My dog will not eat what should I do? - more info?

Question

My dog had a minor eye surgery 2 days ago. It was nothing serious just a growth in his eye that had to be removed. Unfortunately for my dog he now has to wear a cone around his head and have an ointment put into his eye three times a day. We take the cone off while we are around him because we feel bad for him. But, whenever we try to get him to eat he will only take a few bites and stare at us as if he is mad at us. We have tried everything from putting wet dog food to left over turkey in his food but still he will not eat it and still looks at us like he hates us. Is this normal post surgery behavior or should I be concerned.

Answer 1

Drinking water is your first and primary concern. Dogs can go a long time without food, but without water, a dog can die in days. If he's not drinking *any* water, then you need to call your vet tomorrow morning.

As far as the food, sometimes it takes a couple days after even a minor procedure, for a dog to get his appetite back. If it's still going on in a few days, call the vet. You could even give them a call tomorrow just to touch base with them. It will probably put your mind at ease and give you a better timeline.

Good luck to you and I hope your little guy is ok. : )

Answer 2

Most dogs in the WORLD will eat anything, no matter how dirty or disgusting it is ... they'll absolutely fall in love with whatever you give them to eat. This behavior of your dog, however is not unusual. Don't feel ashamed because your dog isn't eating. Is he getting enough exercise? If not, you should walk him everyday for 45 minutes. If you don't have the time to walk him, a treadmill is also a good idea. Your dog needs to work up an appetite in order to eat correctly. Also, when he is walking, you should put a mini backpack on him with a cup of grains, rice, or beans to put a little weight on your dog so that he gets a little more tired and even more hungry! This may not be the only solution, but if you're really worried, you should ask your vet or do some Internet research!

Answer 3

Yes, it can be normal post surgery behavior. Some dogs are very emotional and can have pretty intensive pouting sessions.

I'm assuming the dog is a lot less active due to the cone that prevents him from scratching the eye. This lack of activity will automatically reduce the calorie intake so that's one reason to be less alarmed.

Another consideration is the weight of your dog.
A small dog, less than 5 pounds shouldn't go for several days without eating.
Larger dogs can go longer periods of pouting and conduct their own "food strike" if they feel they need to.

If the eye doesn't appear to be swollen and if you don't think he has a fever then I'd not be alarmed. Use your best judgement and if in doubt, check with your vet to make sure.

Answer 4

Often after surgery it takes dogs a few days to get their appetite back. I wouldn't worry. If it continues more than 3 or 4 more days call the vet. And don't worry he isn't mad at you. Dogs are smart but not smart enough to associate you with the eye surgery. He is still feeling a little under the weather.

Answer 5

sounds as if he has to get use to wearin the cone or maybe hopes u'll take it off like previously. Like if i put the harness on my cat shell do the same thing, she acts as if she cant walk with it but weve seen her walkin when she thinks we're not watchin & as soon as she sees us look she'll squat her body down real low & looks up at us the same way as ur dog. BUT just to be sure u should ask ur vet, could be something else.

Answer 6

What kind of wet food did you hive him? You should try the canned beef cuts or liver. If that doesn't work then you should take him to the vet.