…dog now a picky eater?
By jeanneyvonne
@jeanneyvonne (5501)
Philippines
April 16, 2013 8:14pm CST
A few days ago, I had my dog get his shot for his vaccination. The vet that I went to wasn’t my usual because the one who usually attended him was on vacation. Nevertheless, the new vet was very accommodating enough, gave his shots and was good enough to document whatever he shot into my dog. He also advised me that my dog might be a little less energetic because of the shots.
He did notice that my dog needed some little weight in his body and encourage me to feed him as long as the dog wants. SO bought 2 kilos of dog food and vitamins.
The problem now with this whole scenario is that my dog might have been transformed into a picky eater. I didn’t expect him to eat as robust as before (when he got the shot) but now, he’s just sniffing to the food and won’t touch it. He can be accommodating when I give him his vitamins but that’s it – he relies on other people giving him food (bread) for his day. That’s not being healthy enough for me. And I don’t want to waste the dog food that I already bought.
I am contacting the vet later in the day but if you can offer any insight or advice regarding my situation, I’ll be thankful.
2 responses
@Octav1 (1419)
• Romania
17 Apr 13
"He relies on other people giving him food". This is the answer to your question. Don't forget to mention this when you speak to the vet. If not, the vet would probably prescribe some more vitamins or medicine for the dog.
I think everybody around the house must learn not to feed the dog besides what he gets at the meal time. For a picky eater, you must be a strong character and don't give him the opportunity to trick you.
Put the food bowl down, in front of him. If he doesn't eat it in 15 minutes, remove the food bowl and don't give him anything else to eat until the next meal time. Suppose you feed him twice a day. Give him the food in the morning. If he doesn't eat, don't feed him anything (not a single piece of bread!) until the evening. When the dinner time comes, put the food bowl in front of him, with the same type of food. Again, if he doesn't eat it in 15 minutes, remove it and repeat this in the morning.
He will probably continue to refuse the food for three of four meals, but he will eat, eventually. This will happen only if he doesn't get anything else in between. Educate everybody in the house to respect this food schedule until he starts eating normally again.
Good luck!
@jeanneyvonne (5501)
• Philippines
18 Apr 13
Thanks. will try these. The problem I guess is that my fellow dwellers think that I ma being way too strict to the dog. they might be falling for the cute puppy dog eyes that my dog pulls on everyone - the one I am beginning to be quite immune to. Your recommendations will pull my heartstrings but I guess I need to be resolute in this one. I'm gonna need the luck.
@sunheri2003 (33)
• India
17 Apr 13
Are you giving him the same dog food that you usually give.? If so he may have gotten bored of the taste. Try a different flavor or brand. Or try human food. Some meat and rich. It always works on my dog
@jeanneyvonne (5501)
• Philippines
18 Apr 13
I tried giving him dog food laced with some sauce form a stew. I think he wants the meat rather than the dried bits. Gonna try a combination tomorrow.
