Worries about my poor pooch

[Tiara]

My 16 year old Jack Russel Snoop has developed a pretty bad case of diarrhea over the past few weeks. He mainly does it at night when everyones alseep. We tried giving him nothing but boiled food, like eggs and rice, it helped a little but he was still doing it. We took him the vet and they gave him antibiotics and some special diet food. I feel so sorry for him because he's only allowed half a tin of this diet food a day and he's lost weight already. I know its for the best but feel as if we're neglecting him. He looks so miserable. The diarreah has stopped but he hasn't had a movement for over 2 days. That can't be right.

He's just getting to that age now so I'm worried, you know, we've had him since I was 2. He's like a legend in our house and now he's not well

[Fonzarelli23]

^Sounds so similar to my dog... I also let her out and she was so wobbly, she fell over in the back yard and couldn't get up. I had to carry her back in the house. I put her down and she tried to stand up... her back legs couldn't hold her and she fell right on her side. I guess it's better that I knew when I had to say goodbye... I'm glad I didn't come home from work and find her dead... We were with her when she died, she kissed my hand as they put the IV in. I think she knew what was happening and she was thanking me for it. She didn't want to live like that. My dad came with me and that was the first (and only) time I've ever seen him cry.

Your story just made my eyes tear up. Damn you Rizzo--I'm at work!! In all honesty though, I feel for anyone in this situation. I was never allowed to have a dog growing up, so I got my first one a little after I moved out so he's only 4. I cannot fathom going through what you guys are/have with my doggie. And I wish Snoop the best Tiara!

[miss_perfect]

Keep us updated Tiara!

Seems like we all know what it's like watching our pets get older. People that don't have pets don't understand that they're just as much a part of your family as the people are.

[ourmaninBusan]

I hope he gets well soon. I'd offer advice except
I've never had a dog.

[moomies]

Don't feel so bad that you have to restrict his diet. We've been told for years and years that our dog is obese and needs to be on a diet (pugs tend to be pudgy ). He has been on a tasteless low-calorie food for several years now. It will benefit your dog in the long run to be on the special diet. Maybe after he's been well for a while, you can switch back slowly to what he used to eat regularly?

Wishing your doggie all the best. Old dogs start to get more and more health problems just like humans, it's part of aging I guess. You might not be able to give him treats here and there but you can always give him lots and lots of hugs n kisses.

[muchlove]

I hope he gets well soon. I'd offer advice except
I've never had a dog.

Awww, that's so sad! You seem to like dogs, you should have one. They're really just... the best thing. My life doesn't feel right when I don't have a dog around.

[Tiara]

Thank you all for being so kind!

But no, the vet didn't do blood tests or xrays? She just checked his heartbeat and temperature and said it must be some kind of infection that antibiotics will get rid of.

When I got home last night he seemed OK, a little quiet. He usually runs around your feet but he just stayed in. All he's eaten for the past few days is half a tin of diet food a day though so he must be feeling week. He still hasn't had a movement, not even a bad one. I know the food is supposed to bung him up a bit but not going for over 4 days isn't right. I'm going to phone the vet.

Oh and to answer your question Frank, I think when it gets to the stage where life is painful for him and he is suffering we will get him put down. I'd hate to see him go through any unnecessary anguish. I don't know who would take him though, we're all big softies in my family, I don't think any of us could bare to do it even if it is for the best.

Thanks again for all your advice and kind words guys, really appreciate it.

[Tiara]

^^ Thanks, I realise you're trying to help but I really don't want to think about that right now. I'm hoping he's going to recover. If he doesn't then I'll have to think about that then.

[Glasgow53]

Don't forget, the antibiotics are sometimes hard on them, he might not feel quite right until he is done taking those. Poor doggie.

[Tiara]

I've just spoke to my mum and she said he's had a bowel movement, still a little loose but better! He's going for his check up tomorrow because his antibiotics finish today. She said she's been making more of an effort to give him love and fuss and he's been running around playing with the puppy! I'm so releaved he seems to be on the mend. I'll let you know what the vet says tomorrow though.

Oh and for those of you who havn't already seen him I thought it'd be nice to post his pic again.

Here he is sleeping the way he always sleeeps. Comfy eh??

[Tiara]

He had his check up, the vet says he is fine and we can start mixing his regular food in with his diet food until he eventually is eating just the regular stuff. She said he must have just picked up a bug, I'm so releaved my little baby is OK, I'm gunna by him an even bigger present for christmas now!!!

[moomies]

Glad your doggie's doing better!!

[drama_queen]

I'm so happy to hear your little baby is doing well Tiara.

[Tiara]

Thank you all, he must be doing well now because last night my mum let our new cockatiel out of it's cage in the lounge to let it stretch its wings and she's so quiet (the little birdy) my mum totally forgot she was there and went in to the kitchen to get a drink. She suddenly realised she'd left the bird and the dog alone together and rushed in to find the bird had jumped on the Snoop's head and he was chasing her round the living room (in a playful way) and he was panting too (buttmunch, you know what that means!!)

[MaryJane]

I'm so happy for you, big hugs!!!