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Why is my senior dog not eating, drinking, and struggling to walk?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Dachshund miniature | Female | spayed | 15 years and 9 months old | 8 lbs

my dog is not eating, drinking and is having trouble getting around. A few days ago she was covered in a whole body red rash, and itching terribly (no fleas) the redness and itching are gone now but she is not eating, drinking and can barely walk as I said before. Please help me help her!

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on October 1st, 2017

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Kakes! Kakes is an older dog and it worries me when older dogs stop eating and drinking. Possible causes are: kidney or liver failure, cancer, bleeding in belly, back or neck pain (Dachshund's are predisposed), viral or bacterial infections, a fever, lyme disease, pancreatitis I think it is best to have her seen as soon as you can, today preferably, by a Veterinarian. After their exam they will recommend appropriate testing to figure out WHY she has stopped eating and is having trouble walking. I hope this helps and I wish you and Kakes the best!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 4th, 2018

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Shylee! If she is staggering around I would have her seen today on emergency. She is an older dog and we get worry about more serious things. Possible causes are: cancer, bleeding mass in her belly, anemia from other causes, kidney or liver disease, vestibular disese, Lyme disease and heart problems. She needs to be examined by a Vet. I wish you the best!

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