I have a 9 yr old lab/chow mix that has stopped eating. I recently changed her diet from pedigree lamb and rice to beneful. It is also very hot outside and she does not handle heat very well. She has been to the vet and he cannot find anything wrong. She will not eat anything at all but drinks large amounts of water. Any help will be appreciated I have tried different types of dog food and people food such as hot dogs bacon and steak. I went and got her old dog food and she will not eat that either ANY SUGGESTIONS PLEASE HELP. THANK YOU

I'm no vet but have you had blood tests done on your dog yet? How long has he/she not been eating? Is there any yellow color in the eyes or gums?:confused:

Yes she has had blood work done and all looked good fecal looked good heart and lungs and kidneys and liver all seem OK gums are pink and healthy looking eyes look OK also. She eats once in a while but just a bite or 2 she acts like she is in a depression. Going back to the vet on Saturday hope we can fine out what is going on. She has been on heart worm preventive her whole life and has had her rabies and distemper shots regularly. I really think it is heat related cause she can't wait to getr in the house in the ac when I get home from work.

I'm glad to hear your baby's test came back all negative:) I would definitely NOT wait to see if this just blows away however. You had mentioned that you thought it might be heat related but I can honestly say that after being a dog owner for many years (indoor dogs) I have never seen that kind of an impact (from the heat) for such a prolonged time. Now you did mention changing the dog's diet. Did you do that gradually or did you just abruptly quit one and start the other? If so, that's a big NO, NO:( Always mix, start with a little of the new and gradually (over a week) mix in more of the new until you aren't mixing the old stuff anymore.

In the mean time your vet should carry some canned dog food called ID (I think IAMS makes it). It's great for dogs with recent intestinal upset. Also, try cooked rice and some boiled hamburger. Feed it to her in small portions instead of a whole bunch at once otherwise she'll probably throw it back up. You mentioned trying to feed her steak, hotdogs and bacon... those are way too rich for a dog's stomach, especially if they are not feeling well.

If your dog isn't feeling better just yet, I hope this helps. Hang in there and don't give up.

We are going back to the vet in the a.m. will see what he says. It is almost like she is in a depression she just mopes around. The only time she gets up and moves is to go relieve herself then comes back and lays down till it is time to go again. I hate the thought of losing her at such a young age so don't worry I won't give up on her. She has been a great dog and I would miss her a lot.

At the risk of sounding likea complete idiot, since you have mentioned you think its perhaps heat related, have you done anything to reduce or alleviate her exposure to it? Sometimes our first instincts are the best ones.

Yes I have. I put a fan outside on the patio in the shade and I also bring her in the ac after I get home from work. Also I just got back from the vet and he believes she has canine addisons disease. I am taking her back on Monday so he can do more test to confirm the diagnosis. Thanks for expressing your concern.God Bless Al

BBlitz Just got back from the vet. He thinks she may have canine addisons disease. I will let you know more on Monday she goes in for more test to confirm his diagnosis. If that is what she has got it can treated with steroids pills and she can live a normal life. I want to thank you for replying to my question and giving me your opinions. The ole gal means a lot to me and my wife. God bless al

I'm glad to hear that you seem to be getting a little closer to some answers. I'm including some so you can educate yourself (I'm sure you've already started:) ) www.k9addisons.com and www. addisondogs.com
Sounds like her symptoms can mask a lot of other things so make sure you get a definitive diagnosis (blood tests are key) and hopefully you'll have some local resources as well that can help make this a little easier for you.

I know what you mean, my pets are furry versions of my kids. Wishing for you a speedy recovery or easy management for your dog.

Took ebony up to the University teaching Vet Hosp. yesterday she was diagnosed as terminal may have a couple months if kept on steroids. Its bad news and my heart is breaking. I am now trying to decide when to send her to the Lord. He is going to get one damn good dog. Thanks for trying to help.

I am so sorry to hear your sad news. If its any comfort another damn fine dog is waiting for her company there -- a black shar pei that was undoubtedly the best thing that ever happened to me.

I'm so very sorry about your news. I was in your shoes 15 months ago when my dog was 11. A good friend of mine said something to me that helped me get through myself doubt about having put her down. She told me that letting her go and euthanizing her sooner, rather then later was the most UN-selfish thing I could have ever done. We as humans are so used to thinking that WE are giving up if we don't do everything possible to save our pets. In reality we are only prolonging the inevitable and in essence making them suffer because WE can't let go. Your pet will be giving you signs if/when it is time. At that time it will be up to you to read those signs or hold out and wait until you are ready. Just remember... it's OK no matter what decision you make. She knows that you love her, and know that she loves you too. Be there with her when it's time to say good-bye. Hold on to her paw, as she would be there for you.

Ebony is doing good she is eating and playing with the other dogs. Her energy has increased and you can see the happiness on her face. I know this is probably because of the steroids but I am leaning more to the prayers I say for her everyday. When the Lord is ready for her I will have to do what I have to do . Thanks for all your help.

Hi I have a german shepherd and she goes through bouts of not eating she has been diagnosed with IBD she is on Lamb and rice hills she gets on very well with this but we have to change to white fish and rice occasionally as I think she gets tired of the same food all the time Hope everything works out well

Shirley

I think she might be drinking so much because its hot and because she's hungry. When humans feel hungry it is not always because they need food it could just be that their thirsty this has been proven. I know that one of the best vets on the east cost is very successful I take my dog their 4 times a year. Also try different types of food

Hi mandy thanks for your reply but unfortunaltely ebby passed away 2 and a half yrs ago. It was cancer. I did all I could to try and save her but it was just to far a long she died at the vets in her sleep.