My rescue dog is skinny and won't eat unless I stand there. Help!
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 1 month old
My dog won't eat unless I stand around with him and coax him to eat? I don't have time to stand there for 1 hour,but I just rescued him & he's skinny
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on June 9th, 2016
If you just rescued him, he is probably confused and scared. I would have him checked by a vet first, to be sure there is nothing physical that is causing him to be reluctant to eat. If he checks out okay, you need a little "tough love." Put his food in a bowl on the floor without fuss and leave it for 15 minutes. After that time, pick it up whether he has eaten or not. Do not give him anything--no treats, snacks or human food--until his next scheduled mealtime. Then repeat the process. It may take several times for him to realize that there will be no more entertainment from you, and that he must eat his food. Remember that you are not starving nim--he is choosing not to eat. When he is hungry enough, he will. Do not give in or "feel sorry" for him. It will only make it harder to correct. If you need additional help with this, click on the prompt to initiate a consult.
6Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on
Offer a bland diet (1:1 ratio of plain boiled boneless chicken and plain white rice). Feed in small, frequent amounts. Serve it warm or mix in a teaspoon or two of baby food to stimulate the appetite. Once he's eating regularly, transition slowly to the regular diet. Don't stand there with him. You can crate him and leave the food in the crate with him. He will eat eventually.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on January 23rd, 2017
Your dog has decided what her diet will be, but that's not her job . . . it's yours. Stop feeding her the eggs and treats. Put regular dog food in a bowl on the floor without fuss and leave it for 15 minutes. After that time, pick it up whether she has eaten or not. Do not give her anything--no treats, snacks or human food--until her next scheduled mealtime. Then repeat the process. It may take several times for her to realize that there will be no more people food, and that she must eat her food. Remember that you are not starving her–she is choosing not to eat. When she is hungry enough, she will. Do not give in or "feel sorry" for her. It will only make it harder to correct. She must have a nutritionally complete diet, and eggs and milk bones are not sufficient.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on September 15th, 2019
Dogs can go many day without eating. He will not perish after not eating for a day. I suggest you get some canned dog food to mix with his dry food. Don't make a big deal about him eating. Just put the food down and walk away. Leave it down for 10 minutes. If he doesn't eat it pick it up - all the while ignoring him. Do not say a word. After a few hours you can do the same thing. Just keep repeating this process until he eats. It is also best to feed him outside (if possible) so he is not distracted by people or begging for human food. He should never be around people when they are eating. He should be put outside or in another room. Human food is really bad to feed dogs. If he is acting sick he needs to see a vet.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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