Why won't my senior dog with pancreatitis eat his special diet?

Since he’s a senior dog and this has been going on now for several days I recommend a veterinary exam and treatment to control the diarrhea. They may give fluids to prevent dehydration which can become very serious. Once the diarrhea is controlled and he’s not dehydrated then I expect he’ll feel better and start eating again. He must have a sensitive stomach so stay with the food you know he does well with. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Harley.

Poor guy. An obstruction is something to consider; however uncommon in older dogs. I would be inclined to look at all the lab findings in detail to give you more specific recommendations on what is likely your next best step for Barrington. If he does have pancreatitis then he may need to be hosptilalized with I.V. fluids, antinausea medicaitons antibiotics and pain meds given as an injection to help get him back to healthy status. I hope this helps and feel free to request a consultation to discuss his case in more detail. I hope that Barrington is able to make a full and speedy recovery. Best wishes and take care.

Poor guy. The fact that he is producing urine and pooping means that he is getting something in his system. Is he getting people food instead? If he is eating some people food, try mixing the food in with his normal kibble. Or you can try another brand of dog food that is perhaps more palatable for him. Some good dog food brands to consider are: Royal Canin, Eukanuba, or Purina One. If he still doesn't want to eat his normal food after 2-4 days or starts acting abnormal or lethargic in any way, then at that point it is best to get him checked by your vet just to make sure everything is ok. Best of luck with your pet Shadow moving forward and I hope that he regains his normal appetite soon! Take care. : )

I would definitely recommend some blood work, if this hasn't been done recently. Older dogs are prone to a number of health issues that can cause decreased appetite along with being less active - chronic kidney disease and hypothyroidism are two possibilities that are both very common. In many cases, these issues are treatable (at least to some extent) once a diagnosis is made, so it's well worth checking for them if you can - hopefully, there are some things you can do to make him feel better for as long as possible, even though he's getting older.

I am very sorry to hear that Mr Dolly isn't himself. I would try to tempt him to eat with boiled boneless chicken breast and white rice. This diet is bland and easily digested in case he has a gastrointestinal concern brewing, but also highly palatable. It is okay for a dog to fast for many hours, and is often their instinct when their gastrointestinal tract is upset. If Mr. Dolly continues to refuse to eat, starts to vomit or have diarrhoea, you notice any blood, he is lethargic or depressed I would advise a trip to the veterinarian.

Dogs with pancreatitis are incredibly nauseous and very painful. He is likely eating what he feels up to eating. It's ok for a few days until he starts feeling perky again, then you can get him back to his normal dog food.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Roxy! It is possible she is having a flare up of pancreatitis, but she is 9 years old so we need to be mindful of other things as well. She could be painful in her neck or back or have a different metabolic condition (liver, kidney problem or diabetes). I think starting the omerprazole as prescribed by your Vet is fine. For my patients with pancreatitis I do a low fat diet for life. If she is not eating and still acting abnormal when your Vet opens I would have her seen. Pancreatitis makes them nauseous and is painful. I treat with pain medications, antibiotics and antinausea medications. The omeprazole is just an antacid and will not help much for the nausea and pain. I hope this helps and I wish Roxy a speedy recovery!