My dog is in pain, weak, not eating, has maggots. What can I do?

Hi. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Shadow really needs to be seen by a vet ASAP. If there are maggots then there is a significant wound/lesion that needs attention. He may need to have it surgically debrided and likely needs pain medication and antibiotics. Some flea control products such as Capstar can help to kill maggots but the wound still needs to be thoroughly flushed and cleaned. In the case of maggots around the back end sometimes they can be in the rectum which can lead to sepsis or severe complications. Please get Shadow to a veterinarian today. He will also need to be kept indoors until the wound is completely healed or this may happen again.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Your dog appears to be young (under a year) from what I can tell based on the pictures and information you provided. The most likely diseases are as follows: 1. Parvo, a virus that primarily attacks the immune system and intestines of dogs and is very lethal if left without supportive care. 2. Intestinal parasites which can cause intestinal blockage and even anemia (depletion of red blood cells). 3. Other viruses with varying severities. This is not an exhaustive list, just the most common things for a puppy. They will all lead to dehydration and other secondary issues which can all be severe enough to cause death. Whatever the underlying disease, he looks very ill and needs attention from a veterinarian immediately. I would recommend taking him to your nearest emergency veterinary hospital as soon as possible. I hope this helps and your dog gets better!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Spooky! I am so sorry that Spooky is so sick. I would stay home. I am worried about how sick is and for how long. Have you tried applying for care credit or reached out to low cost clinics like the SPCA? I am worried that he may pass away with out further care. I wish you the best

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It sounds like Buffy is very sick, since she can't keep down water and is also having diarrhea, and is unwilling to move around. I highly recommend that Buffy be seen by a veterinarian. As a 15 year old dog, I am worried about a possible cancerous cause of her clinical signs. Diagnostics such as bloodwork and even an abdominal ultrasound would likely be necessary to determine the underlying cause. At the very least, your veterinarian can discuss possible palliative treatment options to try to get Buffy feeling comfortable again. It is also not wrong to consider the option of humane euthanasia, to help eliminate Buffy from suffering. I know this is a difficult choice, but from what you are describing I don't believe it would be wrong. I hope this is helpful.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Spyke! I think Spyke is very sick. Only you can decide if you want to have him examined, blood work and X-rays done to find out WHY his sick before you decide to put him down. 13 years old is a good long life. If he isn't eating and is vomiting so much he can barely get up and is falling down that is not a good quality of life. If you can not do testing or do not want to put him through a lot then it sounds like it might be time. I am very sorry and I wish you all the very best!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Skye. I'm sorry she isn't doing well! She is definitely getting old and these signs are not good. You cannot leave her in this condition, dying is not a pain free process. You need to take her into a vet immediately. Best of luck.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am so sorry that Sasha is so ill! Based on your pictures Sasha looks very sick and very thin. Possible causes: infected uterus since she is not spayed, cancer, foreign body (ate something that is stuck in her stomach or intestines), or intestinal parasites. I would need more information about what tests your Vet ran: blood work, stool sample or X-rays of her belly? If those things have not been done then I would recheck with your Vet as soon as possible. An infected uterus and a foreign body are emergency surgeries and can be life saving if done early. If she has cancer the best thing would be to discuss humane euthanasia since Sasha is suffering. I am very sorry and I with you and Sasha the best.