[Derrick]

Let me get right to the point. Thanks in advance for any insight/help anyone may offer to my problem.

This last Sunday(yesterday) me and my girlfriend got a new dog, he is a yellow lab/Shepard mix and is about 1 year old. Yesterday when we first got him things seemed to be going ok at first...however after a few hours when we tried to feed him he would not eat. We purchased Authority dog food puppy formula from Petsmart and at first he would not touch it. Then my girlfriend tried hand feeding it to him and he ate it like didn't have a problem in the world. Today I got up and left for work came home and learned that he had not eaten or drank anything all day long. I then sat with him on the couch with his food bowl to see if he would eat. He would only touch the food if I held the bowl in my hands. Same with the water. Other wise he acts like it doesn't exist. I know he has been under at lot of stress over the last couple of days(getting new owners etc) but this is starting to worry me!

 

[zhaor]

When I first brought my dog back from the shelter, he wouldn't eat the first couple of days either and would only touch food if I hand fed him. I think he atleast touched water but i can't remember. I don't remember worrying about it though. Drinking is more important than food so if he's not drinking at all then it could be cause for concern.

You can try adding some chicken broth to the water to make it more appetizing. Or even maybe try to get him to drink a little milk. I remember one thing I had tried was to add water to the kibble, then microwave it slightly to moisturize it and heat it up a little. That way the kibble smells stronger and it also lets you get water in their system. Of course make sure it's only lukewarm so it doesn't burn him.

I would say it's probably nothing to worry about if everything else seems fine but do try to at least get him to drink. You could always call the vet and ask for their opinions too and see if they have any tips.

 

[georgiapeach]

Congrats on your new furchild!

It's common for a new dog to refuse to eat/drink when you first get them. They're stressed and overwhelmed in their new environment. Be careful not to overwhelm him with too much attention at first. Give him time to settle in. Offer the food and water - he'll eat when he relaxes a little.

Please check the food section of DF for recommendations for good foods. Authority food is Petsmart's generic, and it's mainly grain, which dogs don't process. The less nutitious foods dip the kibble in animal fat to make it appealing to dogs, but it's like feeding him a steady diet of french fries. As a rule of thumb, the best foods in Petsmart are on one end and they get progressively less nutritious as you work your way to the other end.

The better foods may seem expensive. However, you get what you pay for! The better foods have named meat sources in their first 3-4 ingredients. You can also feed less of it to provide adequate nutrition for your dog, since most of it is being digested - it's not simply passing through the other end. Added bonus if you go with a grain free kibble - less poop!

Some good brands available at Petsmart: Blue Buffalo, Wellness, Innova. Avoid foods with corn, wheat, or soy. Many dogs are sensitive to these ingredients, and they don't digest them anyway.

 

[juliemule]

Some dogs don't like certain types of bowls, like metal or glass. Be sure where you are offering his water he is comfortable going, like on tile floor etc.
Personally I would go out for a jog, afterwards offer his water maybe outside in a bucket, and in the house as well. Exercise usually builds thirst and hunger. At dinnertime, offer his food in his dish, and within a couple of days a healthy dog will eat.
Has he seen a vet to be sure there isn't a medical reason he isn't eating or drinking? Most of the time its just a new environment.

 

[spotted nikes]

He may have arthritis in his neck from a previous injury, that makes eating off the ground painful. Try putting the bowls on a raised surface, and if that seems to help, then get a vet exam, asking specifically about arthritis in the neck or pain in the neck/back.

 

[Lilacroo]

Please dont hand feed your puppy. When he is hungry enough he will eat. He is trying to find his position in your household, you are strangers to him, he is in a new environment. Everything will feel really strange. I know it is a worry I have done the same as you in the past and ended up with real problems. He will settle in and eat but make sure you give him a good food rather than one that is grain based.
Put his food out and leave it no more than 15 minutes, then take it away. By doing this it is also teaching him that you are the reliable one who will be feeding him, he cant get food for himself.
Good luck

 

[Carlos8394]

How is your dog doing? I was gonna give you some advice and suggestions but maybe your dog is fine now so I'll just wait to hear from you before I start writing my long story.

Hope your dog is better.

 

[hanksimon]

Got any pictures?

 

[cdmoses]

My dog is SUPER pickey about the kind of food she eats, she will ONLY eat Science Diet Small Breed. When I first got her she wouldnt eat without warm water/warm chicken broth in her food, and she wont eat out of metal bowls unless they have the rubber no slip bottoms.

Probably a little late, hope he is doing okay

 

[Jewelianne]

I had a similar issue and it was completely emotional. Continue feeding and giving water by hand to your dog but where his normal feeding place is going to be. If it is in the kitchen on the floor by the door then you feed him there but you put food in the bowl and food in your hand then place your hand in the bowl and feed him, teach him manners by making him sit and wait until you tell him it is time to chow down. Eventually you won't have to be there because he will know that the food is in the bowl regardless of whether there is a hand in the bowl or not, for now make a feeding schedule that has him eating when you are home. You need to remember that your doggie is depressed so don't encourage and pamper his insecurity, you don't want him believing that feeling this bad is a the way it is supposed to be and that is why you are rewarding him with love and affection,(if every time he looks upset, afraid, unhappy etc. you pick him up and give him affection/love you are affirming that belief and behavior in him) distract his unhappiness and praise happy behavior. Start playing with him and acting as if he has always been there, take him out walking, to the park, introducing him to friends and neighbors, the sooner he gets acclimated to his new surroundings the sooner this adjustment period will be over.