Dog-sitting - dog not eating...

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 :doh: 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.

GL

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.

Kate

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.

Can one of the others bring other dog around to visit or can you take him to visit other dog??

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.

ETA: found this: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/...ession-in-dogs

I reckon if he continues to not eat, try hand feeding him some chicken. Most dogs are tempted by this. He is definately experiencing separation anxiety. Goodluck

awww.......poor little puppy! I don't have any suggestions but I hope he cheers up soon!

Ok, took Jazz out there and Clay (the dog) ate half of his roll thing out of her hand :o and now he's also had some water.

I hadn't thought of Jazz feeding him - I'd always had it drummed in to me "DON'T GO NEAR AN EATING DOG" so I wouldn't let Jazz near him when we were trying to feed him, but he ate it straight out of her hand :D

Fussy little bugger. But at least he has eaten now, and drunk some water. I'll go back out with her tomorrow morning and give him some more.

Hi Leasha. I'm glad the puppy had something to eat. I have to admit, I was worried about him :redface:

I don't know if you've had many dogs, but one thing to possibly think about is - is he an indoor or an outdoor dog? If he and his packmates are all outdoor dogs, then he'll be lonely outside by himself. He may need more play time. As long as you keep an eye on him and Jazz, I imagine he'll feel better playing with another "puppy" :) Labs are generally pretty docile, but I'd never leave a toddler alone with any dog. They would enjoy sharing bub's food though. Does he have a teddy? My Mum's dog loves her teddies and needs them for comfort when she stays away from home (and she's 8 and pretty independent). Of course when she feel particularly sooky, she likes to cuddle with Mum on the couch :)

If he's used to being indoors, then he'll feel more isolated if he's stuck outside by himself. Are you able to bring him inside at all? If not, can you spend more time with him outside or take him for a walk? It helps if you get down to their level too. It's like toddlers - they feel more comforatable if someone plays with them on the floor and talks gently with them. He's still a pup, so just treat him as you would a baby and he should respond. And there's nothing so delightful as watching a baby and puppy playing together.

Sorry if this is all obvious to you. He's just been on my mind.