My senior dog with heart disease won't eat after meds. What can I do?

I'm sorry that Princess is so sick! I would try to tempt her to eat by offering her small amounts of boiled white meat chicken (no bones) and white rice. You can also soak her dry food in gently warmed low sodium beef or chicken broth. Should she refuse to eat any of these choices, I would take Princess back into the vet who can give her a medication that may stimulate her appetite.

I am sorry to hear that Walter isn’t doing well. Decreased appetite can have a long list of possible causes, which may or may not be related to his cardiomyopathy. I would continue to work with your vet in possible treatments to get him more comfortable. You can also consider working with a veterinary acupuncturist or palliative care veterinarian to make sure we are treating the whole body rather than just one symptom at a time. There is also an appetite stimulant called Entyce that might help.

I'm sorry to hear that Cocoa isn't feeling well! Dogs with chronic health issues like this often lose their appetite, and it can be hard to get them to eat. If she eats dry food, you can try soaking it in some low-sodium beef or chicken broth for a few minutes to soften it and add flavor. If she eats wet food, you can try warming it briefly in the microwave to make it more enticing, or try different types of canned food to see if you can find one that interests her. Plain boiled chicken and rice, or rice mixed with chicken or beef-flavored baby food can also be a good choice in the short-term for dogs who aren't as hungry as usual. Finally, if needed, you could ask your veterinarian about prescribing an appetite stimulant such as mirtazapine - this can be very effective for some pets with chronic health issues, to help improve their appetite.

IT sounds like Freddy has been through a lot lately. Typically older dogs with chronic issue typically are not the best eaters. I would talk with your vet about possible food suggestions for Freddy. Their are multiple prescription foods that Freddy might be able to rotate through to help with his anorexia. Also, sometimes if the disease is getting worse like the heart failure or seizures that could cause Freddy not to eat. I would recommend taking Freddy to the vet to make sure his heart and lungs are sounding okay and discuss what foods would work well with his medications. I hope that helps

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I am sorry that Odie isn't feeling well. The heart on the x-rays is very big, so treatment for the heart disease is a good idea. One of the medications given typically with heart disease is a drug called Furosemide, and this usually makes them drink and pee a lot. Other medications for heart disease including Benazepril (Fortekor) and Pimobendan (Vetmedin). Benazepril can be hard on the kidneys so follow up bloodwork is recommended. If Odie is not improving with the medications he might need higher doses. Also, if he isn't eating and drinking, I would be concerned about another disease process going on, and would recommend bloodwork. You can always try a 24 hour emergency center if you can't get into your local vet for a consult. I hope he feels better soon. I wouldn't change any medications you are giving now without talking to a vet first, and it sounds like Odie needs to be seen soon. Best of luck with Odie.

Hi. Is your pet on medications for heart failure? If so, and still coughing, your veterinarian may need to reassess xrays and possibly increase doses of medication. Prognosis for heart failure is guarded to poor. I'm sorry she isn't feeling well

I'm so sorry Duke is having heart and lung problems! I am very concerned that he has not eaten for several days and has no energy. He may potentially have something else going on besides his previously diagnosed heart and lung issues. I would recommend you take him back in to your vet as soon as possible to be evaluated. Often with heart disease, dogs need a combination of medication, including furosemide and pimobendan (the cardisure), and potentially a blood pressure medication. If he is not eating he may need more aggressive treatment and potentially injectable medication. He also may need another x-ray to see how his lungs look. He may need blood work to make sure his kidneys are okay as well as check his electrolytes. Again, I'm so sorry Duke doesn't feel well. Heart disease can be difficult to manage and is progressive, so over time medications sometimes have to be adjusted and/or dosages changed. I hope he starts feeling better soon. Your vet will help you determine what is the next best step for him! Good luck!