My senior dog with heart failure won't eat. What should I do?

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.

If Rosie will not eat her regular diet anymore you can try to offer her different types or canned dog food to see if any of these are appetizing to her. If she will not eat any prepared dog food you can still home cook for her but you will need to use a website like www.balanceit.com or consult with a veterinarian nutritionist to create a well balanced recipe. If Rosie is on just chicken, carrots, and broccoli she will eventually develop a nutritional deficiency so a balanced recipe is needed.

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 am so sorry to hear Princess isn't felling well. The best way to help her feel better is hospitalizing her on IV fluids. This will help flush out some of the toxins her kidneys aren't filtering and could bring down the phosphorus. There are medications to add to her diet to help bind the phosphorus but this is only effective if she is eating. If she isn't eating, those numbers will only continue to climb without IV fluid support. Even with IV fluids, she may not improve but this is her best option. If that is not a possible option for you, I would consider her quality of life. If she no longer is eating, drinking, or interested in normal daily tasks, her quality of life is poor. Making these decisions are never easy but as long as you are keeping Princess's best interests in mind, you will make the right one. Good luck and hugs and kisses to Princess!

Poor Dexter. Unfortunately this can be part of the disease. I would take him into the vet to see if you can get an appetite stimulant prescribed to see if that helps. If it does not, then it would likely be time to consider letting him go. I'm sorry.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Sophie. I recommend that she sees a veterinarian. She is likely not eating as she does not feel well. Dogs can generally survive several days without food. However, it is worrisome that she is not eating. She may be experiencing a progression of her heart disease. Furthermore, if a dog does not eat, they are at risk for becoming dehydrated. This will need to be addressed as well. I hope this information helps!

Any calories at this stage are welcome so boiled chicken and rice, with some vegetables, would be a good option if she is willing to take it. Vitamins/minerals such as the nutritional gel or a tonic would also be recommended whilst she is undergoing investigations for the cause of her poor appetite (kidney, liver or cushings disease would all be possibilities)