In the case of surgery, mostly blood and tissue losses occur. After that, the body tries to detoxify the organism by breaking down metabolic products. Immediately after an operation, the dog is therefore provided with intravenous fluid therapy to compensate for the fluid loss and to supply electrolytes and glucose.

Then the dog should get the highly digestible food with moderate protein content, abundant digested carbohydrates, balanced vitamins, and minerals.  These feeds are concentrated with high energy content, which simplifies the feeding of small meals to spare the digestive system. They are usually highly digestible and tasty, while their consistency is usually gel-like, so it can also be administered by injection into the mouth, if necessary. Homemade food is also possible, which is made from meat,

After the “catabolic” comes the “anabolic” phase, in which the body builds more protein again. In this phase, sufficient protein supply is particularly important, as are iron and zinc, which are essential for blood formation and wound healing, as well as vitamins A and E and the B vitamins. A is found in cod liver oil, liver and egg yolk, vitamin E in vegetable germ oils, and B vitamins in brewer’s yeast. Besides, you should give per 10 kg body weight one teaspoon fish oil containing valuable omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for the function of cell membranes and anti-inflammatory effect.

In disturbed intestinal flora, pro and prebiotics should be entered. Pro-bacteria is, for example, the lactic acid-forming bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Enterococcus in yogurt. Suitable prebiotics is pectin or wheat bran.

What to Look for When Feeding

The convalescent dog would rather receive several small portions throughout the day than one or two large meals. After a bowel operation, the dog must first receive food in mushy consistency, so prepared dietary food or homemade rice or oatmeal or baby porridge with pureed muscle meat.

If the Dog Does Not Want to Eat at All

Feeding a sick dog can be tricky, but this guide from puppypointers helped us. It is best to warm the food carefully (body warm) because it enhances the smell of the food. Besides, you can pour meat broth or tuna juice over the food or little milk, slightly mashed leafy stomach or green rumen or mashed, fried liver. Some dogs also like a bit of honey over the food or two, three tablespoons heated cat food. Also helpful: pour warm baby vials (with veal or chicken) over the food. If nothing helps, the vet can prescribe appetizing medications.

If your pet is suffering from a rapid weight loss while refusing to eat or receiving only very small quantities, please contact your veterinarian immediately so that the cause can be investigated in case of doubt.

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