Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Already a member? Sign in
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Senior dog sick, bloated, and hips worse after eating new food?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 100 lbs

Hi there. A few days ago our 13 yr old beag-weiler got into our roommates dogs food and since then has been not well. He's barely been eating, has only pooped a few times and not as much as he usually does. He's bloated and has a bit of trouble with his back legs - he does have hip dysplasia but we have been managing with glucosamine. His hips were fine until this happened. He breathes heavily after going for short walks now. He's still drinking water and peeing fine.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 30th, 2020

Poor guy. It sounds very plausible that he could either have severe gastritis (inflammation of his stomach) from the recent switch in food, or he has something else entirely going on internally that is the source of his pain. Many organs are in the belly area, so the pain could be from anything. A good physical exam is needed first to isolate where the pain is coming from, and then he needs to get on medications to help mange his hip dysplasia a bit better, besides just the glucosamine. Glucosamine is a good 1st line of treatment for joint problems because it is so readily available, but there are much stronger medications your vet can get Wretch on to help manage his condition better. Heavy breathing after a walk is highly suggestive of joint pain, so its best to visit your vet to get him on something that is going to be more effective for his condition.
For now, its best to keep Wretch's activity level light so that he doesn't over exert himself, leading to more injuries and pain.
Here is more information on hip dysplasia in pets and the treatment options available ---> https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952203

I do hope that Wretch's hip dysplasia and over health improves soon! Best of luck and take care.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 8th, 2016

    It is possible that pooping hurts. Old dogs all have arthritis and squatting hurts when you have arthritis in the hips. She may not want to poop, hold it back and then the intestines push it out , if she does not voluntarily eliminate. Of course there could also be an anal sac problem or an intestinal problem. I suggest you have that checked out by a veterinarian who can also give Angel pain medication for the arthritis if necessary. Your vet may want to do blood tests and x rays.

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 13th, 2017

    It is possible your dog could find it difficult to have a bowel movement outside if she has arthritis in her hips, as dogs normally do a sort of squat-posture to have a bowel movement, so it is possible she is holding her poop for longer periods and then having accidents in the house. Other possibilities could include incontinence due to muscular or neurological deficits in the colon/anus, or senility/dementia development. I would recommend a visit to your vet to check and see if there is a physical reason for these accidents and also to get her started on some pain medication for her hips if she isn't already on some.

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Vet Q & A
My senior dog is bloated, in pain, and can't walk. Is it bloat?
Poor pup! From your description, it sounds like something is seriously wrong. Trouble walking could be caused by arthritis, a neurologic problem like a stroke or herniated disc in the spine, or generalized weakness due to a severe illness of some kind. A bloated abdomen can be caused by GDV (gastric dilatation volvulus, or "bloat"), which is a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with air and twists on itself; other possible causes would include congestive heart failure, an abdominal tumor, liver failure, or internal bleeding. These signs are indicative of a severe, possibly life-threatening problem that needs immediate veterinary care, so I would recommend taking your dog to an emergency vet right away. He/she can do blood work and x-rays if needed to help diagnose the problem and see what can be done to help her.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My senior dog is lethargic with gas and won't eat. What's wrong?
Hello, and thank you for your question. Mojo's symptoms may be indicative of gastroenteritis (a gut infection), gastrointestinal parasites, food intolerance or food allergies, pancreatitis, or inflammatory bowel disease. As you can see, the list of possibilities is long and varied. I would recommend taking him to the vet. They can perform a full physical exam and assess for any areas of pain, which would be supportive of pancreatitis (for example). They may recommend testing a stool sample for parasites, senior blood work, and/or taking x-rays of the abdomen. At minimum, they can prescribe medicine to help with the tummy upset and improve his comfort. In the meantime, I would continue with the probiotic, and try small, frequent meals of a bland diet such as boiled chicken and white rice. This may be easier for his tummy to digest. I would also think back to any new food or treats that were introduced prior to this problem starting, and if so, make sure to eliminate them in case they are contributing to his symptoms. I hope this helps, and that Mojo feels better soon!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
How can I help my senior dog acting strange and in pain after eating?
Based on what you are describing it is difficult to understand what exactly is going on with Jordan. Since he is still eating this is usually a good sign. Since he has bad teeth I would continue moistening his food to make it easier for him to eat. Feeding him small meals more frequently may help alleviate some G.I. distress. If he continues having abnormal behavior it could be a neurologic issue that is causing problems. Keep in mind that he is older and may have some geriatric issues going on. If it is a heart condition causing his problems unfortunately, there is not a lot for you to do for that at home. There are some heart medication is your veterinarian can prescribe that can help his heart pump more effectively. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Food & Nutrition
Why is my senior dog suddenly in pain and struggling to get up?
Since he’s still eating this is most likely from pain not an internal organ problem. There is a good chance he over did it and he has arthritis pain. I recommend giving him a gentle massage, and getting him up for several short walks during the day. Once he’s up and moving a little he should feel better. Bring him in Monday for an exam and a senior work up if he hasn’t had one lately. They may do X-rays to check his joints. They can then tell you whether it’s arthritis or a more serious medical problem. There is prescription medication for his pain and he should be back to his old self in a few days. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Milo.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Food & Nutrition
My senior dog is weak, losing weight, peeing, and breathing hard. Why?
Oh my. Poor guy. The weight loss and his body condition score is very concerning. Gradual weight loss in older pets is highly suspicous of cancer unfortunately. Other possible causes are intestinal parasites, diabetes mellitus, etc. There is also possible arthritis which is causing Blue to become debilitated and unable to move around well; however, generalized weakness could also be a cause. You can try to feed Blue a high calorie diet (ie puppy food) to help with his muscle tone and try over the counter joint supplements (ie Dasuquin) to help with his mobility. Here is a website link with more financial resources to help you get him seen by a vet for further care because he really needs medical attention and testing to determine if this is something serious or not, and to pursue medical treatment. http://m.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_veterinary_care.html Best of luck to you and your pet Blue. I really hope he will be ok. Take care.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Food & Nutrition
Why is my senior dog lethargic, not eating, panting, and swollen?
Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. These symptoms are concerning, especially coming from an older pet lIke Blue. His warm feeling body could indicate an internal infection or inflammatory disorder, and his panting and swollen stomach could indicate underlying heart disease, an infection, or even cancer has to be considered here. I would highly recommend taking him in to your vet to have some testing done as soon as possible. The vet needs to do some bloodwork analysis and an x-ray to find out the underlying cause for his symptoms, since there are several disease processes that can cause the same symptoms. I do hope that Blue is able to make a full and speedy recovery with a diagnosis that is readily treatable. I wish you all the best! Take care.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Food & Nutrition
My old dog can't walk, breathes hard, stiff legs, but is alert?
Poor Buddy! I'm sorry to hear that he's having this problem. From your description, I would be concerned about a possible neurologic problem such as a stroke or brain tumor. He may also have severe arthritis issues, or may have a systemic illness of some kind or may have ingested something toxic. This sounds quite serious, so I would recommend taking him to an emergency clinic this evening for an exam. The veterinarian there can do blood work or other testing if needed to help diagnose the problem and see what can be done to help.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Related Searches

Dog FoodDog Health & WellnessDog Hip & Joint SupplementsDog Vitamins & SupplementsWet Dog FoodDog Treats & ChewsPrescription Dog Digestive MedicationsDog Pain Relief & Arthritis MedsDog Pain Medicine & ReliefVeterinary Diet Dog FoodDry Dog FoodCat Hip & Joint SupplementsDog Probiotics & Digestive AidsDog Grass Saver Treats & BiscuitsDog First Aid & RecoveryDog Medicine and PrescriptionsDog Pill CapsulesDog Calming Aids and SupplementsUTI & Kidney Supplements for DogsDog Incontinence & Bladder Control Medicine
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Share

Styled arrow button