Best time to go emergency vet?

ghggp · Jan 6, 2022

Sandy in CT said:
Not optimum, but there are pill shooters that can be used. Our doxies, massive food hounds, would take a finger or hand off if you got near their mouths with a pill. Unfortunately, Kooper who we lost last year, had issues with recurring pancreatitis and kidney issues and was always on/off meds. He would eat anything at all, except if it had a pill. I ended up having to use a muzzle and pill shooter on him. For any who think that's cruel, he bit for nail trims, grooming, he was a double tech hold for the vet until she too decided to muzzle him; sweetest dog in the world unless he decided he didn't like something. I've since used it on my cat as well. Simple, done in seconds, treat afterwards. Sometimes I think it's a better option. Once I started using it, I could dose him easily, he never got the chance to 'taste' the pill so he wouldn't get turned off of it and immediately get worked up when he saw the bottle. He knew he got some tasty treat after which helped a bit.

I used them too on many of my dogs and cats! They work great!!!

Cindy · Jan 6, 2022

I didn't mean to worry you all...it's just that at 16 I worry every trip to the emergency vet could be a sign of the end

In the back of my head, I knew it was unlikely to be that. But the heart doesn't always listen.

Calliesmom · Jan 6, 2022

Cindy said:
I didn't mean to worry you all...it's just that at 16 I worry every trip to the emergency vet could be a sign of the end
In the back of my head, I knew it was unlikely to be that. But the heart doesn't always listen.

we were all worried too- but sharing is the way to get through it......

Ron Atkinson · Jan 6, 2022

It helps to share, no reason not to worry, you have to take care of us seniors as we don't always take care of ourselves.

Besides Gavin is a large part of SN and a tribute to overcoming the many things that God sends our way. I was a worried young man as Miss April got older and years 15-17 we're the rollercoaster years, but I would never trade them for anything.

Shelby's mom · Jan 6, 2022

Yeah Gavin!!!!

Cindy · Jan 7, 2022

Gavin has decided he will wait to eat until I hand feed him.....and the Hills I/D is preferred over chicken!

Sharon7 · Jan 7, 2022

Well, if you can't indulge a 16 year old.... seriously though I'm just glad he's so much better and eating OK.

Cindy · Jan 7, 2022

So Gavin really likes the Hills wet food..
I am already going to transition him to low fat kibble...I can get Wellness Core wet food to augment.
I guess I need to hit Petfood express and see what he likes. oddly enough it seems the low fat version is online only (and is called weight management which is soo not what I need)...

ghggp · Jan 8, 2022

Sharon7 said:
Well, if you can't indulge a 16 year old.... seriously though I'm just glad he's so much better and eating OK.

I only wish I was blessed to have a Sheltie live until 16!

ghggp · Jan 8, 2022

Cindy said:
So Gavin really likes the Hills wet food..
I am already going to transition him to low fat kibble...I can get Wellness Core wet food to augment.
I guess I need to hit Petfood express and see what he likes. oddly enough it seems the low fat version is online only (and is called weight management which is soo not what I need)...

Anything to get more calories in that won’t irritate his pancreas!

Liam LOVES his Hills I/D food.
He has been on a spoonful every day since his emergency vet visit! He gets it with his kibble and his stools are much better now.

Keep eating, Gavin!