My grandma has a golden retriever that she got Saturday, his owner had him for 8 or 9 years, he wont eat very much, what should she do to get her dog to eat?
2007-03-07 16:50:50 · 12 answers · asked by Kaitlyn 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Thank you all very much, she was worrying about him.
2007-03-07 17:00:50 · update #1
go to this web site:
healthypetjournal.com
good luck
2007-03-07 16:58:06 · answer #1 · answered by justme 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the dog still isn't eating by Thursday, try wetting down his food with warm water and letting the food absorb the water for a while. If that doesn't work, try introducing hot dogs. If the dog hasn't eaten at all, slowly introduce the food so as not to upset the dogs stomach. If too much food is eaten too fast, the dog can get sick (bloat) and it could potentially be fatal. Otherwise, let the dog adjust. Maybe try to find out what the previous owners were feeding it. Also, try to have her do fun things with the dog, such as playing fetch and going for walks. The dog may be a little upset at losing its family, and a walk should perk it up (as well as stimulate his appetite) good luck!
2007-03-07 16:58:41 · answer #2 · answered by surfergrl145 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Older dogs, often take longer to adjust to new homes and surroundings.
I would say just make sure as much is the same as possible. Toys, Blankets, etc's.
The same food is very important, not just for emotional needs, but for physical as well.
If you feel the diet is poor then slowly change over to a new diet slowly over the course of a week or two.. slowly adding more of the new food.
Until he is fully adjusted and eating well you might consider a supplement like NuVet. They have a "finicky eaters" powder version that could help.
2007-03-07 20:47:23 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Awwww,,the dog is sad & confused & probably missing the family it had & wondering what happened.Tell Grandma to show lots of love & have a talk with the dog.It is probably scared to adjust as not to get its heart broken again.Leave a bowl of food out & try some canned food also.You may also want to try sprinkling a little cat food on it.This is what my vet recommended when my male dog wouldnt eat because he was "in love".lol.It worked!! Thank Grandma for me for adopting this dog.Good Luck.
2007-03-07 16:57:43 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Give him time. Dogs can go quite easily a long period without food....and no dog will willingly starve itself to death for any reason.
The dog might also be used to canned or people food and will initially refuse kibble, or it may be used to a certain brand.
Try offering some tasty treats and if the dog accepts them, mix it into the food then wean the dog onto more & more kibble.
2007-03-07 16:56:52 · answer #5 · answered by Onyx Ninja 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Give him some time..he's probably very confused and wondering what the heck is going on. He will eat when he's hungry....perhaps try finding out what kind of doggy food he has eaten in the past would help. Maybe he is unfamiliar with what he is eating now? Hope that helps..and good luck :]
2007-03-07 16:56:03 · answer #6 · answered by whispurrr_on_a_scream 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In addition to all the other suggestions to give the dog time to adjust, you might want to ask the previous owners what he/she fed him. He might adjust better and feel more like home if he has his usual food. Too many sudden changes can cause depression...and the poor puppy can't tell you how he feels.
2007-03-07 17:02:14 · answer #7 · answered by AileneWright 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He probably misses his old owner, just tell her to give him alot of praise when he goes to his food bowl and maybe hand-feed him the first two times.
If that doesn't work.. She might have to put some chicken broth or cottage cheese ontop of his food, but tell her not to overdo it because the dog will begin to expect it and wont eat unless that's on his food..
2007-03-07 16:57:19 · answer #8 · answered by antonios mama ♥ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Give him time, it sounds like he may be grieving the loss of his owner. Be calm, pay attention to his needs and give him the space and security he needs to adjust to his new surroundings. A trip to the vet to rule out any health problems and get a baseline on his weight and general health would be a good idea ASAP.
2007-03-07 16:56:17 · answer #9 · answered by lynn y 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He is probably just nervous about the new surroundings but trust me a dog will not starve himself. Just tell her to let him get acclimated with his new home and make sure he has plenty of food and water and he will come around. The same thing happened with me when I brought home Porter, a lab/shepherd mix that I adopted. Just give him time and he will come around!!
2007-03-07 16:59:09 · answer #10 · answered by ajnshane 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He'll eat, he is feeling out of sorts. Find out what he was eating before, and make him feel comfortable and happy. Let him know that he hasn't lost someone who loved him, he has found someone new that loves him.
2007-03-07 17:01:15 · answer #11 · answered by DP 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋