I have a 1 yr old female boxer that keeps pushing the plate away and won't, she smells the food even from my hand and walks away. Do they get tired of the food ? I tried a . different flavor from can, but that didn't do it and she also crys ,I imaging from hunger or maybe from her period (she already had one time)?The last 4 nipples are looking raw and she keeps licking them and also the area looks swollen

badams007

OK - it sure sounds like she's going into heat again, which means you have not had her spayed yet. That needs to get done as soon as your vet is willing to do it - some will and some will not do a spay while in heat. Since you do not sound like you have enough knowledge about her physical cycles and that stuff, it's really important that you prevent her from getting pregnant since you will then really be out of your element. I know the idea of puppies sounds like fun, but it is not something to be done for the fun of it. Plus she will live longer and healthier once spayed.

Now as to the eating, don;t worry too terribly much, If she doesn;t eat at all for 2 days, you should take her right to the vet to make sure nothing is wrong, but many many dogs will have a day or two off their feed periodically. This happens most frequently because humans are tending to overfeed and they are eating out of habit, not out of need.

I feed 2 times a day, strctly measure the amount, pick up anything they don;t eat in 10 minutes. Even following this routine where they are a bunch of pests at meal time, a dog will decide to skip a meal or two. It's fine, and they are not going to starve. I just pick up the dish and give it back at the next feeding time.

Good luck, and I hope this helps

-Beth

labman

Beth made some very good points. I am happy to have her here helping. I agree that not eating usually isn't a problem. Perhaps in this case a vet visit would be a good idea. A female dog's reproductive cycle is different from humans. Often it is called the heat cycle or season. If she is only a year old, I wouldn't be expecting her second one now. When was her first? Usually it is close to 6 months until the next. So likely you have time to have her spayed now. The problems with her nipples and it is called a vulva could be something else that does need vet care. Or she could be pregnant or infected. Better get her to a vet and find out for sure what is going on. If she is coming into heat, watch her very carefully. There are not enough homes out there for all the Boxer mix puppies. We end up slaughtering unwanted dogs by the millions.

The not eating could be several things, she is sick, some dogs lose appetite when they come in season, or the most common cause is over feeding. Most Labs will devour more that is good for them and look for more. Some dogs refuse to eat more than they need. Check her ribs using the method illustrated in this link, http://www.puppychow.com/products/po...condition.aspx Have the vet confirm your judgment. Then try to adjust her food and exercise.

Put down the dish with what the dog should eat, and give it 15 minutes to eat. Then take it up. Do not give it anything to eat until its next scheduled meal. In a few days, it should be eating what it needs. Continue to check its ribs and adjust the food as needed. This is not easy. I had a Shepherd go 3 days on a few nibbles. I was a wreck, but she was fine. It is almost unknown for a healthy dog not to eat what it needs. Unfortunately, in too many cases, it is less than the package says, and less than the owner thinks the dog should have. Many dogs are quite good at holding out for tastier chow. Like kids, sometimes it calls for tough love.