Not eating!

[irreverentglow]

We got Bella on Friday, and took her to the vet on Saturday. Everything was fine.
The breeder told us that she was eating Eukanuba small breed, so we bought some of that, and some Natural Balance, Duck & Potatoe, because I wanted to change her to a new food. Well, as it turns out, she won't eat either of it.
So I boiled her some chicken and mixed it with the dry food, and she picked out some chicken, then just gave up. I tried this with lean hamb. also, but she turned up her nose. I made her a scrambled egg, she ate a few bites, then turned up her nose.
So then today, I tried some wet dog food, and she won't really eat that either.. I basically had to force feed her by hand, but that didn't last long.
I have been giving her nutrical in the morning, and she's been drinking water fine.
She's peeing fine, and up until today, her BM were normal, she hasn't gone today, and I'm guessing its from not eating.
I'm so worried about her. =( I'm just stuck as to what to try to feed her..

[Kona]

I would leave dry food out for her. If she's really young, you might want to mix some water or yogurt into the dry food. Most often they will eat when hungry. She might also just be adjusting to her new home. Keep a close eye on her though and keep the nutri-cal close at hand. Maybe don't give her as much nutri-cal throughout the day because maybe that is "filling her up".

I bet others will have more suggestions, but those are my thoughts. Keep us posted! I hope she starts eating soon!

[irreverentglow]

I guess I should have added this:
She's 8months old, 3lbs.
I did try to mix in some cottage cheese, and she still didn't care.
The dry food is out 24/7.

[Tiggerwit]

I would guess she's still adjusting. But keep a good eye on her for other signs that something might be up. Just let your vet know.

[BLowry]

Sadie did this when I first brought her home...however...she was only 7 weeks old!! (WAYYYY TO YOUNG!) I tried everything to get her to eat too. I also had to hand feed her. I ended up boiling chicken for her and she would only pick out the chicken too. eventually she started eat on her own...she will be 3 yrs old next month and still is very picky...I got Lillie when she was 8 wks old (she is now 5 months) she is a great eater...ate from the first day I brought her home...Lillie was on Nutro Ultra Puppy when I got her so I kept her on it,....Sadie STOPPED eating the food I had for her.(Innova) and started eating Lillies...so I went out and bought the Adult Nutro...and Nutro canned...I feed both of them the same brand now...Sadie is eating much better now but, not as good as I would like...

Maybe you could try warming it in the micro for a few seconds....just to make it smell better for her.

[FlDebra]

It probably is just that "getting adjusted" phase. I keep thinking Ben is not eating enough but he is having a couple of BMs every day, growing well, and playing very vigorously. So, I have to keep reminding myself that he is probably getting enough. I watch for signs of possible hypoglycemia, but I think he is just fine. Hard to get used to how little they really need to eat. He never eats more than a few bites at a time. But he does stop for a couple kibbles now and then as he runs around the house. And we are housetraining so he gets a tiny treat everytime he does his business outside. The breeder that we will be getting our little female from has been a wealth of information. She said the first panic call she gets from every new owner is that they are not eating. She reassured me a little about Ben's eating, showing me such a small handful of food that would be enough for a day. Hope that is all that you are faced with and your little Bella settles on a food she likes.

[Baby Blessing]

I just sent you a PM. Maybe it might have been better to wait to change her food, if it was me I would keep her on the food she was use to until later and then make the change at that time if you still preferr to.Adjusting to a new home and family, and leaving the mother dog and siblings can be sometimes stressful on them. Baby Blessing was the worlds pickiest eater when we first got her, took a long time getting through that. How old is your puppy? Do you have Nutri Cal on hand? I was very careful taking Baby Blessing out till she had all her shots. Your Bella will do fine, we tend to really worry but as long as she is eating, drinking water and doing her numbers okay.and acting normal, being playful, she will be fine. Especially with all the TLC she will get from you and the others there. Happy Thanksgiving. Patti and Baby Blessing

[Baby Blessing]

Originally Posted by irreverentglow

I guess I should have added this:
She's 8months old, 3lbs.
I did try to mix in some cottage cheese, and she still didn't care.
The dry food is out 24/7.

Did you try giving her the food she was use to eating? At eight months of age, my guess is that she is going to have to adjust to the change of homes. Did you get her from the breeder? If you don't have any of the food she had been on, since today is Thanksgiving, maybe you could give the breeder a call and go get some to hold you over till later. Baby Blessing will never turn down chicken breast (the white ) meat and cottage cheese and baby carrots cut fine, that is a gourmet meal to her Best of luck to you and Bella. Patti

[Lacy's Mom]

My puppies are sent home eating Nutro Ultra puppy and I tell my new owners several times (I actually beg them) - Please don't change the food until they are done with all of their puppy vacinations and settled in. Eukanuba may not be the best food, but it's not terrible either. All the new foods may have caused a stomach upset (boiled chicken and rice were fine because those are easy to digest and ingredients already in Eukanuba) which just encouraged not eating when she just needed a little time to adjust. I personally would put her back on the exact diet she was on at 8 months she will be fine missing a few meals with the Nutrical. Just keep an eye on her for any diarrhea or vomiting indicating a bacterial infection or parasite that will need vet's attention. Sometimes coccidia can be dormant in their bodies and brought to "the surface" when they become stressed like during boarding or a new home, but you will have diarrhea if this is the case.

[irreverentglow]

Oh ya, I bought Eukanuba when we brought her home.. tried to get her to eat that and she won't.
So far yesterday, and today, she hasn't had a BM, but has eaten just a little.. I gave her a tiny bit of turkey, and she ate a few small bites of the wet food.
She won't eat the Eukanuba, or the D&P.. I have them both out, in seperate dishes.
If still no change tomorrow, I am going to call the vet.
Thanks for all the suggestions.

[Shadow]

Hopefully she is just adjusting. I agree with others ..don't change her food just yet. Give her time to adjust first.
Rocco and Rosie were the same when we first got them and I was worried also. You have had her a week right?
I just went and read from the beggining. Mine did that the first 3 days maybe the they started to eat normal.

[irreverentglow]

Well she won't eat the Eukanuba at all, but she has started to eat the Duck and Potatoe.. looks like that's what we'll be sticking with.. I know its not good to change their food, but at this point I'm happy she's eating anything.

[prettypuppypink]

I got my Yorkie at 7 months, he's 9 months now. He had a hard time adjusting. I only had one dog in past years that was 1.6 years when I bought and he adjusted really well. This current Yorkie is still adjusting, IMO easier with a puppy. It's best not to change foods to avoid stomach upsets and I wouldn't feed people food to avoid pancreatitis, boiled chicken and rice would be fine. I found the Natural Balance Duck and Potato an easily digested dog food even for a dog with a sensitive stomach.

[Baby Blessing]

Originally Posted by irreverentglow

Well she won't eat the Eukanuba at all, but she has started to eat the Duck and Potatoe.. looks like that's what we'll be sticking with.. I know its not good to change their food, but at this point I'm happy she's eating anything.

Glad to hear she is doing good now Patti and Baby Blessing

[Presley]

HI My Baby Is Named Presley,
He is now 15 months old.. I got him at 4 months.. Christmas day! He was less then pound.. so tiny.. He refused to eat i had to feed him A/D 5cc 4 times a day until feb. i use to cry , i went to numerous vets, and spent hundreds of dollars, he had liver shunt tests, ect.. At one point one of the vets i saw actually said "I received a sick dog and should bring him back, exchange him,," i was devistated because i loved him already and i knew if i did what that vet said the breeder would put him to sleep..NEVER!! But thank god for this web site,, An angel referred me to one more vet. in wantagh near where i live, She said this dog seems to be confused, pressured, get him on a schedual-- HE WILL EAT! stick to one type of food, leave out dry food always next to the water dish .. And Also remember he is a toy size dog their tummys are the size of a golf ball- so do not expect him to eat alot.. And NO TREATS !! treats will replace food and there are no nutrients in treats.. until he eats regular then a treat broken up, so you can give it through out the day.. to feed him i bought every kind of wet food-- but i decided to buy the small can of iams lamb-rice i give him a fourth of a can in the am on a small dish, with a little nutr-cal mixed in- i also warm it a little found that if its a room temp eats more..i say"presley time to eat- pick him up and put him with food in crate time it for 20 min.. and keep saying eat.. if he eats it great let him out give praise- if no take food away put saran wrap and stick in fridge- repeat at lunch- etc. until they realize there are no other choices for food they will eat- and it does work.. My vet now who i love said he got to my heart strigs- he has control-- i would cry-but i realize a dog is like a baby they need pattern,rutine.he is now 6pounds.. and i am not saying we do not have bad days , but i also know food intake also is determined by how active he/she is. Presley is an indoor mainly dog so running around my little cape house- he does not burn that much calories- yet if i take him outside and he sprints for 5 min. he eats more,drinks more..
Please dont give up ,if you go to the vet and they say she is health wise fine, try this- choose whatever wet food you like but stick to one kind give it a week at a time.. i also some time sprinkle a little grated cheese on food-ssome times..
nutra-cal was a life saver- alwats keep it around also karo syrup- little dogs have been know for hypoglycimia- sugar falls quick -not good! saved my dog numerous times.. but try this .
hope i was helpful.. if ican return half of what i learned from others on this site , i will be happy..
from presley & me
God bless -
P