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Here are a few things I learned through experience about syringe feeding. Ask for the largest oral syringe you can get from your pharmacist. Cut the very tip off the opening, as there is an inner lip that makes the opening even narrower (the narrower the opening, the finer the liquid must be to go through it). File the edges with a nail file if they seem sharp after cutting. (don't bother with a turkey baster-- I tried and they're messy and useless) This part I did in batches of about 12 cups... Pre soak kibble in a container with water and/or broth, enough to cover the kibble by an inch. (I also added Missing Link Plus-1 tsp per cup of kibble- while soaking, as it added nutrients and also had the benefit of helping break down the kibble even further). Let this soak in the refrigerator for at least six hours, a day is better. Then put the mushy soaked kibble in a food processor with additional water/broth and process until very very smooth. You'll know it's the right consistency when you can put the tip of the syringe into it and draw up a full tube without too much resistance or it getting clogged. Think smooth yogurt... Once the food is all pureed, I put it back in a container and refrigerate, spooning out servings and warming them with additional water and/or microwaving as needed. I found that I could also add certain meds at this point by using a mortar & pestle to grind them to powder and mixing into the meal (only th ones that don't taste awful or have time-release coatings). I found that when they've been on hunger strikes, their tummies do shrink, so many small meals is a good way to start. I sat with the doggie, where she was comfortable, and gently held the muzzle with one hand while sliding the tip of the syringe between the side teeth and angle toward the throat (don't need to cram it in, just the tip between the side teeth works) Once the plunger starts pushing the food out onto the tongue, my girls always started automatically licking and swallowing. I matched the rate of my plunging with the rate of their swallowing, and paused periodically so they could catch their breath. None of my girls seemed to mind being fed this way, even after they'd given up on voluntarily eating. They just patiently sat there, waiting for the next syringe-full. This method does take a lot of time and effort and patience, but to me it was worth it to not have to watch my girls waste away despite my best efforts to find various foods that they'd deign to even try, meanwhile praying it'd not upset their stomachs. I also found this method preferable to cramming food into them as someone once suggested. Let me know if I left out anything important. ETA: I should mention this method was developed out of necessity for my girls when they were very very sick. If it was "only" pickiness and not health-related, I'd certainly try other things first.

Audrey, I know all too well several times over what you're going through. Sissy, Chancy and Marla all went through the uber-picky eating thing. Drove me to tears and rage and back to tears on many occasions. I had an entire fridge dedicated solely to various food options for my dog. : When all else failed, I did discover that syringe-feeding wasn't as hard or an unwelcome as I'd feared. And it did effectively keep weight on without upsetting their bowels (because it was their normal diet, liquefied) even when they were very sick. Good luck, try to stay patient, and give that gorgeous golden boy a big gentle hug from me.

Poor poor boy! I know that woeful expression well, as my Tipper gave it to me when I "peroxided" him after he ate a poisoned mouse. Thankfully, for us it was only autumn. I agree with the others, give him a few hours to settle, then try a small amount of something bland. My Tipper had no ill after-effects.

Giardia is contagious to humans, but they are unlikely to get it unless they have poor hygiene habits with the dogs (sharing drinking dishes, handling waste, etc). I doubt a prophylactic round of meds would be necessary.

I'm sorry you're going through this. Live in the moment with Echo, and create more wonderful memories.

Glad you caught it early.

Has the neurologist ruled out a minor stroke?

I agree, you should start a new topic in Health & Medical, and you'll get a better response rate. I wonder if it's possible you're dealing with a minor stroke...?

Poor guy. Glad you're getting him to a specialist.

I would have him seen by a veterinary ophthalmologist. Specialists often catch things ordinary vets (even "grey-savvy" vets) can miss. Two vets misdiagnosed Tipper's pannus before I decided to take him to a specialist on my own. Yup, it was pannus.

I am so terribly sorry to hear of Dear's passing. My deepest condolences.

Please make sure you take him to a veterinary ophthalmologist. Specialists can often diagnose things that ordinary (even grey-savvy) vets can miss.

Well, so far Tipper hasn't gotten too excited about Alimony. He sniffs her bed closely after she gets up, but that's about it. They are never outside in the yard alone, and we're never out at all more than a few minutes, thanks to Ol' Man Winter. I'll make a Petco run later this morning.

"Heavenly Scent" went into heat? Is that a joke? The "Human Condom" line cracked me up too. Cathie talked me down off the ledge. (seriously, I'm not really panicking, just wanted to know what I'm in for) If she still seems to be a bit messy tomorrow, I'll run out to get some supplies first thing. Then I'll call my vet Monday am to give him an update and see what he thinks about the spay appointment on Thursday.

Yeah, Tipper was very interested in Polar, the pup we chose Dazzle over. Polar was in heat when we visited her. Tip thought she was the best-smelling thing since canned food! He even wanted to give her a little hug. :

Kar, what you said about "that vet" confirms my already low opinion of them. Good to know. She will be crated when we're not home, and she's muzzled at night (due to roaming housecats). I'm guessing the muzzling at night will hinder her hygiene attempts, so I'll pick up some diapers or something tomorrow. Any brand recommendations? I never knew Petco carried such things! Why would I know, right?

Thanks for the info. My dogs are never unattended outside, so that's not a concern. I was more wondering if perhaps I should not be walking her in the neighborhood for fear of dogs harassing us on walks... ? It's rare we run into off-lead dogs around here, but it's not unheard-of. I guess things could certainly be worse, but I can't say I'm thrilled about the timing of this. Though if it were someone else's problem, I confess I'd be laughing.

I'll call him first thing Monday. This isn't an emergency, so no need to bother him during off hours. I assumed she can't be spayed while in heat. That's what I've always heard anyway.

Great. If she could've held out four more days, she'd have been safely spayed. But just now I saw a drop of blood on her bed, and sure enough, it's coming from right "there". So a couple questions, since I've never actually dealt with a dog in heat before... How long before she can be safely spayed? Will she be "drippy"? Meaning, should I run out right now to get some stretchy diapers or something? Will she be crabbier? Should I keep her separate from Dazzle and Tipper, more than I ordinarily would? Will I be finding neighborhood stray dogs coming out of the woodwork, leaping my fence to get a piece? Oy. <sigh>

Marla had staples put in with just a local when she had several skin growths lasered off. I think stitches would've been more difficult with just the local, as they require a steadier (read: unconscious) patient. Staples are nice & quick.

I am so sorry for your loss. He sounds like a wonderful boy.

Lucky Danny-boy! Give him a smooch from me, okay?

Tears of happiness here for you, that you'll have Christmas with Darcy. What an amazing and strong girlie! Thank you so much for sharing this part of your journey together with all of us.

He's adorable. (Black Jack I mean, not Bob Barker. Though he's all right too...)

Is that really a framed pic of Bob Barker next to your TV? Cool gifts!