My dog isn't eating, pooping, bloated, and pulling hair. What's wrong?

Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! His current anorexia is likely why he has not been defecating. Anorexia for 3 days is concerning given the possible diseases that could be causing it such as pancreatitis, foreign body ingestion, inflammatory diseases, infectious diseases and even cancer, especially in an older dog. I highly recommend that you have Batista evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment of this. Diagnostic tests are likely to include bloodwork and abdominal radiographs though other tests may be recommended based on the physical examination findings. You may try to offer Batista a palatable diet including things like boiled chicken, ground beef and white rice to entice his appetite though it is extremely important to figure out what is causing it to be able to help him. Keep water available at all times to prevent dehydration. Good luck with your boy! Will keep my fingers crossed for a speedy recovery!

I am so sorry Chi hasn't been feeling well. If all the tests were clear then I would recommend having an abdominal ultrasound performed. This would look at the architecture of the intestines and stomach and see if there is anything else that could be going on with Chi. She could have pancreatitis, a foreign object, a bad gastrointestinal upset, and much more going on that may or may not show up on the blood work and might not even show up on X-rays. I would also recommend a bland prescription diet to help settle her stomach also. I would have a ultrasonographer or an internal medicine specialist to perform the ultrasound. I hope Chi feels better soon and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking/scratching (if any). The other signs are quite concerning and could be caused by a possible gastrointestinal infection. A check up would be absolutely needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

I'm sorry to hear that Boo Boo is so sick! There signs you've described could be related to a number of issues including (but not limited to) pain, infection, constipation or other intestinal diseases, internal organ problems, or endocrine problems. It is impossible to say what the cause of Boo Boo's issues are without doing an examination on him. I strongly suggest you take him to see a veterinarian right away so he can be assessed. Blood work and X-rays may also be needed to get a diagnosis. The lump that Boo Boo has can be evaluated and if necessary a small needle sample obtained to see if it is benign or problematic. I'm concerned that Boo Boo sounds like he is in pain and will likely need pain medication. From what you describe he could have a back, neck, or hip injury. Please remember there are no safe over the counter pain medications for dogs so you will need to have these prescribed by a veterinarian. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I hope Boo Boo can get the care he needs and is on the mend soon!

I'm sorry but Riko's symptoms are very non-specific so it is very difficult for me to know may be going on with him just based on your description. Blood tests and x-rays do not always give a diagnosis. That is why there are so many different testing modalities available. So, I would say you should start with chemistry and CBC blood testing and x-rays of his abdomen to check for any obstruction.

I would recommend that you talk to your vet about an abdominal ultrasound. Also, if your vet has not performed a rectal exam, that would also be a good thing to ask about. Since he is 11, my biggest concern would be a potential tumor. It could also be that he has inflammatory bowel disease. You could also use a probiotic for him which may be beneficial. Talk to your vet about a fiber supplement such as Metamucil as well, which could also be helpful. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I noticed in one of those pictures that his stool is really diarrhea and is black (which usually means a sign of bleeding). Vomiting and diarrhea can occur secondary to conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, dietary indiscretion, parasites, among other possibilities. In addition, black stools can be indicative of bleeding into the small intestine or stomach which can happen secondary to an ulcer for instance. Bloody urine can be the result of an infection, stones, tumors, among other possibilities. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. At the very least they can start him on medications to make him feel better and check his hydration status. In the meantime, keep water available at all times to try to prevent dehydration. Good luck and have a good day!