I have a three year old chihuahua who seems to occasionally suffer from upset stomaches. Every now and again, he'll eat grass outside, then come in and just lay around on the floor somewhere (rather than play with a toy or curl up on a couch and sleep). When this happens, it'll take a few hours but usually by night he'll start eating again. He had one such episode yesterday for a brief period. After he started acting normal, he still would not eat. So yesterday, he didn't eat anything (save bits of grass every now and again) and thus far has not eaten today. He acts almost perfectly fine, except for his growling stomach and dismissing any food offered to him. I have not yet taken him to a vet to find out about this. Also, and I hate confessing this, but he never had his shots as a pup (something I'm planning on taking care of in a week). If anyone can offer any thoughts or ideas on what might be going on, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks in advance.

Quite often dogs will eat stuff that disagrees with them. I am not sure if eating grass is part of the problem or the cure. Likely the vet will agree that the best diet is a commercial dry dog chow and as little as possible else. Changes in diet can upset the stomach. Unfortunately too many vets will agree with me as long as the chow is the science diet they sell.

It is very easy to over feed a Chihuahua. Your dog definitely should be narrower at the waist than the hips and chest.
You should be able to easily feel the ribs, but not see them. Each dog is
Different. Standard recommendations are a good place to start, but each dog
Must have its food adjusted to its individual needs. See
http://www.purina.com/dogs/nutrition.asp?article=292.

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Originally Posted by Reverend

I have a three year old chihuahua who seems to occassionally suffer from upset stomaches. Every now and again, he'll eat grass outside, then come in and just lay around on the floor somewhere (rather than play with a toy or curl up on a couch and sleep). When this happens, it'll take a few hours but usually by night he'll start eating again. He had one such episode yesterday for a brief period. After he started acting normal, he still would not eat. So yesterday, he didn't eat anything (save bits of grass every now and again) and thus far has not eaten today. He acts almost perfectly fine, except for his growling stomache and dismissing any food offered to him. I have not yet taken him to a vet to find out about this. Also, and I hate confessing this, but he never had his shots as a pup (something I'm planning on taking care of in a week). If anyone can offer any thoughts or ideas on what might be going on, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks in advance.

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Get that pup to a vet... He could have an obstuction, causing his distaste for food.. Also, I had an eating problem with my two chis and now they are both on Royal Canin... the puppy on the mini-kibble for puppies and the 2 yearold on the Royal Canin especially made for Chihuahuas. My vet approves highly and my dogs are very healthy. If they do not want to eat the dry, I suggest you mix with a little warm water and good canned food. I use a Brand called Blue,. it is a little pricey, but is very good food for dogs and has vegetables in it too. They love it...