I am fostering a 4 yr old golden retriever. And since I brought him home from the shelter about a week ago, he's only eaten about 3-4 cups of food. The shelter gave me the same food he had been eating there, but he won't eat. I'm really starting to get concerned. Any suggestions?
2006-06-14 08:18:40 · 17 answers · asked by Kelly H 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
He's currently on heartworm medication. And his previous owner shaved him and poorly. The razor burned him in a few places, but those are healing now.
2006-06-14 08:50:25 · update #1
Right, sometimes animals don’t east if they are depressed / traumatized if they have a wound- pain somewhere in the body. Check and see if he has any wounds and if you can afford, have the vet check him. Most important, don’t give him the non-tasty food they give in the shelter, buy him good food that comes in Cans. you can even find it in 4 at %5 in markets like Ralph’s etc, or even 99 cent store if you cant afford more. But Can food dogs really like.
2006-06-14 08:25:13 · answer #1 · answered by Hili 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Such little food in such a period is cause for concern. There is a product called Nutrical® which is a very high calorie, very palatable paste which almost all but the very sickest of dogs will like and take. I would try that and some high end canned food. If the dog doesn't start eating in the next day or two, I think you should definitely take him to the vet, it could be an intestinal obstruction or perhaps some viral or bacterial infection. Letting the dog lose too much weight before addressing such things makes treatment that much harder. good luck.
Disclaimer: I am not a vet nor any sort of trained veterinary professional, this is just my lay opinion.
2006-06-14 15:31:11 · answer #2 · answered by pitchick 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He's going through a big transition in his life..new surroundings and new people. He needs to feel like he's home. It would help if you got a blanket or towel and rubbed it all over him (make it smell like him) and then put it where you want him to sleep. Make sure that if you give him some loving time to do it on that blanket or towel. It creates a comfort for the dog and he'll eventually warm up and start eating. It'll take a little time but as long as he's eating something even if it's just treats. Make sure he gets plenty of water too!!
2006-06-14 15:24:36 · answer #3 · answered by Redneck Chick 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not unusual for a foster or rescue to not eat at all for a day or two. The stomach shrinks during this time so when he starts to eat again, he doesn't need as much food. As he settles in to his new home his appetite will increase. Just give him time.
Foster parent of Danes for 5 yrs.
2006-06-14 15:35:24 · answer #4 · answered by A Great Dane Lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take him to the vet there may be something wrong or did he have a special lady friend from the shelter ? he may miss her or some other dogs there so find out all the info you can about his life at the shelter and take him to the vet he could be sick
2006-06-14 15:22:00 · answer #5 · answered by Rosie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As he has only been with you for only a week it is still strange for him as he settles in with you his appetite will improve, but in the mean time play with him as much as you can give him lots of toys and give him a nice treat at least once a day, when he knows that he can trust you and he feels that you also love him then ( bang ) you will have your very best mate for the rest of his dear life. but if after about three weeks if he still isn't eating take him to see the vet, but im sure that all he needs is time.
Sophie
2006-06-14 15:25:46 · answer #6 · answered by sophie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What I do with my dogs is that I give them a treat as an appetizer and them I put the bowl of food for them to eat. Give it a shot and see what happens.
2006-06-14 15:20:36 · answer #7 · answered by hardcoco 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This could be very serious The dog may hae heart worms GET IT TO A VET NOW
2006-06-14 15:24:45 · answer #8 · answered by ccctvman 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My animal has done this, it MAY BE an eaating disorder. or maybe you could try a different food. if that doesnt help see a vet right away.
2006-06-14 15:22:46 · answer #9 · answered by socuteitzcrzy247 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The dog is probably home sick so maybe you need to comfort it more than what your doing and make it feel loved.
2006-06-14 15:21:30 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋