Why is my senior Shih Tzu not eating, drinking lots, and licking paw?

Hi, she is so beautiful and does not look her age at all. I wonder if she is feeling a bit anxious as she seems to settle when wrapped up. The increased thirst and urination needs investigating through a blood sample. Try to tempt her to eat and to keep her comfortable. Hope this helps and that she feels better soon.

Hi there! I'm so sorry to hear about Mud Bud's troubles. Sometimes older dogs can actually acquire dementia over time. This could be the cause of Mud Bud licking everything. There is also a condition called, Pica, where animals will ingest odd things, due to vitamin or mineral deficiencies. I always recommend evaluating yearly lab work in elderly animals (7+ years old) to insure that they don't have any health issues that may cause this. I also think that sometimes if dogs lose vision at all to any degree, which can happen in older dogs, they may start to lick things more often for sensory purposes. I think it is best to have Mud Bud evaluated by his veterinarian. They can get some samples for lab work and give him a full physical exam, and make sure that he doesn't have any pressing health issues. From there, they can make recommendations for his behavior. I hope you find this answer helpful. Best of luck!

Unfortunately, there isn't much for you to go on from this description. Increased water intake can signify many different changes, and the same is true for the lethargy you're describing. Going to the vet for a check up would certainly be ideal, but since that's not an option right now, I'd recommend: -Making sure she always has access to water at all times, and take her out more frequently if she's having accidents - Soaking her feet in epson salt bath for 5 minutes a day to help with whatever is irritating them - Think about any toxins she could have gotten in to, or changes in her diet or treats you could change back And if she's not getting better, work towards getting her to the vet as soon as possible. Wishing you the best of luck

Drinking a lot of water and losing weight is very concerning and indicates an underlying medical condition. There are many possibilities: * cancer * Cushing's disease * Diabetes * kidney disease * etc.... The weakness and spasms in the back legs is probably due to arthritis, however, she could be just weak from whatever underlying disease is going on. The chewing and licking of the paws could be due to her being generally uncomfortable (displacement behavior), allergies, bacterial infection of the skin, etc. She really needs an examination by your veterinarian to get to the bottom of what is going on.

Poor guy and sorry to hear about your mom passing. The weight loss was good for him and his health: however, his symptoms of increased drinking, urination and loose stool with accidents in the home are suggestive of possible diabetes or a urinary tract infection. His behavioral changes indicate he doesn’t feel well. I would highly recommend taking him to your vet for bloodwork and a urinalysis to check things over. Once we know what is going on internally then we know how we need to treat Elvis to get him wel again. I hope he feels better soon. Best wishes and take care.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Max. I recommend that he sees his veterinarian today as he seems very uncomfortable. He could have a small wound on the paw (such as a puncture from stick or thorn), a cracked and infected toenail, a fractured bone or even a small growth could all be irritating him. His veterinarian will thoroughly examine the paw and let you know if diagnostics such as x-rays are needed. From there, treatment can be started. In the meantime, place an E-collar on him to prevent any further self trauma from licking. I hope this information helps!

this could be caused by several problems. The pacing in the evenings could be caused by dementia, the panting and excessive drinking could be caused by kidney disease, diabetes and /or Cushings disease. You will need to take Toby to your vet for some blood work which will show up whether he suffers from any of those diseases. He can then also be assessed for dementia. Please make an appointment for a veterinary visit soon.