[sandy1984]

Our family dog is old and the past week she has refused to eat anything. The vets said she had nothing wrong with her and gave us some steroids. We have tried everything even chocolate which the vet suggested and reice with chicken but to no avail. My mum is very worried because she wants her to go on her own and not suffering but if she is satrving herself she will be suffering. I would appreciate any help that anyone can offer. Thank you

[Wondergirl]

Please don't feed her chocolate! That will surely kill her!

Will she eat baby food meats, like lamb or chicken? Does she drink water? Are her teeth okay?

If she continues like this, she obviously knows the time has come. Starving animals and people don't suffer, but go into another "zone" of consciousness. Give her time to decide if she wants to eat or not.

[sandy1984]

No she won't eat chicken, We've tried feeding her everything. The vets suggested chocolate as she's so old it won't effect her that badly. She is drinking and we're giving her a bit more water with a seringe in her mouth which she takes. We are at a loss as to what to do. We do feel she has given up but don't want her to starve to death. Thank you for your reply

[jcdill]

Our family dog is old and the past week she has refused to eat anything. The vets said she had nothing wrong with her and gave us some steroids. We have tried everything even chocolate which the vet suggested and reice with chicken but to no avail. My mum is very worried because she wants her to go on her own and not suffering but if she is satrving herself she will be suffering. I would appreciate any help that anyone can offer. Thank you

Hello Sandy,

I'm really concerned that your dog's vet claimed that chocolate won't hurt your dog because she is old - chocolate is toxic to all dogs no matter how old they are. If she is a small dog, it doesn't take much chocolate - especially dark or baking chocolate - to cause serious and potentially fatal problems!

I suggest you take your dog to a different vet for a second opinion. I don't feel your first vet has given you good advice and that another vet may have some better options for your dog's condition.

If the second vet doesn't have any better suggestions, you may want to consider euthanasia rather than letting your dog starve to death. This is often very hard for the dog's owner to consider, but it is one of the kindest things you can ever do for your beloved pet, to help the animal die a quick and pain-free death rather than linger on and perhaps die in great pain.

You may find the rainbow bridge comforting at a time like this.

I'm so sorry that I don't have any better suggestions for you. {{{hugs}}}

Jc