Please help, my friend's dog wont eat or drink

[RockyMountainDobies]

My very good friend's dog Ossa, will not eat or drink. She is about 12 years old and the vets are not sure whats going on. He is thinking he might have to put her down this afternoon. Does anyone have suggestions? I really hope she starts eating, my friend is heartbroken. We all are, Ossa is a great dog.

[Delynnr]

What kind of dog is she? When they get old they know it is their time and they will stop eating and drinking. Is she old enough or sick enough that this might be the issue? They will also go outside in the cold and just lay down. Our sheltie did this at the end and I did not know what was going on - I kept bringing him back in...... Made me feel like shit later.

Have they tried supper yummy treats like tuna, liver or flavored water like broth?

[RockyMountainDobies]

She is a lab-x, basically a mutt. They got her as a pup about 12 years ago, from the Dumb Friends League. Up until this point, she has not shown any signs of illness and has been pretty spunky even for a 12 yr old dog. I suggested chicken stock for liquid and he made some bacon for her, Im still waiting to hear if she ate that or not.

[Yeti_Girl]

I was going to suggest beef broth too. Hugs for your friend.

[sam.i.am]

With my elderly dogs, I offered them ice (elderly people as well as dogs do forget to drink -- it is the first mechanism that 'goes' with old age). I kept my dogs hydrated by offering ice several times a day (and feeding raw -- that is like 70% water).

To see if they can get their appetite back, I have offered raw green tripe (something very smelly to entice them) along with their favorite foods. This helped overcome the CCD in both dogs.

Both of my now-angel dogs became senile (CCD) at the end of their lives and they needed reminders to drink or eat. If the dog is senile, something really good smelling may help.

On the other hand, I agree with Renelle, though, that this is kind of a sign in older dogs, oftentimes.
I'm so sorry for your friend. This is very tough and painful for us as caretakers.

[Hounds_N_Leo]

They might also check out THOROUGHLY...the dogs mouth. If there is any muscle wasting around the head that can indicate issues that need to be addressed. If opening the mouth or using it is painful...broken teeth, inflammed gums, foreign objects, etc. There are some diseases that can manifest in muscle wasting around the head and jaw as well.

[Cole's Mom]

Checking her mouth is a good idea...I was thinking maybe she swallowed something she shouldn't have. Labs are notorious for that. Sending healing thoughts and good vibes for Ossa.

[Swissy Mom]

I have nothing else to offer except hugs and good thoughts.

[ToBScholarly]

Keep us updated please.
I have no advice, just good thoughts.

[RockyMountainDobies]

I haven't heard anything since this afternoon. Thank you all for your healing thoughts and prayers. I will definitely keep this thread updated.

[bren]

I hope the dog is doing better today.

[RockyMountainDobies]

The last I heard was that she was losing control of her bowels Im pretty sure they are to go out her down and not continue to let her suffer. She has lived a good long life with them, for the last 8 years or so she has lived on 5+ acres ad chased deer and bunnies everyday. It will be really sad when she goes but its also heartwarming that she was a rescue and her life could have turned out so much worse, for that Im grateful, I mean 12 years old is a decent old age for a dog.

[sam.i.am]

(((hugs))) to you and your friend and her family. xoxo

[Truman's Mom]

I'm sad for your friend but it does sound like that lucky dog had a good life. Sending good thoughts and hugs to everyone.

[mezmerelda]

Hoping your friends and their dog are at peace in some way.

[bren]

So sorry to read this

[Delynnr]

12 years is not enough...... It is so sad when it is time, but if she is losing control of her bowels it sounds like it is time. Poor girl.

[RockyMountainDobies]

12 years is not enough...... It is so sad when it is time, but if she is losing control of her bowels it sounds like it is time. Poor girl.

forever would not be enough

[Hounds_N_Leo]

peaceful passing vibes to this sweet lady dog.

[RockyMountainDobies]

As of right now, they are just keeping her comfortable and enjoying the time they have left with her. Thanks for all the warm thoughts, I have passed them on to my friend Travis and his family, and they are very appreciative.