What to do for my senior pug with cough, weight loss, and not eating?

Hi, and thanks for your question. This sign could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or possibly to a tracheitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). Other possible differentials would include heart problems. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. X rays of her chest may be 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!

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm sorry to hear that Gum seems to have a decreased appetite and is more lethargic. While these are vague clinical signs, these may be due to some sort of underlying disease of either the gastrointestinal tract, liver or kidney disease, and/or a possible neoplastic or cancerous process. Since he has had a decreased appetite long enough to lose weight, I recommend having him evaluated by your veterinarian at their next available appointment. Your vet can perform bloodwork to look for any evidence of systemic illness that may be contributing to his clinical signs. His clinical signs are unlikely due to behavioral changes alone. I hope this is helpful - best of luck with Gum!

Poor Dagul! I am sorry that he doesn't feel well. Looking at the blood work his white blood count and kidney values are all elevated. The kidney values could be elevated simply due to dehydration but I cannot say for sure since I cannot see him myself. The white blood count being so high makes me concerned about a severe upper respiratory infection or even pneumonia. These blood results look like they were done in February so they really aren't very accurate now. I would strongly recommend have him seen again by your vet if possible and recheck the blood work. Your vet will be able to do a thorough exam and let you know whether or not he has a good chance of making it. Your vet may even recommend x-rays to ensure there is no tumors in the lungs causing issues as well. I am really concerned about him. I would also make sure he is continuing to eat and drink to help keep his hydration levels up. I hope this helps and he starts to feel better soon!

I think that with the symptoms you have described, the best thing to do would be to have Angel examined by a vet. There are hundreds of things that could cause weight loss and/or a cough in a dog, including cancer, heartworm disease, infection, bad teeth, intestinal parasites, and so on. If you are upfront with the vet about your financial limitations, then often we can work in a step-wise fashion to limit the amount of money we use up in the diagnostic portion of the visit. Many things can be uncovered with a simple physical exam and thorough review of Angel's medical history. Trying random OTC or at-home treatments for dental disease or coughing may just waste money that could have been used for vet care. You may look for low-cost vet clinics in your area, contact shelters or rescue groups that may have grants available to help with vet care, or look into other financing options. https://www.petcoach.co/article/7-smart-solutions-for-pet-care-financing/

In a geriatric dog like Susie, that is eating a lot but not gaining weight, I would be concerned about a metabolic issue going on like diabetes or hyperthyroidism. Also, because of her age you would have to consider some type of cancer as well. I would recommend taking Susie in to your vet to be checked out. They will probably want to run some blood work and possibly perform X-rays as well. Best of luck.

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm sorry to hear about Booda, she sounds very sick. Since she is vomiting, acting lethargic, not eating and having neurological signs, I would have her seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Especially in an older Golden, cancer is a top differential for the cause of her clinical signs. Your veterinarian will want to do a complete physical exam, along with bloodwork and/or x-rays to look for evidence of disease. Because she is coughing, I'm afraid she may have cancer in her lungs, or less likely something like pneumonia. Unfortunately, you may have to consider thinking about her quality of life. Vomiting, coughing, not eating and being unresponsive to stimuli are not indicative of a good quality of life. I hope this is helpful, and I'm very sorry to hear about Booda.

I am sorry to hear about Pinta. These symptoms are unfortunately concerning, especially in an older dog. Difficulty breathing is a very serious condition and considered an emergency if she is struggling to get breath normally. Possible causes can vary from primary lung issues such as infections like pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, and tumors in the lung. Heart disease can also result in breathing problems, as can sudden anemia due to bleeding inside the body cavity. I would recommend getting Pinta into the vet as soon as possible, and if she is struggling to breath then she needs to visit the emergency vet if your vet is closed. They will examine her and likely recommend x-rays of the lungs. This will help them determine if treatment is possible or if she can be made more comfortable. Best of luck to you and Pinta.