We're looking after one of SILs three dogs, an almost 2yo Lab.
She gave us all his regular food, his bowls from home, his little dog bed etc to make him feel less displaced, but he hasn't eaten since her got here, Tuesday afternoon.
I mean, at all. he hasn't even nibbled. He has some dry food, some tinned food and a roll thing, which is what she normally feeds him, but he hasn't touched any of it, nor any of his dog bone that usually he loves.
He's not as active here either, and isn't playing.
The other dogs have gone to other people, and no one else is having this problem, just the Lab. Do you think he's homesick? What can we do to get him to eat? Is there anything 'special' that he'll probably definitely (lol) eat? I have some of that Paws pet mince which is what we give our cat, it says for dogs too, but since he doesn't usually eat it I'm a little hesitant to give it to him...?
I can't get a hold of my sister who is a vet nurse CHRISTY are you out there? LOL!
Is he pining/crying? Is he allowing cuddles, petting? Does he seem in pain when he's patted or cuddled? Can you take him to visit his other dog friends at all? Or can they bring one of them to visit with you?
Is he drinking water? Is he going to the toilet? If he's not going to the toilet, or seems in pain when touched, then call a vet.
Sorry for the 20 qu - just wondering if he's homesick or sick. If he's absent from Mum and his pack mates, he may be pining quite badly. Unfortunately dogs don't understand about being left or what "later" means. Also, it depends on his history - if he came from a pound, he may be insecure about being left again.
Id say proably pining for his owners. I have 2 labs and they eat ANYTHING! I would try some human mince - my dogs go crazy for it! The cat mince youhave would be fine for him.
He may settle down - is he drinking?? Drinking is very important, more so than eating.
Hope things improve for you hun.
No to going to the toilet, not really drinking, but not in pain... its like he's depressed... the only thing that makes him happy is Jazz being outside with him... but he still won't eat.
He sounds depressed. It's unusual for a lab not to eat. Will he eat from your hand? If you sit outside with him & Jazzy, can you start feeding him titbits? Sitting with him and talking with him gently while stroking him may help. Does he wag his tail if you do that?
Does he look interested in food if Jazzy is eating? Most labs will focus on food when a human is eating, especially a child.
If he's not in pain/sick, it sounds like the only thing that will help is going home to Mum and his packmates. Will your SIL be away long? Has he been left alone before?
Try some warm milk to help him drink. Or some gravy. If he drinks it, add some dry food or mince to the mix.
Dog-sitting - dog not eating...
CHRISTY are you out there? LOL!
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