Baby York not eating - YorkieTalk.com Forums

PeteGLH · 08-20-2005, 10:39 PM

Hi everybody, this is my first post on this forum, and quite frankly we (my girlfriend and I) are quite concerned about baby Shelby's health.

We got Shelby from a Yorkshire Terrier Breeder here in town on tuesday. Shelby is almost 2 months old and the breeder told us she was ready for us to come pick her up.

We love this little pup, she is really nice, cute and we only want what is best for her.

Right now, she won't eat (very little), she is very sleepy and has problems keeping her balance...

First time she did this to us (thursday morn.), we figured she was in hypoglucemia so we gave her a little honey and she fired right back up into the playful thing she should be. After that encounter, we brought her back to the breeder and he kept her overnight for observation.

That night (apparently) she eat a whole lot, played with the other pups and everything seemed fine. She was in great shape when she got back to us on friday.

However today (saturday) the same situation happened, she refuses to eat, and she just sleeps and trembles. She is quite unstable and there is very little "life" in her. My girlfriend and I are quite concerned about the matter and we both seek help in order to get baby Shelby back on track. When she starts to tremble and look unstable I do give her a small amount of honey to get her back on track...

All we do is worry about her. It's gotten to the point where we don't know what to do... Is she sleeping? Is she suffering? Is everything alright?

I continue to believe that the breeder was too early in giving Shelby to us, but on the other hand, I don't have enough knowledge about these dogs to put the breeder's jugement in doubt. If we bring her back to the breeder will this situation start all over again in one week or two when she comes back to us?

Anyhow, for now Shelby sleeps in her cage (which she loves) with the door open and her food and water closeby... But she has very little life in her, she can barely stand up straight... is she tired? is she weak? It's all very hard to tell and we just don't know what to do about it...

Any advice would be greatly appreciated... we just want her to be happy here! We also want to stop worrying about the poor thing.

Thanks in advance to all from Peter, Karine and baby Shelby

Flakes · 08-20-2005, 10:51 PM

You didn't indicate how much Shelby weighs. It is not unusual for a dog to suffer separation anxiety and not want to eat. However it certainly sounds as if this little one left the breeder too soon. Have you changed what she was eating? If you keep giving her honey she may decide she doesn't want dog food, honey tastes better. So you need to get her back on track, try baby food, even pablum would be better than giving her honey too often. Ask the breeder how long she has been weaned from her mother. You can buy a milk replacement for her from pet food stores if she was weaned too early.

Next I would take her to a vet ASAP just to rule out any serious conditions.

Are there any other pets in your house? She could also be dehydrated as a result of not eating and drinking. Syringe water into her because if she gets too dehydrated she will go down hill FAST!!!!!

PeteGLH · 08-20-2005, 11:29 PM

Well, Shelby is quite "big" for an 8 week old York. My guess would be around 1 pound.. but I have no notion of weight

She is quite big though, she was the biggest of her "syblings" (brother/sister).

As for food, she gets the same food as the breeder gave to her. He gave us a bag with the puppy.

We definiately do not want for Shelby to get used to the honey. She has eaten some of her food, just not alot.

Shelby drinks considerable amounts of water, so I am not concerned for dehydration, we just want her to EAT!! Tomorrow we will try the Pablum though, we bought some in case!

Glad to see that the solutions and suggestions are all things that we had thought about....

I'm keeping an eye on her though, she seems to be doing better, however she does look lonely ...

Keep those suggestions coming, I'll try to get pictures of her tomorrow... she's a real beauty!

Thanks

Olivier · 08-21-2005, 12:24 AM

1 pound at 8 weeks is not quite big for a Yorkie puppy .

What food are you giving her ?

Your little one is doing some hypoglycemia episodes .

sylvan · 08-21-2005, 04:42 AM

If the breeder is willing to take her back for a few more weeks, that would be the best situation. Pups should stay with the litter a minimum of 10 weeks, 12 is better for proper socialization. She will have much less trouble adjusting to a new home with a few more weeks at 'home' to better prepare her for stress. 1 LB at 12 weeks is TINY.

schatzie · 08-21-2005, 05:13 AM

When you received Shelby did you take her to your vet within a couple days for a check up? (Normally breeder's request this on their contract) It does sound like Shelby is having hypoglycemia attacks and if the episodes become frequent for days on end it can have over all health effects on Shelby and her well being.

Try baby food, canned wet food, any food substance that might entice Shelby to eat.

It kinda sounds as if Shelby is missing her litter mates and is under stress. Stress causes hypolycemia also.

Keeping her warm, fed, unexcited and calm might help her a bit. Also I recommend her seeing your vet asap for a full exam.

red98vett · 08-21-2005, 05:36 AM

If it were me...I'd be at the vet at the first sign of instability - 1 pound is tiny and there could be many reasons for this to be happening - I hope she's ok....We relied on Nutrical when both my girls were that small - but when I got Chanel my oldest - she came from the breeder with coccidia and was sick within days of being with us - We had no idea then what was wrong with her till I ended up in the ER at 2am on a Sunday night - She was very dehydrated and I could have lost her - so my best advise is to go see the vet !! I really hope she's ok and just adjusting - but it's always better to be safe than sorry when they are this small and young....GOOD LUCK ~!

cacbeary · 08-21-2005, 06:25 AM

My Mom's dog had pups & we separated them at 8 weeks & I took the pups. They wouldn't eat. They weren't weened. I called the vet.

The vet assist had me come in with the pups & showed me how to get them to eat. She prepared the dry kibble with water & made it into a gruel. She mixed this with some canned dog food -a/d dietary supplement - that made them want to eat their food. I bought a tube of Nutri-Cal (loaded with nutrients & calories). Then when they didn't eat, I would give them some of the Nutri-Cal & it took some of the worry off of me about them getting hypoglycemia. I bought a few cans of the a/d canned dog food to mix in with their dry kibble gruel & it worked great.

She also said I could take a dab of Nutri-Cal & add a little water to make it into a paste & put on top of the food. The pups are 10 weeks now & have no trouble eating their food.

The vet assist gently shoved their noses into the dog food. I don't care to do that. I put some in my hand & let them eat that way. Slowly they started eating out of a bowl.

Maybe your pup isn't weened yet & that's why you are having a hard time.

PeteGLH · 08-21-2005, 06:36 AM

Thanks for the replys people...

She does, however, have very dark #2's, as if there might be blood in her intestins... Poor thing...

I will try a little baby food this morning 'cause that is all we have on hand right now, if things don't get better, she will be going to the vet tomorrow for a full checkup.

Thanks everybody, you've been helpful

Keep those suggestions coming.

PeteGLH · 08-21-2005, 06:46 AM

Well, she kinda has the runs, she's low on energy, refuses to eat, she now does not want to drink... this is killing me.

Should I bring her to the Vet or back to the breeder?

shecass · 08-21-2005, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeteGLH

Well, she kinda has the runs, she's low on energy, refuses to eat, she now does not want to drink... this is killing me.

Should I bring her to the Vet or back to the breeder?

I would take her to the VET immediately. There may be something else wrong with her. That may be more than just being let got from the litter too early.

chachi · 08-21-2005, 07:25 AM

I agree you should take her to the vet if shes having hypoglcemia. Also give her nutrical three times a day.

cacbeary · 08-21-2005, 07:42 AM

I'd be taking her to the vet ASAP. If you had a syringe you could get water into her. She will dehydrate if she is not eating or drinking. Boiled chicken itsy bitsy pieces maybe?

You could go to the drugstore & ask the pharmacist for a syringe type for giving medicine to kids - some water in that & squirt it down her throat.

The pups weren't weened when I got them. I gave them some lactose free milk with a little white Karo syrup mixed in it too until they were on their way eating food. Lactose free milk was good as the one pup can't handle milk, cheese, etc. so it was good it wasn't just regular milk.

Flakes · 08-21-2005, 07:49 AM

If you truly want to help this dog and I believe you do take her to the vet immediately. I don't know of any responsible breeder that would let a 1 lb 8 week old puppy go off to a new home.

I'm sure you believed that the breeder was selling you a healthy pup, however that may not be the case. Does the breeder have a refund policy? Unless you are prepared to face immediate vet bills this pup may not be the dog for you and if that's the case then you may want to consider returning her to the breeder but only after he has agreed to give you a complete refund.

If she is having diahhrea and not eating she is going to go downhill very quickly.

countrygirl2829 · 08-21-2005, 08:12 AM

Yes get her to the vet asap.. When ever i buy a puppy i take it to the vet that day or the next.. please let us no how she is doing

08-20-2005, 10:39 PM	#1
PeteGLH YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Quebec City, Canada Posts: 7	Baby York not eating Hi everybody, this is my first post on this forum, and quite frankly we (my girlfriend and I) are quite concerned about baby Shelby's health. We got Shelby from a Yorkshire Terrier Breeder here in town on tuesday. Shelby is almost 2 months old and the breeder told us she was ready for us to come pick her up. We love this little pup, she is really nice, cute and we only want what is best for her. Right now, she won't eat (very little), she is very sleepy and has problems keeping her balance... First time she did this to us (thursday morn.), we figured she was in hypoglucemia so we gave her a little honey and she fired right back up into the playful thing she should be. After that encounter, we brought her back to the breeder and he kept her overnight for observation. That night (apparently) she eat a whole lot, played with the other pups and everything seemed fine. She was in great shape when she got back to us on friday. However today (saturday) the same situation happened, she refuses to eat, and she just sleeps and trembles. She is quite unstable and there is very little "life" in her. My girlfriend and I are quite concerned about the matter and we both seek help in order to get baby Shelby back on track. When she starts to tremble and look unstable I do give her a small amount of honey to get her back on track... All we do is worry about her. It's gotten to the point where we don't know what to do... Is she sleeping? Is she suffering? Is everything alright? I continue to believe that the breeder was too early in giving Shelby to us, but on the other hand, I don't have enough knowledge about these dogs to put the breeder's jugement in doubt. If we bring her back to the breeder will this situation start all over again in one week or two when she comes back to us? Anyhow, for now Shelby sleeps in her cage (which she loves) with the door open and her food and water closeby... But she has very little life in her, she can barely stand up straight... is she tired? is she weak? It's all very hard to tell and we just don't know what to do about it... Any advice would be greatly appreciated... we just want her to be happy here! We also want to stop worrying about the poor thing. Thanks in advance to all from Peter, Karine and baby Shelby

08-20-2005, 11:29 PM	#3
PeteGLH YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Quebec City, Canada Posts: 7	:) Well, Shelby is quite "big" for an 8 week old York. My guess would be around 1 pound.. but I have no notion of weight She is quite big though, she was the biggest of her "syblings" (brother/sister). As for food, she gets the same food as the breeder gave to her. He gave us a bag with the puppy. We definiately do not want for Shelby to get used to the honey. She has eaten some of her food, just not alot. Shelby drinks considerable amounts of water, so I am not concerned for dehydration, we just want her to EAT!! Tomorrow we will try the Pablum though, we bought some in case! Glad to see that the solutions and suggestions are all things that we had thought about.... I'm keeping an eye on her though, she seems to be doing better, however she does look lonely ... Keep those suggestions coming, I'll try to get pictures of her tomorrow... she's a real beauty! Thanks

08-21-2005, 05:13 AM	#6
schatzie *Moderator Emeritus* Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Tontitown Arkansas Posts: 4,909	When you received Shelby did you take her to your vet within a couple days for a check up? (Normally breeder's request this on their contract) It does sound like Shelby is having hypoglycemia attacks and if the episodes become frequent for days on end it can have over all health effects on Shelby and her well being. Try baby food, canned wet food, any food substance that might entice Shelby to eat. It kinda sounds as if Shelby is missing her litter mates and is under stress. Stress causes hypolycemia also. Keeping her warm, fed, unexcited and calm might help her a bit. Also I recommend her seeing your vet asap for a full exam. __________________ ~~~~ Schatzie and Ransom ~~~~ Last edited by schatzie; 08-21-2005 at 05:57 AM.

08-21-2005, 05:36 AM	#7
red98vett Yorkie Kisses are the Best! Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Houston TX Posts: 33,590 Blog Entries: 1	If it were me...I'd be at the vet at the first sign of instability - 1 pound is tiny and there could be many reasons for this to be happening - I hope she's ok....We relied on Nutrical when both my girls were that small - but when I got Chanel my oldest - she came from the breeder with coccidia and was sick within days of being with us - We had no idea then what was wrong with her till I ended up in the ER at 2am on a Sunday night - She was very dehydrated and I could have lost her - so my best advise is to go see the vet !! I really hope she's ok and just adjusting - but it's always better to be safe than sorry when they are this small and young....GOOD LUCK ~! __________________ Villette, Chanel & Cheri www.DesignsByVillette.net Custom Address Labels and Note Cards using YOUR Photos! Just Click HERE!

08-21-2005, 06:25 AM	#8
cacbeary Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 203	My Mom's dog had pups & we separated them at 8 weeks & I took the pups. They wouldn't eat. They weren't weened. I called the vet. The vet assist had me come in with the pups & showed me how to get them to eat. She prepared the dry kibble with water & made it into a gruel. She mixed this with some canned dog food -a/d dietary supplement - that made them want to eat their food. I bought a tube of Nutri-Cal (loaded with nutrients & calories). Then when they didn't eat, I would give them some of the Nutri-Cal & it took some of the worry off of me about them getting hypoglycemia. I bought a few cans of the a/d canned dog food to mix in with their dry kibble gruel & it worked great. She also said I could take a dab of Nutri-Cal & add a little water to make it into a paste & put on top of the food. The pups are 10 weeks now & have no trouble eating their food. The vet assist gently shoved their noses into the dog food. I don't care to do that. I put some in my hand & let them eat that way. Slowly they started eating out of a bowl. Maybe your pup isn't weened yet & that's why you are having a hard time. __________________ Hannah Spencer Last edited by cacbeary; 08-21-2005 at 06:27 AM.

08-20-2005, 10:51 PM	#2
Flakes Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Victoria Posts: 218	You didn't indicate how much Shelby weighs. It is not unusual for a dog to suffer separation anxiety and not want to eat. However it certainly sounds as if this little one left the breeder too soon. Have you changed what she was eating? If you keep giving her honey she may decide she doesn't want dog food, honey tastes better. So you need to get her back on track, try baby food, even pablum would be better than giving her honey too often. Ask the breeder how long she has been weaned from her mother. You can buy a milk replacement for her from pet food stores if she was weaned too early. Next I would take her to a vet ASAP just to rule out any serious conditions. Are there any other pets in your house? She could also be dehydrated as a result of not eating and drinking. Syringe water into her because if she gets too dehydrated she will go down hill FAST!!!!!

08-21-2005, 12:24 AM	#4
Olivier Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Canada Posts: 2,999	1 pound at 8 weeks is not quite big for a Yorkie puppy . What food are you giving her ? Your little one is doing some hypoglycemia episodes .

08-21-2005, 04:42 AM	#5
sylvan YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Eastern PA Posts: 2,484	If the breeder is willing to take her back for a few more weeks, that would be the best situation. Pups should stay with the litter a minimum of 10 weeks, 12 is better for proper socialization. She will have much less trouble adjusting to a new home with a few more weeks at 'home' to better prepare her for stress. 1 LB at 12 weeks is TINY.

08-21-2005, 06:36 AM	#9
PeteGLH YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Quebec City, Canada Posts: 7	:) Thanks for the replys people... She does, however, have very dark #2's, as if there might be blood in her intestins... Poor thing... I will try a little baby food this morning 'cause that is all we have on hand right now, if things don't get better, she will be going to the vet tomorrow for a full checkup. Thanks everybody, you've been helpful Keep those suggestions coming.

08-21-2005, 06:46 AM	#10
PeteGLH YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Quebec City, Canada Posts: 7	vet Well, she kinda has the runs, she's low on energy, refuses to eat, she now does not want to drink... this is killing me. Should I bring her to the Vet or back to the breeder?

08-21-2005, 07:25 AM	#12
chachi I Love My Yorkies Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Posts: 37,147	I agree you should take her to the vet if shes having hypoglcemia. Also give her nutrical three times a day. __________________ Chachi's & Jewels Mom Jewels http://www.dogster.com/?132431 Chachi http://www.dogster.com/?132427

08-21-2005, 07:42 AM	#13
cacbeary Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 203	I'd be taking her to the vet ASAP. If you had a syringe you could get water into her. She will dehydrate if she is not eating or drinking. Boiled chicken itsy bitsy pieces maybe? You could go to the drugstore & ask the pharmacist for a syringe type for giving medicine to kids - some water in that & squirt it down her throat. The pups weren't weened when I got them. I gave them some lactose free milk with a little white Karo syrup mixed in it too until they were on their way eating food. Lactose free milk was good as the one pup can't handle milk, cheese, etc. so it was good it wasn't just regular milk. __________________ Hannah Spencer

08-21-2005, 07:49 AM	#14
Flakes Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Victoria Posts: 218	If you truly want to help this dog and I believe you do take her to the vet immediately. I don't know of any responsible breeder that would let a 1 lb 8 week old puppy go off to a new home. I'm sure you believed that the breeder was selling you a healthy pup, however that may not be the case. Does the breeder have a refund policy? Unless you are prepared to face immediate vet bills this pup may not be the dog for you and if that's the case then you may want to consider returning her to the breeder but only after he has agreed to give you a complete refund. If she is having diahhrea and not eating she is going to go downhill very quickly.

08-21-2005, 08:12 AM	#15
countrygirl2829 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2005 Location: california Posts: 105	Yes get her to the vet asap.. When ever i buy a puppy i take it to the vet that day or the next.. please let us no how she is doing