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    WendyBrown's Avatar
    WendyBrown Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Apr 17, 2014, 05:41 PM
    My older dog won't eat after teeth being extracted
    My 12 yr old dog was suffering tooth problems. He was sick prior to his appointment for tooth extraction due to the teeth hurting. 6 were pulled and it's been two days and he still hasn't ate. The vet said we can try a liquid tomorrow but I am worried. And yes I have tried every type and combination of soft foods in the past two weeks while he wasn't feeling well. How long can he go without eating? He also had a bit of a upset tummy and diarrhea. He has more energy the past day but still seems doped up. He had a anti biotic shot and pain med shot. I'm just not sure how much of this is normal.
    Alty's Avatar
    Alty Posts: 28,317, Reputation: 5972
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    #2

    Apr 17, 2014, 06:05 PM
    Try a chicken broth.

    Have you ever had teeth pulled? It's painful. Especially 6 at a time.

    Eating is most likely very painful right now.

    Your vet should know this. I'm shocked that he/she doesn't
    WendyBrown's Avatar
    WendyBrown Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Apr 17, 2014, 06:40 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by Alty View Post
    Try a chicken broth.

    Have you ever had teeth pulled? It's painful. Especially 6 at a time.

    Eating is most likely very painful right now.

    Your vet should know this. I'm shocked that he/she doesn't
    I have tried chicken broth, rice, soft foods, chicken, hamburger, tried various combinations and tried blending it and liquefying. My dog was taken on emergency for the tooth extraction. He is a recent rescue... We had a dental appt set but couldn't wait that long. The dog was in so much pain prior to the extraction that he couldn't be examined until he was under anesthesia. All we got done prior was blood work which was all normal.
    I am just concerned he hasn't ate much of anything in over a week. I was hoping with the teeth out he would at least want to lap up something. Besides water. How long can he really go without eating something more substantial? The vet is giving me a liquid for tomorrow to try that has a lot of nutrients in it. Perhaps he will drink this. He has already been through a lot and I just would try anything to make him comfortable. He is a sweet senior :) thank you for the suggestion
    tickle's Avatar
    tickle Posts: 23,796, Reputation: 2674
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    #4

    Apr 17, 2014, 07:02 PM
    He will eat when he is ready is my guess. He will eat when he knows he is able to so I would give it another day. You say he is a senior, but how old is he ?

    His body is working off the fat for now, but a week at the most, a shock to his system has happened with all the work the vet did. Have you tried bread soaked in warm milk ?
    WendyBrown's Avatar
    WendyBrown Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
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    #5

    Apr 17, 2014, 07:09 PM
    He is a rescue but according to previous owners paper work he is about 12. I haven't tried warm milk with bread. I will see if it sparks his interest. Thank you
    WendyBrown's Avatar
    WendyBrown Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
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    #6

    Apr 17, 2014, 07:21 PM
    I just read that goats milk is better for dogs and that in some cases regular cows milk could cause diarrhea so I'm going to try a little chicken broth with the bread instead. We will see how it goes..
    tickle's Avatar
    tickle Posts: 23,796, Reputation: 2674
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    #7

    Apr 17, 2014, 08:18 PM
    Bless your heart for giving an old fellow a home and caring for him so much !
    tickle's Avatar
    tickle Posts: 23,796, Reputation: 2674
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    #8

    Apr 17, 2014, 08:26 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by WendyBrown View Post
    I just read that goats milk is better for dogs and that in some cases regular cows milk could cause diarrhea so I'm going to try a little chicken broth with the bread instead. We will see how it goes..
    Yes goats milk us good, but cow's milk has never bothered my dogs. Good luck ! Let us know.
    Alty's Avatar
    Alty Posts: 28,317, Reputation: 5972
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    #9

    Apr 18, 2014, 02:10 PM
    Dogs are naturally lactose intolerant. Milk is not a good idea.

    I would soak the bread in a chicken broth, or a soup, like you suggested. You're on the right track.

    Milk will only cause more issues. Those that have given their dogs milk and had no ill effects, got lucky.

    Keep a journal of what he's eating, and the output (poo) as well. Your vet will need this information. If he refuses to eat, they may have to put him on IV until he feels well enough to eat again.

    Is he on pain meds?

    Bless you for taking in a senior. Not many people have the heart to do it. It takes a very special person to give the love and care needed for an older dog.

    Please keep us posted on his progress. I wish there was more we could do.
    Lucky098's Avatar
    Lucky098 Posts: 2,594, Reputation: 543
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    #10

    Apr 20, 2014, 07:16 AM
    Some dogs after multiple tooth extractions need to be syringe fed. Your vet should carry a very high calorie, very palatable easy liquify canned dog food. Sometimes tough love is the only solution. You cannot MAKE your dog eat on his own. Sometimes you have to force them to eat.

    If your dog is on oral pain control and oral antibiotics, it is VERY IMPORTANT that you MAKE your dog eat. If your dog is not eating, and is receiving these medications, it will make him more sick and more nauseous.

    If your dog is not eating, do not give the medications. These medications HAVE to be given with food.

    Your vet may want to give you more pain control.

    You really need to be talking to your vet about this. Sometimes the at-home solutions do not work.

    Oh, and milk is not good for your dog. It is a laxative for them...
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