Usually when I feed him he eats all his food real fast, every bit of it. Today he ate but didn't finish his bowl like he usually does, he is acting normal behavior besides that, could he be sick?
Should I take his bowl away or leave it out for him?
9-week-old boxer pup
2006-12-03 09:15:00 · 12 answers · asked by mickeys12 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Hi there,
The rule of thumb I've always used is put the food down for 15 minutes, and if it is not all gone and the pup has left it, discard of it right away as if you put it back in the bag or can, the digestive enzymes will have started to break down the food from the dogs saliva.
I wouldn't be too concerned unless tomorrow he is the same. It could be maybe he's had a few treats or something.
If you are very concerned, call the vet and ask them about it.
Good luck!
2006-12-03 09:29:06 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Puppies go through growth spurts like most growing children. If he's acting normal other than not finishing one meal he's fine. If he doesn't eat at least 1/2 of his next meat I'd take him to the vet.
My pup would only eat a few bites from one meal and then gobble down the next. Rarely did she skip more than one full meal.
If you have him on scheduled meal times I would take the bowl away. Give him about 15 minutes to eat and if he doesn't take it away. Put the bowl back down at the next feeding, if he's hungry he'll eat. If not I would make an appointment for the vet. Don't get too worried if he just skips one meal.
2006-12-03 09:25:25 · answer #2 · answered by Destynee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keep an eye on him to make sure he is not getting sick- if he is lethargic or starts with vomiting or diarrhea take him to the vet right away. You may also be feeding him too much. Make sure you are splitting his feedings up into 2 to 3 meals right now. It is easier on the digestive system. Puppies do better with frequent smaller meals, rather than one big one. Look on the bag of dog food and make sure you are feeding the right amount for his weight. This is a good guideline. They usually give you the amount for the whole day, if you split it up he should do fine. Good luck! Boxer pups are the cutest!
2006-12-03 09:37:06 · answer #3 · answered by vettech 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would sure keep a close eye on him, as you are correct in realizing that is the first sign that something may be wrong..watch when he has the next poop to make sure it isn't too lose.
If it is, he needs to see a vet soon..especially if he hasn't been vaccinated...these little guys are very fragile at this age..the reason I don't sell my pups until 13 weeks..
Concerning the advice above, we feed puppies 4 times per day until 12 weeks, then 3 times till 6 months, then 2 times per day for life, if not free-fed.
2006-12-03 09:25:50 · answer #4 · answered by Chetco 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My dog does this kind of thing. It always weirded me out because the other dog we have and the ones we have had before them never left anything in their bowl. It's really up to you if you wanna leave the bowl and see if he finishes. If you feed him twice a day I wouldn't leave it but go ahead if you only feed him once a day. If he hasn't touched it by the next day just make him a fresh bowl of food. My dog is so picky that I hafta throw it out and make sure her bowl is all fresh food. I don't think he's sick but watch him just in case. You know also some dogs are picky about the brand of food believe it or not. So you could try switching it up a little. Hope this helps.
2006-12-03 09:22:27 · answer #5 · answered by Benita 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I wouldn't worry about him. That is normal for dogs to eat like that.
I have 3 dogs a Eskimo Spitz, a chow and a Shh Tzu. some days they will eat hardy or a lot and the next day they won't eat anything.
But watch him to make sure he is ok if you think he might be sick. The best way to find out if that is a normal behavior for your pup is to call the vet you use and tell him or her about his eating habits and the vet will explain to you if that is normal or not. Personally I don't think you have anything to worry about.
2006-12-03 09:49:58 · answer #6 · answered by born again 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the pup is behaving normally otherwise, don't worry if he doesn't eat all the food you put out for him.
For a puppy of this age, we suggest feeding him twice a day (once in the morning and once in the afternoon), and then REMOVE the food he doesn't eat. This will help get his bowels on a "schedule", and make house training easier as he gets older.
2006-12-03 09:23:03 · answer #7 · answered by Fetch 11 Humane Society 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dogs grow in spurts like humans do. Their appetites also waxes and wanes (goes up and down). If he is acting normal, there would be no reason to think he is sick. If he should go two or three days without eating, then you would have a reason to think otherwise.
If you are feeding your puppy dry food, you can leave it out for him/her. If it is moist food, I would put it away until later when he/she is hungry.
2006-12-03 09:21:22 · answer #8 · answered by Veneta T 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
leave it out he might just not be hungry if he keeps doing it every day the vet is good but as long as he eats some he'll be fine but if it goes on for a long time vet is important but puppys do that sometimes so dont worry right away
2006-12-03 09:30:42 · answer #9 · answered by enemany 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he is acting normal besides not eating, I'd say just keep an eye on him. Look around and see if there is any shredded toy or something he might have eaten that could cause some stomach upset. If he starts to have diarrhea or vomitting, contact your Vet asap.
2006-12-03 09:19:49 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋