Old dog won't eat

Roaddog · Apr 28, 2006, 12:42 PM

After having a tooth removal and having a bad reaction from the antibiotics my 12 year old Dalmatian stopped eating and drinking. She has be been on an intravenous fluids for three days and is due to come home today. She has began drinking but won't eat. She has not eaten in five days. She use to love to eat. We have tried everything. Any help?

jennapbt · Apr 28, 2006, 05:49 PM

Sorry to hear about your situation. It is not uncommon for dogs after having a dental or any dental work to not go through that (excluding the antibiotic reaction). When your dog had the extraction and dental, a lot of bacteria is released into the system. Which is why they give antibiotics. Having an antibiotic reaction wore her system down also and it's good that they put her on fluids. If she is ready to come home is a good sign the vet wouldn't release a dog with out feeling they are comfortable doing so. Every dog reacts differently to traumatic situations so when you bring her home and she's still not interested give her time offer her food and if she doesn't go for it don't persist. Aviod any "tempting" food such as treats or human food. I'm pretty sure she will be OK. Her body went through a beating and she's recovering from it.

fredg · Apr 29, 2006, 05:05 AM

HI,
What is your Vet's suggestion? Ask your Vet what he/she would do when you get her home.
One suggestion is to add a little chicken broth to her dry dog food, using your fingers to be sure it's on every bite of food, even letting it soak some, causing it to not be as hard.
She should eventually start eating again. She has been through some traumatic experiences, and the Vet should give you some instructions on care, also food for her. Best of luck.