The care and feeding of dogs in decline.

for the diarrhea you can give 1/2 dose of a childrens medicine.

that might help


other then that I dont know what to tell you.
(big hug)

this can not be easy

When Cleo arrived here, she brought some sort of dog virus that gave both dogs diarrhea. The vet recommended a tiny bit of jello mixed in with the rice and homemade broth I was feeding them. It did seem to help.

If a little extra home-cooking helps, and your girl isn't in pain, I don't see any harm in keeping on keeping her comfortable and letting her enjoy some warmth and sunshine. If she's clearly more uncomfortable and unhappy than otherwise, she'll let you know.

Cody, the ancient Clumber Spaniel around the corner, just about lived on tiny lamb/beef burgers and vanilla ice cream for his final two years. The vet thought it was all right.

People tell you you'll know, but then on the other hand (see conversations between me and littleK.) There comes a time when, at least to me, it was right to act. I cry as I type this, and I had Pacc put down back in June.

What can I say.. treasure the short time. I think I might have erred on the don't-go-there scale, but not by much. I wanted him to stay Pacco the sanguine, and to stop before it progressed more, please no suffering, and it was going fast.

I might have been primed re a lack of decision on one of our cats long ago. Too long is worse.

Sorry, you asked about food, and I went off on my own thing, Boomer.

Depending on the dog's condition, I can see not overtreating. But if ingestion and digestion are not the factors in the decline, then, if special treats are welcome, go for it.

Sorry Boomer....

How do you know she isn't otherwise sick? have you been to the vet lately?

Does she like tuna or other fish? Scrambled eggs? Crackers, bread.....

When I am trying to get my cat to eat or to fatten up, I mix in some kitten food with his kibble. Not sure if puppy food would be good with the diarrhea aspect.

I've had to put 2 cats down, and it is heartbreaking.

best to let them lie in the sunshine, and eat whatever they like.

Watch him closely, and have intimate conversations while lying next to him. He'll let you know when he's ready.

I can still remember both my girls telling me, "I love you, but I want to go"

I have tears now too osso.

If she's not eating there must be something physically wrong. I can't see any harm in trying to tempt her, but refusal of food is an animals way of saying they are worn out and ready to go. I've always thought the worst thing for a dog was to starve to death, so I never let it go that far. It also might become an issue of dignity. She's probably been a good dog that never soiled in the house and now it's beyond her control. It's probably why she gets upset when the accidents happen. Personally, I think when I can't enjoy food or use the toilet on my own I'll be ready to go too. I hope someone who loves me will be there at the end to give me hug and a kiss goodbye.

(chai/osso)

oy, boomer, hope your puppy will get lots of happy time in the sun still.

my old puppy (15 year old cocker spaniel that lives with my parents) got hit by a car yesterday. he doesn't seem to have anything broken (though they are not sure yet about his spine, waiting for results ) but he doesn't walk. and there was some blood in his urine. he was really having the happiest life, aging without any major problems, and now this. sorry to post it over here on you, didn't know where else and wasn't feeling up to starting a thread. waiting for news.

enjoy the time with your puppy and pamper her as much as she can take. i'm sure you'd see if she was unhappy.

Bumping in the hopes patiodog comes along.



If she's happy and pain is ok, Boomer, I'd just keep giving her what she loves.



(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((Boomer and family))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Dag, I'm so sorry about your dog. I've fretted about posting here because my problem seems small in comparison. Pets are family and losing them at a distance is doubly hard.

Bird ate twice today. TWICE. That's a huge improvement.

I know that boiled hamburger, rice and noodles is not a well balanced diet but it seems to make her happy.

She has seen a vet recently. She isn't sick she's just old. She's almost fourteen which, I gather, is ancient in Dalmation years as, I've heard, large, big chested dogs have shorter life spans.

I've had two chronically ill dogs. Bird has never been sick a day in her life if you don't count that time we rented a beach house and she ate some leftover crack or speed or something left behind.

Other than that day she has always been a lovely, gentle dog. Even Mo's friend who is terrified of dogs doesn't mind Bird.

I don't know.... we'll see how she does...

At 14, if it doesn't give her diarrhea, let her eat it. What ever it is!

Amen to littlek's suggestions. I firmly believe that, at this stage, let them have anything they want. Face it - what are you really going to hurt? Life should be enjoyed as long as possible. However, when it is no longer any fun, the time has come to end it. I always told my clients they would know when that time arrived. They may not admit it, but they will know. I have almost always been proven correct on that score.

I think you're right CowDoc. I know. She looks at me and seems to want some help.

I'm going to talk to Mr. B tonight.

Mo is spending tonight/tomorrow day with his grandma so this might be a good time....

.....sigh......

























...........sigh.......

Oh <fret>

I should know what to say, having recently been through this. But, I don't. Tread carefully with Mo. Maybe you shouldn't spring this on him....?

That's what I was thinking...

ditto

We've been preparing Mo for this for a while so it wouldn't be springing it on him at all.

He remembers when Bird was lively and he sees that she is now tired.

He has lived through pet deaths before.

I think he'll be okay.