Skinny Blynnie

P

patriciamor

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I have a Sheltie who will be 16.5 years on May 8. She is just skin and bones and that makes me so sad. Hips and spine very prominent and she's sleeping a ton. I know I probably should let her go over the Rainbow Bridge but she still has a lot of spirit and gallops when she's had a good poop! And I'm not ready to let her go. I've had her since she was about 3 years old. She's always been finicky -- I'm putting out for her 1 can of Pedigree canned dog food a day for her and unless I put "goody" one it, she's blah about eating. What can I entice her with that's hi-cal? She does have GI issues with episodes of dark yellow eurps and sometimes barfing up her dinner, both several times a week. Am I just prolonging her misery? A little over 2 years ago, I had to let go of her brother to bone cancer and him leaving me was just crush

ing. Please, someone help,
Thanks, Pat
 
How long has she been so skinny? Sounds like your main issue is getting weight on her...so feed her anything she will eat. Chicken, bits of hot dog, treats, cat food. If she continues with GI problems, you will need to re-evaluate things. Pepcid AC will help reduce stomach acid and help with vomiting. canned Pumpkin can help with diarrhea.

Does she go on walks? 16.5 is a good age for a Sheltie... at some point her quality of life is an issue.

A trip to the vet can help tell you if she is sick....weight loss is a sign of cancer and other medical problems
 
Not a sheltie, but we have a 19 year old cat that is skin and bones. I read somewhere skinny pets live long lives. Both ours are a testament to that. I, too, have issues with trying to get weight on her. And at her age, her finickiness changes day by day so I am constantly changing foods and to heck with that slow transition thing, I give her food just to see if she'll eat it. She is deaf, so when she is displeased with what I provide, she lets me know loudly. She has taken to sleeping on a blanket in our basement on most days- I think going up two sets of stairs to the upper level where she used to sleep is just taxing and her food, water, and cat pans are there. But then she'll surprise you, sneak upstairs and steal your bacon, or a hamburger. You do what you can, keep them comfy and hope for the best. I figure if not in pain, no need to not let her continue on her days.....
 
Try Royal Canin Recovery or Hills a/d (urgent care), these have extra nutrients, calories and vitamin to help boost her strength. Both are vet diets so you'll need to see your vet first, you may be able to buy a can from them to try and if you decide to continue it's cheaper to order on line. Royal Canin tends to be more palatable. When my boy was had intestinal cancer he was put on these to increase his strength.

There are also nutritional/calorie supplements, often used with nursing bitches, that you can put on their paws for them to lick off. But I found they sometimes don't lick it off.
 
This is the hardest part of having a senior dog. You are blessed to have a 16.5 sheltie! When my shelties reached advanced age at 14.5 they were also skin and bones.

My vet prescribed a pill that was an appetite stimulant. It did work for us. I tried every food hoping to put weight on. Even tried human baby food which worked for a while!

I certainly feel for you. I certainly hope you find something that works with the suggestions on feted here. Checking in with your vet too before you change anything may offer piece of mind.

Obviously, you have given the best care already to have your sheltie for 16.5 years! I would have given anything for two more years with my beloved shelties.
 
You've gotten some great suggestions here. I would also add a good canine probiotic to her diet if you don't already give her one. That will help her digest the nutrients she is getting. I have a senior who I've had trouble getting to eat, and just switched him to Grandma Lucy's Artisian Freeze-Dried food. I get it on Chewy.com. That's the only thing that's worked so far.
 
Scrambled eggs, baked plain chicken, cottage cheese, pumpkin. I do think you need a vet visit though to tell you what is going on and how to deal with it best. Ignorance is not bliss in these cases. I am struggling right now myself with my girl who has cancer and doesn't want to eat most things. Good luck. 16.5 is awesome and I hope you can have more time with your girl.
 
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Our Bitsy Boodle is also skin and bones. She eats 3-4 meals a day (regular ones!). As long as she's happy, eating, and interested in life, she stays on this side of the Bridge. Blynnie will tell you when it's time.
 
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