[gried]

I got my 4-week Labrador puppy 2 days ago. He hasn't eaten since that morning. The person who sold it to me told me he used to eat 3 times a day. He plays, bites(gently), drinks water, pees, has gone potty two times and sleeps a lot. Still, he won't eat anything, not Purina Beneful Healthy Growth for Puppies or Purina Puppy Chow; we have even tried Cesar Puppy (he hated it!). Is he sick? Depressed? I'm worried, people!

[Wondergirl]

Why do you have a puppy that is supposed to be nursing from his mother? He isn't old enough for solid food yet.

Can you take him back to his mother and the litter? That would be his best chance not to die.

If that's impossible, get puppy milk from a pet store or goat's milk. Do NOT feed him cow's milk or you will make him very sick.

[gried]

OMG, I'm SO nervous I put 4-weeks! He's 8! 8 Weeks!! Sorry!

[Wondergirl]

He still should be with his mother.

Did you buy him at a pet store?

[gried]

Gee, thanks for everything. Can't take him back to his mother, because she got ran over. But, thanks for all. He's going to the Vet ASAP.

[Wondergirl]

Had he been eating solid food before you got him?

Did you own his mother before she was killed?

[gried]

Yes. He was eating three times a day. Apparently he had quite the appetite! He was eating Purina Puppy Chow.

No. I did not own it.

[Wondergirl]

Well, he needs to eat. Puppies can't live very long without food.

Be sure you're feeding him the same food he's used to. And yes, a vet needs to check him IMMEDIATELY, tomorrow, if you can get an appointment. Be sure to tell the vet about the puppy not eating.

[gried]

Yes! I will take him tomorrow for sure. In my country I won't need an appointment. I've just been looking for online information. I'm so worried. Thank you.

[Wondergirl]

After the appointment, when you are home again, please let me know what happened and what the vet said.

I'm worried about that little guy.

[gried]

I will! I need my Leo to be OK! Thank You.

[Wondergirl]

A retired vet on this site helped someone else with a puppy that wasn't eating and advised this:

"Get some honey and put it on his tongue...a drop at a time, about a minute apart for about 5 drops, then a little water. Pups need to have some energy, and a little honey is better than nothing."

[gried]

Thanks. We are trying that right now.

[Aurora_Bell]

8 weeks is fine to be separated. Most dogs start to ween by the 7-8 week stage and it's legal to sell pups at 8 weeks. I would suggest getting him into a puppy socialization classes after he is fully vaccinated.

It could just be nerves. Living in a new home with new people could have him a bit nervous and perhaps missing his litter-mates. I always like to take my new house members to the vet for a meet and greet and a once over. If there is nothing health related as to why he is not eating, then buy a good quality chow and provide proper feeding times. Allow the food to sit out for 20 min or so, if he doesn't want it, take it up and try again later. It's important to NOT baby him here or else you will have a dog with bad eating habits. Only offer his his puppy chow, try to avoid scraps and hand feeding him. I know it's scarry when you think they aren't eating, but no healthy dog will starve themselves.

You can try adding a bit of warm water to make the chow a little softer, but remember to gradually only offer the hard kibble.

[gried]

The honey worked! It gave him a boost!

Still, we took Leo to the Vet, he's hospitalized with worms, dehydrated and anemic. He has been eating really well and doing really good!!

Thank you for all your help. May life reward you guys with good health.

[Wondergirl]

I'm so glad to hear that! And thank you for caring so much about the little guy. We love happy endings!

[gried]

Oh, thank you for caring about my Leo! All is well!