My beloved Bailey is almost 14. She is getting very old.

 

She's still in good health for her age.

 

Her sinus cavities are building up tissue and closing up. This makes it very difficult for her to breathe through her nose.

 

Our vet has put her on medicine that he hopes will help.

 

The biggest problem is that she can hardly smell anything, so she doesn't want to eat it. It is an adventure everyday trying to figure out what she will eat. She has gone from 70 lbs to 52 lbs in 3-4 months. Partly because she not eating as much and partly because she pants all the time and that burns more calories.

 

Once I figure out what she will eat each day she'll eat a bunch. She might eat the same thing everyday for a week, and then she won't touch it again. The vet said at her age it's more important that she eats and not as important what she eats.

 

I'm looking for ideas of stuff to try if anybody has any I would welcome them.

 

The things I've had success with are:

 

-Chicken - rotisouri, grilled, and tenders

-Eggs - scrambled

-Dog treats - there are 2 she will eat

-Dry Iams mixed with Alpo select cuts.

- Pasta no sauce

- Cooked green beans

- White rice

My wifes grandma has ran into this problem with her black lab; She get's the rotisseri chicken from Kroger or cold cuts and puts some of the soft dog food with it and this has worked.

She usually goes back and forth between the chicken and cold cuts rotating them so the dog doesn't get used to one or the other.

That's a lot of weight to lose in that amount of time. You say " in good health". Have you ran a basic cbc/chem?

That's a lot of weight to lose in that amount of time. You say " in good health". Have you ran a basic cbc/chem?

 

I agree, but yes, she has had all her tests and blood work done.

 

White count was a little high. She's taking an antibiotic and a steroid.

 

I will say, she was a little chubby, and prolly should have been closer to 60 than 70.

 

Also, her weight has stabilized. She has maintained over the last 3 weeks or so.

 

The vet has not ruled out cancer, but says there is nothing in her blood work (which there usually isn't) to show it.

 

He said we could take her to Lexington to have her nose and everything scoped, but it is an expensive option.

 

She doesn't seem to be in any pain and still gets around very well. Climbs short flights of stairs with no problem.

So sorry to hear this. Prayers to your puppy. :down:

It is hard when you have an older dog going through these things. Sounds like you are doing everything you can. Might look into Mirtazapine or Cyproheptadine as appetite stimulants (ask your Vet if this is something that would help). Good luck.

Hate to hear this.

 

The only options I can think of it appears you're already trying. Hope your able to find something to keep her appetite. Good luck.

It is hard when you have an older dog going through these things. Sounds like you are doing everything you can. Might look into Mirtazapine or Cyproheptadine as appetite stimulants (ask your Vet if this is something that would help). Good luck.

 

We just started that this past Monday.

 

Actually she usually eats real good once I figure out what she wants.

 

Last night she had a whole chicken for dinner, and this morning she had 3 scrambled eggs and a few treats.

 

Sometimes I have to prepare 4 or 5 things before I figure it out though. Like Tuesday, the only thing she would eat was white rice. She ate 3 bowls of it but that's all she would eat. I put chicken in one but she wouldn't eat it. I gave her another with just white rice and she ate it.

 

Go figure?

Just Jim is your guy here.

My dog loves bread. She has been known to counter surf and eat an entire loaf. She also loves breakfast food (eggs, sausage, goetta, etc.). Sorry to hear about your dog, it is never easy.

Bless you coldweatherfan for your efforts. Your pup is very lucky.

 

One of my Labs is 16 now and hanging in there. I give her canned food on top of her dry food now because it is easier for her and attracts her interest more. She balks at eating sometimes so I put a bit on her tongue to stimulate interest...it usually works for her.

Try baby food, the gerber kind that is in jars. Such as beef, chicken, and all those flavors.

Try baby food, the gerber kind that is in jars. Such as beef, chicken, and all those flavors.

 

Good idea. Never thought of that.

Good idea. Never thought of that.

 

A few months ago I had a cat that was just over 19 years old who was losing weight, and a specialist mentioned the Gerber baby food, she ate it. But unfortunately she had advanced kidney disease and passed a month ago.

 

Is your dog dehydrated? We had that issue too and they said that injecting her with fluids every other day would help.

A few months ago I had a cat that was just over 19 years old who was losing weight, and a specialist mentioned the Gerber baby food, she ate it. But unfortunately she had advanced kidney disease and passed a month ago.

 

Is your dog dehydrated? We had that issue too and they said that injecting her with fluids every other day would help.

 

No she drinks a lot of water. The steroid makes her drink a lot and pee a lot.