Dog care

Question
Patti

I have a dog. (So far so good right?)
Hes part Shepard, part Terrier a good looking dog I think. He has Shepard colours but a bit longer hair and some beard and like some whispy hair from his ears and lots of hair on his tail (hes a male I figure you have gathered by now :~)

Hes about 12 years old in human years, born on the 4th of July, and in all that time, only ONE person told us he's "ugly" but she was not a dog lover by any stretch of the imagination.

Anyway the reason I was calling today was that his stomach seems bloated, hard on the sides but he doesnt seem to complain too much. He still acts like a pup, pushing his face and head in the snow and rolling around in it and he still gallops all over the house, makes a big mess, and barks at anyone that passes by the house (hes about 55lbs -maybe a bit more now that hes looking fat around the mid section) well, he doesnt look "fat" more bloated I would say. Hes typically eating pretty normally I would say although he is getting finiky in his old age. For instance, he wont eat bread by iself but it if you put butter on it, he will eat it.

yes, Ive heard all the arguments as to why they should only eat dog food but heck, if all you are was dog food for 12 years, dont you think you would get tired of it? I mean, its got no taste to speak of (unless you put butter on it)

let me know what you think

best, M/  

Answer
Hi Martial,

Growing up I had a Shepard who became accustomed to having buttered bread too! Sweet butter is probably a little "better" than salted, for dogs.

Depending on the rest of your dog's diet, a little buttered bread won't hurt him. The oils in the butter can actually be good for his skin.

Eating a variety of foods is as good for dogs, as it is for you. Dogs aren't true carnivores, and benefit from fruits veggies and carbohydrates. You might find your dog loves baby carrots or an apple wedge (no seeds!), and will gladly accept them as treats instead of store bought snacks.

If your dog isn't used to eating fruits or veggies, introduce them slowly, and monitor him for signs of an upset stomach or diarrhea before increasing the amount you offer. Some dogs are sensitive to changes in their diet.

Anyway, back to your question...

You didn't mention any other symptoms such as vomiting, having gas, intestinal or gastric gurgling, or acting either lethargic or restless, or having an increased or decreased appetite. I will assume that your dog's only symptom is the firm distended stomach.

Dogs are pretty stoic, and don't always show if they're in pain. Given your dog's age, you should have him examined by your vet. A dog's belly can become enlarged for a number of clinical reasons, it might not be his stomach at all. Liver problems, and Hyperadrenocorticism (also known as Cushings Disorder), can cause a distended belly too.

I hope I've been a help.
Best of luck,

Patti

PS. I know your dog isn't ugly, sight unseen!