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
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.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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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.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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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.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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