Hi, my wonderful 13.5 year Labrador is not well. We are worried that this is the end but also feel it's too soon to write her off. She has had green discharge coming from her nose for a couple of weeks and the vet has given her anti-biotics which haven't worked. The vet has taken bloods and all the usual things show i.e. kidneys etc. not so good but nothing significant. The biggest problem right now is she is not eating at all, absolutely nothing. She is drinking loads which of course will be her kidneys. My question is whether anyone has any tips on tasty food that an old sick Labrador just can't refuse? She normally eats anything, a typical Labrador and now won't eat a thing (chicken, rice, sausages … nothing). Any suggestions would be gratefully received as it's been over a week now xxx
Hello, it’s really hard with senior dogs to know what to do for the best. I suspect that she has no appetite or even feels a bit nauseous which is related to failing kidneys, and nothing much will tempt her. If she is not eating sausages etc. It’s probably an indication something is clinically going on. You are probably best chatting to your vet as it’s been a long time for her without food. I don’t think there are any easy answers.
It is very sad when your dog reaches this stage. Mine did the same. One day he would eat a tiny bit of hand fed chicken and I considered that a success but the next day nothing. Then maybe a tiny bit of something else tasty and then nothing. I knew we were losing him as he lost so much weight so quickly. At our final visit to the vet to scan his lungs I knew we would be saying goodbye. It is so hard. I’m in tears writing this and it is 4 years ago! Be guided by how she behaves and maybe what she is telling you by not eating. The good news is she is drinking which will sustain her for a while longer whilst you and the vet figure out what is best for her. All the best.
I have a 15 year old girl who has always been a bit funny with food, but these last 6 months she has skipped more meals than she's eaten. If she misses two meals in a row she gets really ill. Usually very cheap tinned dog, or cat food will tempt her, but her latest episode, tinned food, and even cheese (her favourite!) wouldn't work. I drove to the co-op and bought two whole chickens for £7 and popped one in the oven for her. When it was ready, her nose led her into the kitchen and I dropped little bits for her until she had had nearly a whole breast. I know that if I had put it in her dish for her, she would have turned her nose up, but because it was 'accidentally dropped' while I was 'cooking' she really enjoyed it. I did the same for 2 meals, then this morning she had some from her dish. Hopefully now she is eating again, we can move back onto something more balanced, but really at 15, if she eats anything I am happy. I hope you can find something to tempt your girl x
