When an old dog stops eating...

[barleysugar]

Its never good is it? I'm looking after my parent's ancient spaniel while they are on holiday. She is blind, deaf, incontinent, stubborn and has dementia so often walks round in circles. She is 16. She has only eaten a scrap of chicken and two schmacko treats since yesterday, and i can't get her to eat anything else.

Do I just see what happens, or what? I can't ask my mum as she'll get upset and it'll spoil their holiday.

bump please x

Try Ceasar puppy food (she could have a sore mouth if she is old) it is really soft and it STINKS so she will be able to find it and she could just be confused if she is in a new place. Also try scrambled eggs - our fussy/lazy/hunger striker can never resist it!

Is she drinking? Personally, I would also call the vet for a chat.

We lost our darling elderly girl this week, and it was her losing her appetite and refusing to drink that made it very clear it was time. It's not fair on the dog to be hanging on - with a dog of this age, and with this range of conditions, her passing is a risk if they go away. Are they able to come back if necessary or would want to? If you have to make the difficult decision, they will know that this is kinder than waiting for them to return.

So sorry you are facing this without your parents - a very difficult time for you.

Also try tinned cat food. When our old girl was like this the only thing she would eat was trout or jaffa cakes, once she declined these it was time :( I am so sorry for you it is a horrible situation.

Thanks for your advice, I will try some cat food probably next, but she is sound asleep at the moment. I keep staring at her in her basket waiting to see her chest rise and fall.

My vet suggested Chappie warmed up in the microwave just a bit so it was really stinky - in reality my old Staffie lived on tuna and cheesecake until the steroids kicked in and he was eating like a horse again.