Why won't my dog eat anything?

laffoonc · Oct 16, 2005, 09:47 AM

I have just adopted a 4 year old japanese chin, and she was spayed the morning I picked her up. For the first few days she didn't each much, which I expected. Then by the second week she was running around and eating well. Now, into the third week, she won't eat ANY, AND I MEAN ANY, food, I could wave a chunk of steak in front of her and she would turn her back! I don't know what to do, she sleeps all day, she won't eat and she is getting thin. The doctors don't know what is wrong. Please help! :confused: :(

labman · Oct 16, 2005, 10:36 AM

She has been through a horrible experience, losing her old home even if it wasn't great, followed by the surgery she wouldn't understand. It sounds like she recovered physically from it, but is now missing her old life. Mentioning the doctors checking her was important. Physical problems demand physical treatments.

Continue to make food available to her, perhaps what she was eating in the past if you know. Most commercial dog chows provide a complete and balanced diet. Normally I stress giving the dog that and very little else. This may be the exception where you tempt her with meat, cheese, and other goodies. Let her see you transferring food from your plate to her dish. Just be careful not to establish a begging habit.

Lavish attention on her. I am not familiar with the breed, but even if they don't typically bond strongly with their people, she may have. Give her butt and belly rubs, brush her, walk her unless she resists. Talk to her, read the newspaper to her if you can't think of anything to say. She may be missing other dogs she played with too. A 4 year old may be too old to enjoy puppy play, but might just like having a chance to snoop noses with another dog.

Post back, and let us know how she does.

fredg · Oct 17, 2005, 05:01 AM

Hi,
I, too, am not familiar with the chin; except they are beautiful dogs!
As stated by another, play with her, get a leash and take her for walks; show her you are truly interested in her. Get her a few "dog toys", something she can chew on, and play with it, along with you at the same time. Try taking it away from her, let her know you want to play.
She has been through a lot, and has to know that you really care. Hopefully, she will begin to eat. Does she drink water? If so, give her some milk, and see if she will drink it. But, don't give it to her "from now on"..
Best of luck,
fredg

labman · Oct 17, 2005, 07:33 AM

Milk is not a good idea. Dogs can't digest it. It could even upset her stomach. You certainly don't to do that.