[Espenspal]

I have a corgi/australian shepard mix (almost two years old). I picked him up from the kennel four days ago and since then he has eaten only one meal. Until today he will not eat even treats (he did eat two this morning). Usually he eats twice a day and as many teats as I will give him. He has had watery diarrhea once and no other bowel movements. He seems very lazy, but I can get him to play. He is drinking water. My boyfriend and I broke up and each one of us took one dog. So this is the first time Espen has been without his pal. Could this be it. DO you think it is serious? How long should I wait before bringing him to the vet?

[labman]

There are a whole bunch of issues here. I think 4 days is long enough for wait and see. Your vet should be open regular hours tomorrow. I would call and try to get him in. He may have picked up something at the kennel. There is a lot of dog crud going around.

As long as they are feeling OK, nothing ever bothers the appetite of my Labs, but changes in their routine will put some dogs off their feed. As long as things check out at the vet's, and the dog isn't too thin, I would wait him out. Being separated from the other dog would be tough on him. He may also be missing your boyfriend. Dogs just don't understand such crazy nonsense. Give him extra attention, butt rubs, belly rubs, ear scratches, walks, fetch, etc. Evaluate his body condition using this link, http://www.puppychow.com/products/po...condition.aspx Have the vet confirm your judgment. I would not tempt him with rich food unless the vet advises it. Instead follow this:

Put down the dish with what the dog should eat, and give it 15 minutes to eat. Then take it up. Do not give it anything to eat until its next scheduled meal. In a few days, it should be eating what it needs. Continue to check its ribs and adjust the food as needed. This is not easy. I had a Shepherd go 3 days on a few nibbles. I was a wreck, but she was fine. It is almost unknown for a healthy dog not to eat what it needs. Unfortunately, in too many cases, it is less than the package says, and less than the owner thinks the dog should have. Many dogs are quite good at holding out for tastier chow. Like kids, sometimes it calls for tough love.