTE=Wilhelmina;7653879]
Many thanks to everyone for their insight and well wishes. I can not tell you how appreciative I am.
Unfortunately, my darling dog is not doing well at all this afternoon/evening, so much so that I took her to the emergency vet. She was laying flat out on her side and would not move. When I got her the vet, the adrenaline kicked in (she’s terrified of the vet at this point) and appeared more alert. The emergency vet wanted to try pain medication and fluids (they administered fluids, cerenia for nausea and buprenorphorin for pain) and said to wait for the additional urinanalysis results to come in (tomorrow or Tuesday- so far away!). They also recommended a neuro consult, but given her condition, I don’t know if we’ll make it that far. She’s 15 and frail and has had problems with anesthesia previously, so I worry about the peg tube. If it is cancer, I would rather not put her through the trauma. I wish I knew definitively what was going on, but that isn’t to be at this point. (Squish-- she only had an abdominal ultrasound).
It’s very overwhelming, especially when there are so many unknowns and even the vets aren’t certain on next steps. I will talk to my regular vet tomorrow a.m.; I have a lot of faith in them and respect their guidance.
To those who offered suggestions to get her to eat-- thank you. I also have 2 other dogs, who are food obsessed and they don’t motivate her to eat at all. They are more than happy to eat all the treats, wet food, people food, etc. that she rejects.
Please keep jingling for my heart dog. Thanks again for everything.[/QUOTE]
FWIW - We have an old…14.5 years, Border Collie/Jack Russell who has had surgery 3 times in the past 3+ years for benign tumors in her mouth. Due to surgery and pain she stopped being able to eat out of a dish. The nurse in me thinks a dog who is still eating has a chance to live…I came up with a gruel mixture of cooked oatmeal, finely chopped chicken (or good dog food) cooking oil and anything else I thought would be tasty. I mix it all up and use a horse “dose syringe” with the nozzle cut back a bit for a larger diameter. With the dog sitting next to me I gently ease some of the gruel into the back/side of her mouth. Never forcing and waiting until she swallows between “injections”. As time went on my dog welcomed her meals like this and eventually began to eat the mush out of a deep bowl. I feed three times a day and if she misses two “voluntarily” eaten meals, I go back to the syringe. Long story short…I’ve kept her alive and well fed for over two years with this plan. She now eats slightly dampened dry meal with rice and chicken added. When a dog (animal) doesn’t eat…it loses the desire to eat (live). A gentle/careful, forced feed seems to bring back their appetite. Good luck with your pup.
I’m so sorry. I think when an animal knows they are going, stopping eating is a natural response. But I would try the smelliest stuff you can find - sardines, canned mackeral, canned tripe (wear a gas mask) and see if any of that tempts her.
I agree Guin. It is time.
My wonderful, beloved dog has passed. Many thanks to everyone for their responses and help.
[QUOTE=Wilhelmina;7659519]
My wonderful, beloved dog has passed. Many thanks to everyone for their responses and help.[/QUOTE]
I’m so sorry to hear that. Godspeed, little one.
(((HUGS))) to you.
I don’t know if it helps, but many of us have been there and can feel for you.
I’m going there myself pretty soon, I think.
OTOH, dogs have an amazing way of surprizing us and can rally unexpectedly, so I never say never.
But we can be there for them…so your dog had that gift.
So sorry for your loss OP.
I’m so sorry.
So sorry, OP. I refrained from commenting on this thread because I lost my own dog recently, and in his case, refusing to eat was the clear sign that he was ready to go.
May your wonderful pet rest in peace, and may your memories always be wonderful.
My condolences Wilhelmina.
I am so sorry.
So sorry for your loss. Hugs
So sorry for your loss.
Im so sorry, you did everything you could for her. Cherish all the wonderful memories.
Oh no, I’m so sorry Hugs
