[taeboron]

My new Teacup Chihuahua won't eat. I've only had him a week and I've been trying to feed him the same combination that the breeder was giving him (Iams puppy food mixed with Mighty Dog Select). The only thing I can get him to take is Nutrical (via a syringe). The breeder told me that I'd need to make sure he eats to avoid becoming hypoglycemic, so I'm going through this routine every two hours, but getting worried that the Nutrical isn't enough.

I've tried mixing the Iams with some canned Solid Gold, Caesar puppy, and every flavor of Mighty Dog Select, but he just won't eat it. He will, however, sometimes eat a piece of the dry Iams on its own. But again, I don't think one or two pieces of dog food is enough. I've taken him to my vet and had him checked for parasites, etc. (including blood work and a stool sample). Everything came back negative.

I'm very worried about the puppy, so any suggestions would be greatly apppreciated.

Thanks and God bless,
Ron

[rockerchick26]

I know some people are strict about feeding dogs people food, but would you be willing to try adding some cheese or something to his dog food until he starts eating out of the bowl on his own? I bet he is just nervous in his new home and needs a little bribe :)

[labman]

Read through the sticky at https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/dogs/i...tml#post254171
What did the vet say about it not eating?

Concentrate on bonding with it. ''Elevation for small puppies: Sit on the floor and gently put your hands around your pup's middle, below his front legs, and lift him up. He is facing you. Hold him for 15 seconds. Repeat until he no longer struggles. If he is past 10-12 weeks, lift his front feet off the ground, but don't pick him up.

Cradling for small puppies: Hold your puppy gently on his back, as you would cradle a small baby. If he struggles, hold him firmly until he quiets for 10-15 seconds. With larger pups, you can do this as your sit on the floor, with your pup between your legs.

Quiet lying down: Place your pup on the floor on his side, with all 4 legs pointing away from you. Use your hands on his neck/shoulder area and middle, to hold him in this position. When he is quiet, praise him. Lengthen the time that you keep him quietly in this position. When he accepts this position well, handle his paws and muzzle, while keeping him quiet.''

The quotes mean this isn't my original work. It is copied from my Puppy Raising Manual. I have long used these or minor variations of them, and they are very effective. You may want to give him a belly rub while he is on his back too. Helps bonding. There is a big difference between him rolling over and demanding a belly rub, and you choosing a time to roll him over and rub his belly. The latter cements your place as pack leader.

A puppy that lives in a kennel with very little socilization until it is 3 months old is very slow to adjust to living in a home or anything else new.