My Shih Tzu guzzles water, won't eat, and has dry paws. What's wrong?

I can see Aubrey is quite overweight, with all the other symptoms I would suspect hypothyroidism which is an endocrine disease that is sometimes missed on normal blood test. I would recommend asking your vet to test her for it, if it comes back positive at least you will have a condition that is treatable.

Tibby sounds like he isn't feeling quite himself. He is getting to be an older guy, at 14, and drinking alot of water can signify many issues like diabetes, kidney disease, hypothyroidism, urinary tract infection, etc. He may be licking his paw because his paw is itchy or painful. Also, studies have shown that excessive licking is sometimes a sign of abdominal pain in dogs. I think you need to schedule a geriatric appointment with your veterinarian to identify what might be going on with Tibby. Be prepared for some blood work and likely a urine test, and perhaps other diagnostics depending on what your veterinarian finds on physical exam.

I’m sorry but it is difficult to tell what’s going on with the foot with just a picture. If the fur is a reddish brown color or skin is red then it could be allergies or an infection. I would try Benadryl twice a day and a cone collar to prevent her from chewing it. See link below. With her being sick, there are several different causes from liver/kidney issues, diabetes, an infection, parasites, pancreatitis, and much more. Since it has been going on for awhile I would have your vet take a look at her. She is at high risk for dehydration because of her size. Your vet will be able to determine the cause, look at her foot and get her started on the proper meds to make her feel better. I hope this helps!

If she isn't eating anything I would call your vet and have her looked at. They may be able to provide you with an antacid dose. It may nothing to be worried about but it could also be the start of something more. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Benji. I recommend that he sees his veterinarian. A sudden change in appetite is worrisome. His veterinarian will examine him and try to determine the source of his problem. In the meantime, you can add warm water to his dry kibble as this can make it more appealing. If you have canned food of the same formula, you can offer it warmed as well. You can also try mixing it with the dry kibble. I hope this information helps!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Excessive water intake can be seen with conditions such as urinary tract infections, and metabolic conditions such as Cushing's disease to name a few. Given that Chico is also showing signs of being hungry, it is possible that he has something called Cushing's disease which is a metabolic condition which at times requires treatment. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian who can test for that if it makes sense based on further history and physical examination. Good luck!

Hello, sorry to hear about your pup. There are several causes for increased drinking and decreased appetite. However, it may be that he is just a bit cold. Some other causes could include anxiety. Finally underlying metabolic diseases such as kidney disease, cushings, hypothyroidism, or other forms of GI disease may cause this as well. If he continues to do this then he should be evaluated by a veterinarian. Diagnostics may include bloodwork, an abdominal x-ray, or even an ultrasound. Hope this helps and best of luck.