Hate Purina, need to switch

[Shilohs Mom]

I'm sorry to hear Shiloh's not eating...I've never had any issues with it, my dogs love it, although now it's an occasional treat. Have you brought Shiloh to the vet to see if there's anything else going on? With his age there are so many health reasons why he might have gone off his food. You can try mashing it up really well and mixing it with water. I don't know what state his teeth are in, but my sisters older pom stopped eating and it was because chewing was to difficult. That was a year or more ago, once she switched to something he didn't have to do any work on he got right back up to weight and eats fine.

Yes Shiloh has been to the vet several times and he has slot of health issues. His teeth are in terrible shape but I don't want to put him under at his age with his health situations. He has high liver enzymes and his gall bladder has sludge. I have had ultra sounds done. They would like to do a liver biopsy and take him to a specialist. I love him to pieces but I don't have the money for a specialist. I hope you can understand that. I wish I could. Thank you for your help.

 

[JacqueZ]

Yes Shiloh has been to the vet several times and he has slot of health issues. His teeth are in terrible shape but I don't want to put him under at his age with his health situations. He has high liver enzymes and his gall bladder has sludge. I have had ultra sounds done. They would like to do a liver biopsy and take him to a specialist. I love him to pieces but I don't have the money for a specialist. I hope you can understand that. I wish I could. Thank you for your help.

I absolutely understand! And you are doing a wonderful job taking care of your boy! I hope you can get him through this, Honey's only 6 now, but I still worry about the choices I'll have to make when it comes to balancing quality of life with medical treatments to extend it. I would say cook up some chicken and rice and blend it up to basically a soup. It's a good chance if he doesn't have to chew he might be more interested in actually eating. Sending prayers for both of you!

 

[Cara Sandler]

Yes Shiloh has been to the vet several times and he has slot of health issues. His teeth are in terrible shape but I don't want to put him under at his age with his health situations. He has high liver enzymes and his gall bladder has sludge. I have had ultra sounds done. They would like to do a liver biopsy and take him to a specialist. I love him to pieces but I don't have the money for a specialist. I hope you can understand that. I wish I could. Thank you for your help.

I think we all understand - that can be super expensive. That being the case, I would definitely encourage you to try a raw diet. Most dogs will gobble that up no matter what!

 

[Caro]

Honestly at his age I wouldn't be switching to a new brand. Did the vet suggest changing to a different food, maybe a prescription food?

If he's not eating there are a few things you should try first. As his teeth are bad he may have problems chewing. Try soaking his dry food in warm water for up to 20 minutes to soften it, and look for tinned food in the same brand as an option. Have you tried him on chicken to see if he'll eat that? Boiled chicken and rice or veggies are a good option for a dog not eating to pick their appetite up.

Sorry I don't agree with switching a 14 year old dog with major health issues onto a raw diet. The increase in pathogen load could harm him.

 

[Cara Sandler]

Honestly at his age I wouldn't be switching to a new brand. Did the vet suggest changing to a different food, maybe a prescription food?

If he's not eating there are a few things you should try first. As his teeth are bad he may have problems chewing. Try soaking his dry food in warm water for up to 20 minutes to soften it, and look for tinned food in the same brand as an option. Have you tried him on chicken to see if he'll eat that? Boiled chicken and rice or veggies are a good option for a dog not eating to pick their appetite up.

Sorry I don't agree with switching a 14 year old dog with major health issues onto a raw diet. The increase in pathogen load could harm him.

Ugh, I didn't even think about the pathogen load. Excellent point!!!!!!!