I'm feeling really worried and could use some advice. My 14-year-old dog, Max, who has been my buddy for so many years, was recently diagnosed with stage 2 CKD and pancreatitis. It's been a rollercoaster trying to manage his diet and medication, but I've noticed he's been having diarrhea for the past four days. I thought it might pass, but it’s not getting better, and it's heartbreaking to see him like this. We’ve been sticking to the low-fat diet our vet suggested, but I’m worried we might be missing something. Has anyone else been through this with their senior dog? Any advice on what I could do to help get his tummy settled? Thanks in advance!
Hello there,
I'm sorry to hear that your senior dog has been experiencing diarrhea. It's concerning when our furry friends aren't feeling well, and particularly when they have ongoing health issues like CKD (chronic kidney disease) and pancreatitis.
Diarrhea can occur due to various reasons, including dietary changes, infections, or stress. In your dog's case, his existing health conditions might influence his digestive system's response. Pancreatitis, for instance, can cause inflammation in the digestive tract, leading to diarrhea. Similarly, kidney disease can affect nutrient and fluid balance, both of which are crucial for normal digestion.
At home, ensure your dog stays hydrated, as diarrhea can cause dehydration, especially in a senior dog. Offering small, frequent amounts of water can help. Additionally, consider a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice, but only after consulting with a vet, as dietary needs can vary greatly with CKD.
Keep an eye on any additional symptoms like vomiting, extreme lethargy, or signs of dehydration (like sunken eyes or dry gums). These could indicate that it's time for further evaluation.
To provide more personalized advice, I recommend booking a video consultation with us here at Dial A Vet. We can discuss suitable next steps to help your dog feel better soon.
Take care!
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