You should have any skinny GSD, Doberman Pinscher, Labrador Retriever, or other breed known to be born with EPI checked to make sure their pancreatic acid is working. EPI is exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, which means they don't manufacture enough pancreatin, hence the food is improperly broken down and doesn't digest, causing diarrhea and weight loss.
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
I rescued a German Shepherd off the streets. He weighs in at 52.1 and is 4 years old. I have trouble getting him to eat, I mix can food and dry food, and take his medicine even if it's with peanut butter.
How can I get him to eat?For a picky dog it might be best to try something like cooked pasta or rice. I know my dogs love cooked pasta or rice mixed with their dog food.
You can also make some chicken broth or even buy some in the cans. Pour some of this over his food and he might really love it. Do not add water and use the broth as it is out of the can.
As for taking medicine I wouldn't use peanut butter. I'd roll this up in a slice of cheese and give it to him. This is what I have to do with my dog.
I have a German Shepherd who loved Blue Buffalo dog food. It is a little more expensive that the other brands. I will take a piece of meat (any "people" meat will do ) warm it up in the microwave in 1/4 cup of water for about 10 to 15 seconds (all depends on you wattage) and then mix it around in the dry dog food.
My 1 year old female German Shepherd is gulping her food, but is thin. She ate a mouse weeks ago; is this the problem? She has been wormed.
By Sue
I have a 1 and a half year old male German Shepherd. He is right around 80 lbs, but seems small when compared to other male Shepherds or even the female we had before him.He doesn't seem to have that fluffy coat that makes them look fuller. Any suggestions on how to help him put on some healthy weight and muscle?
By S. DeRosia
I have a 7 year old German Shepherd mix. She is so skinny you can see her ribs and her back bone. We put food out for her, but she just won't eat. And when she does, she doesn't gain anything.
We took her to the vet for blood work; she has no worms, no cancer, and no parasites. She has diarrhea. I am afraid that I will lose her. We used to give her dry dog food. Now we switch food every day from meat to fish to pasta. She doesn't eat, she only rests. Please help me.
By dakota
It's obvious to both of us there's something very wrong with your german shepherd. I'd get a second vet's opinion elsewhere and soon.
This link is where you get expert answers but for a fee. How much? I don't know, but it's a live response to this question/answer type website if you might be interested. I hope your german shepherd gets well. Keep us posted please and good luck.
I agree with Lorelei I would get a second opinion. We all know there's something wrong. good luck and let us know how your german shepherd is doing.
Is your dog pooping? Check out "constipation in dogs" on Google. If they have a bowel obstruction, they won't eat. Ask your vet if they checked that.
Keep hydrated-keep hydrated-keep hydrated. Give enema with colloidal silver (health food store) 1/2 hour later another enema. If she has sickness in her intestines this will help. Right now, it sounds like she will die if nothing is done.
Personally I would go on Petenzymes.com and get the Total-zymes Plus as quickly as possible. Read some of the testimonials on that site. I have been giving it to my dog for about 4 weeks now. Its digestive enzymes and probiotics. I also give my dog plain yogurt 1 Tbsp per day. She would always throw up the "yellow foamies" and whatnot and she's had some problems with pancreatitis. She's been good for a while now. Please try it. I don't think it's that expensive for what you get.
What kind of food helps German Shepherds gain weight? I rescued a German Shepherd in December and he started eating on a schedule. He is much happier now, however, despite him eating more he hasn't gain much weight. I took him to the vet and they took blood samples and it came back with no problems.
A German Shepard dog is usually a big eater as you must know as it looks like you have two to feed.
I have a German Shepherd female dog. She is 5 months and she is 22 kgs. She is properly vaccinated and de wormed. I want her to put on weight, she eats properly, is very energetic, and very playful.
She does not look skinny or thin, but I want her to look a bit more fat. Is it possible? If yes then how?
My German Shepherd looks too thin. He is 6 and a half months old and I feed him three times a day. Can anyone recommend a correct diet chart for him along with what to give him in his diet?
We have a 1.5 year old female German Shepherd. She eats, but she looks like she is not gaining any weight. She has a high metabolism.
When you pet her on her right side feels like you could feel a little bit of rib. What can be done? Should we be concerned?My male German Shepherd is about 15 months old. He gets fed 3 cups of food twice a day and still looks very skinny. What can I do to make him gain weight?
I have a beautiful German Shepherd named Bullett, he is 2, but to look at him, he looks like I do not feed him. He goes to the vet for his check ups and does not have worms, parasites, etc. He eats like a pig but will not put any weight on.
