My newly adopted puppy won't eat or drink. Should I be worried?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

  Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

  Published on October 9th, 2018

  Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is not unusual for a new pet to have an abnormal appetite for a few days when in a new environment. You can try using canned food or different kinds of kibble to see if something seems more palatable and to her liking. However, if this does not work or it has been longer than a few days to a week, she should be evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment to ensure this is not due to a medical issue such as gastroenteritis, pancreatitis, among many other possibilities. Good luck and have a good night!

  

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  Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

  Veterinarian

  Published on August 5th, 2018

  Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! She may not like the food or is still nervous and unsure in your home since it has only been a week. A healthy dog will not choose starvation. I recommend that you stick to your guns and try not to let her train you. Put the food down for an allotted period of time and pick it up until the next feeding time. No treats until she eats consistently. If she fights this after 3 days then try adding a little water to the food for 3 days. Then try adding a little canned. After than change brands of food. She may be fearful of dominant people (men). This will take more time then the food. Your husband should be made the primary care giver: he feeds her, he walks her, he cares for her. Go slow. Once she is eating her food he can reward her with treats. The chewing of things could be separation anxiety. Again this may go away with time since you have only had her for a week. To protect your things and her put everything away. Have her confined or crated when not watched. If this persists then discuss anti-anxiety medications with your Vet. Overall time is a powerful thing with rescue dogs. As they do not know if they are coming or going. Keep the routine the same as dogs thrive on things staying the same. I wish you the best!

  

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  Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on August 25th, 2017

  Hi there and thank you for your post! It sounds like you have tried multiple foods to no avail. I would try a homemade diet and see if she is interested in eating cooked food. The website I recommend you visit to formulate a balanced homemade diet is www.balanceit.com Use the autobalancer to make your own diet. If she is still uninterested in homemade food then I would take her to your vet to have some basic blood work performed to ensure she does not have any systemic illnesses. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns. I am also available via consultation if needed.

  

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