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karenlilley · Nov 5, 2007, 03:01 PM

A week and a half ago I got 2 rescued shih tzus, one a girl and the other a boy he can eat anything going, but she hasn't ate any food at all, I've tried all different types of food dry, and tinned food , she just sniffs it and walks off. She is drinking lots of water , can you help me and see what I can do. :confused:

labman · Nov 5, 2007, 03:25 PM

Have you had them to a vet? Often rescues have medical issues or at best are overdue for shots. Read through the sticky at https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/dogs/i...tml#post254171 How thin is she, going by the link in the sticky? I would like to see a vet visit before you resort to tempting her with rich food. I am afraid it will be too easy with a Shih Tzu to end up with a picky dog if you start that. A rehomed dog is one of the few cases where it is worth the risk, and even then, only with an underweight dog.

Continue to give her plenty of love and attention.

RubyPitbull · Nov 6, 2007, 05:13 AM

Karen, I agree with labman. If she hasn't eaten at least one bite of food for more than a few days, it is time for a vet check. Rule out any physical issues. It may be that she is taking longer to adjust to her new home, but it is better to be safe than sorry. Bring in a fecal sample if you can. If the vet tells you nothing is wrong and doesn't offer up advice, or the advice given doesn't get her to eat, please post back.

karenlilley · Nov 12, 2007, 03:00 AM

Hi thanks for your suggestions. She still hasn't had any dog food but she will eat dog chews and she will all-so eat some human food. I know I should get her to eat dog food but with her being a rescue dog I am not sure what she has been eating for the past 3 years, so its hard. If you have any suggestions what human food is good to give her to keep her energy levels up that would be a great help. Thanks:)

labman · Nov 12, 2007, 07:08 AM

Don't start down that road. It is too easy to end up with a sickly, picky dog. Have you evaluated her body condition as in the link in the sticky? Just give her a little time. If she is really too thin, try adding a little chicken or beef broth to her chow.

karenlilley · Dec 30, 2007, 07:55 AM

:) Hi just a follow up about my 2 rescued shih tzus, they are both doing fine now, its just took a bit longer for her to settle in, she is eating every day now and it is dog food. There is only one problem when my other dog goes for a poo, she has to eat it. (why is this):confused:

labman · Dec 30, 2007, 10:20 AM

All whys are guesses. Some better understood than others. There is a lot of evidence that it is dietary. Females may be quicker because of mothers cleaning up the puppies stools. Could be just that it is there. Many of my puppies have started it about now when I see them playing with the frozen ones. It is also about theme I have switched them to the less rich adult chow. I have always done my best to clean them up first. The worst damage from it is done to the owner's stomach. Perhaps I need to head my Xanthe off by being more conscientious about picking up the back yard.

You can ddd stuff to the food, pineapple juice, canned pumpkin, or the commercial products Forbid and Deter. Eventually many of them outgrow it.

I am glad to hear they are both eating. The rehomed dog may come after the common sick or over fed dog as a cause for not eating. Usually time and TLC takes care of it. Dog chow is good for her, even if she thinks needs stools for desert.