Feeling like an awful person.

[Deleted]

IBD is so hard, I had a dog that also had IBD and I could never go away/leave her because the stress would set us back a hundred steps. Does she take a dose of steroids? While I think that shortened my then-dog's life, I think it at least helped her tolerate some food and helped manage her system better. I also gave her Tylan powder which helped?

I wish I had answers for you though, I know it can be so tough and draining. HUGS.

[redredwine]

Do you know if she's in pain? I know it's hard to know with dogs...but does she give you any indication?

[Deleted]

Is she getting a high enough dosage of prednisone? My saint bernard was taking 60 mg per day (She was around 130 pounds). It sounds extremely high (which it was), but anything lower didn't work.

This is such a difficult disease, not only for the dog, but the person who takes care of the pup.

[redredwine]

I'd talk to your vet and ask what the options are...is there further treatment? Will she just continue to go downhill, etc. How old is she?

I'm sorry MP...I can barely pull myself together when my dog is sick for a day, let alone all the time. Hugs.

[rikkiandjulie]

I dunno what all you've tried, but these may be worth a shot.

Along with healthy foods, give your dog natural supplements to support his system. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant substances such as Traumeel, aloe vera gel, licorice, marine fish oil, curcumin, N-acetyl cysteine, lipoic acid, MSM, glutathione precursors, cat's claw, boswellia, vitamins E and A, slippery elm, Mexican yam and marshmallow. Probiotic supplements will help combat parasitic infection. Give your dog ModuVet to support his immune system. Work with a holistic veterinarian to determine what supplements are best for your dog. Holistic health is individual.


Rikki-iPhone

[starburst604]

I'm sorry MP. I'm going through health issues with my kitty. He's not yet at the stage where I feel it's time to let go, but I know how hard it is to "maintain". Is it an option to medically board her when you go away? I may have to do that when I go away in March and its killing me to think of him in a cage. But I don't know how else to ensure he's getting all his meds and is eating and drinking properly.

[winecat]

I'm so sorry. You are not a horrible person. Big hugs...

[spindle92]

Oh man I am so sorry.
If you medically boarded her, would that eliminate her having to sit in her own poop since I assume she would be under more supervision?

[bullygirl979]

mp, you are NOT an awful person. At all. Period. The end. Who says "cleaning up a ton of dog poop makes me happy!"? No one. It is tiring and exhausting and eats up a whole chunk of your life. You have every right to feel tired and drained.

I wish I had an answer for you. If you feel like she is 'too healthy' to be put down, is there a rescue group you could rehome her to? You've given her a huge amount of love and care over the past four years. No one would blame you for needing to step away.

[jade28]

My dog has tummy issues, not as severe as yours but enough where I don't like leaving her with others because they usually end up having to deal with accidents or they feed her stuff that make her sick (no matter how much I tell them they can't). I get stressed out that she will make a mess at someone else's place. I am okay dealing with it at my own (I have awesome carpet cleaner!) and I know how to make her feel better but others don't.

So I board her at her Vet. It works out great! Since she is there other times and knows the people, she doesn't get as stressed. When I pick her up she is always in a good mood and there are no issues when we get home. Soo different then boarding her elsewhere. The boarding adds up but it's worth it.

In the past, I have also taken her to doggie day care for the days so she is not home alone stressing,