How to get my senior dog with heart failure and bad teeth to eat?

Question

My 14 yr old dauchshund mix has heart failure. I can not get her to eat, her teeth are bad the vet gave her a round of antibiotics and she is on heart meds. How can I get her to eat. Pet's info: Dog | Dachshund | Female | spayed | 14 years old | 9.5 lbs

Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA · Accepted Answer

I'm sorry to hear that Cocoa isn't feeling well! Dogs with chronic health issues like this often lose their appetite, and it can be hard to get them to eat. If she eats dry food, you can try soaking it in some low-sodium beef or chicken broth for a few minutes to soften it and add flavor. If she eats wet food, you can try warming it briefly in the microwave to make it more enticing, or try different types of canned food to see if you can find one that interests her. Plain boiled chicken and rice, or rice mixed with chicken or beef-flavored baby food can also be a good choice in the short-term for dogs who aren't as hungry as usual. Finally, if needed, you could ask your veterinarian about prescribing an appetite stimulant such as mirtazapine - this can be very effective for some pets with chronic health issues, to help improve their appetite.

How to get my senior dog with heart failure and bad teeth to eat?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?

What's the best way to feed my hamster when I'm going on a trip?

Can chickens eat bell peppers daily and what about veggie salads?

My newly adopted pet won't eat hay. What can I do to encourage it?

My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?

My degu lost teeth after an accident. How can I feed him soft foods?

Share