My Aussie Shepard is 9 years old, small 27 lbs, and in congestive heart failure (drew off 1/2 liter of fluid from lungs last week) - but after numerous tests can't find out why. Sending more test to a pathologist (to see if the Vet missed something in her blood and fluids), but she quit eating five days ago. Tried rice and hamburger. Only thing she'll eat is table scraps from our hand. We've tried other dog foods (including the soft kind in celophane package). She is on a water pills so she is drinking a lot of water. How long can she live like this?
2007-04-17 04:49:40 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
The meds may be upsetting her stomach. Until you get the results keep hand feeding her the table scraps.
2007-04-17 04:53:18 · answer #1 · answered by Joey D. 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would try white rice and boil a chicken breast. This would be healthier for your dog. My Vet. has suggested that for my dogs when they were so sick!
Dogs can live with congestive heart failure as long as it isn't to bad. She will have to be placed on a water pill all the time.
This is not good going without eating for that many days. Do what ever it takes to get her to eat. If you have to hand feed her I would do that. Call the Vet. and let them know it has been that many days.
She will start to lose her strength very fast without eating. The Vet. may have to put her on IVs if she doesn't start to eat.
I would at least keep your Vet. up to speed how your dog is doing.
The fluid in her lungs when it builds up puts pressure on her heart.
I would sit down with the Vet. and really voice my concerns about the Quality of life of the dog? If the dog is in any pain?
How much better she will get if any?
I know how hard it is to decide about putting a dog to sleep. I have had to have two of my dogs put to sleep within 8 months apart. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done!!
I wouldn't want my dog to suffer. If the doctor even begins to think she might be suffering I would put her at piece.
One day you will see her again.
Good Luck
2007-04-17 05:11:47 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Im so sorry to hear about your baby. You could try an appetite stimulant. They sell them at PetSmart in the vitamin section. Also you could try Pet Botanics rolled dog food. This stuff is absolutely amazing. Not only does it smell just like beef jerky, But it has the nutrients and calories your dog needs unlike people food. But if he doesnt eat this, then just keep feeding him people food. As long as hes eating something.
2007-04-17 05:03:56 · answer #3 · answered by heysanj75 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think mammals can live up to three weeks with no food. She is eating something though, so it won't be that bad. Keep feeding her whatever she'll eat - she's old and very ill so this is no time to be worrying about keeping her on the healthiest possible diet. Just keep her eating.
Best wishes to you and your dog,
Chalice
2007-04-17 04:56:59 · answer #4 · answered by Chalice 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you need to talk to the vets dogs some times give up when they have had enough my Alsatian did and when we took him to be put down the vets said one more test then we will on the way to the vets to get the results three days later he just slip ed away i was so cross cause we could of put him out of his pain sooner your dog will tell you look into her face she will tell you its so hard to say good bye but maybe knows the time
2007-04-17 05:01:21 · answer #5 · answered by old-bag 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Really depends on the individual dog. It's something to ask your vet about.
2007-04-17 04:52:24 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Give her whatever she will eat--she probably needs to be on IV so she gets what she needs--Don't know about the starving part--I never had one starve!
2007-04-17 05:59:28 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋