Hi Folks, I have an 18month old long hair miniature chihuahua and I'm wondering what's going on with him. Ever since thanksgiving he has not eaten any of his regular food or treats to the best of my knowledge. He has drank a small amt of water but when I give him his treats or put out dry food he smells it but doesn't eat. Is it unusual for these breeds to not eat for a day or two? He is alert cool dry nose but slow to react to us here at home.

Did you feed him table scraps at Thanksgiving? Did he get a hold of a turkey bone that may have splintered? A dog shouldn't go without food for long, but can go without for a day or two. He shouldn't however go without water.

If he did get ahold of scraps, he might have an upset tummy, or may even have an allergic reaction to something. If he still isn't eating his food again within the next day, I would take him to the vet.

Make sure he stays hydrated, even if you have to force him to drink by getting a plastic syringe from the drugstore, until you can get him to the vet, if he still won't eat. He needs to stay hydrated.

Good luck! :)

Yes, you must hydrate and take him to a vet.
He seems to be lethargic as you explain.

Chihuahuas have delicate digestive systems.

You do not mention vomiting and diarrhea but they can even get Parvovirus.

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Originally Posted by ATYOURSERVICE

yes, you must hydrate and take him to a vet.
he seems to be lethargic as you explain.

chihuahuas have delicate digestive systems.

You do not mention vomiting and diarrhea but they can even get Parvovirus.

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I don't see anywhere that it says that the dog is lethargic. Slow to react doesn't necessarily mean lethargic, but I guess that would depend on the OP's definition of slow to react. What I read is that the dog is "alert." I would hope at 18 months of age that the dog has been vaccinated for Canine Parvovirus, and is up to date on all shots, including booster shots.

That is why my first thought was that he got a hold of something that did not agree with his little tummy, being Thanksgiving, with lots of food and treats around. He would likely be showing other symptoms if it was parvo. I just don't think this is the case in this situation.

Also, did your dog perhaps eat anything with onions, garlic, raisins, grapes, chocolate, or any milk products? This could pose a problem, and most of these are very poisonous especially with a small dog, and dogs are lactose intolerant. It could be possible at Thankgiving, having a lot of guests, that one or more of them thought it was okay to slip the little dog a treat. This is never a good idea. They will shy away from their dog food if the dog knows it can get people food.

If the OP's dog isn't up to date on shots, please tell us this, and any other symptoms, but regardless, if he doesn't start eating within the next day, a trip to the vet is necessary.