just moved and my dog isnt eating well at all

[mch_1020]

I just moved on 6-21 out of my parents house and now my dog is not eating, only small bites and shes done. You have to pretty much hand feed her. we did leave my parents dog, so im thinking that has somthing to do with it. but I need to know what i should do to help her?

[ginger899]

My first approach to the problem of a dog not eating, or the appetite suddenly going, would be definitely a vet's check-up, just to make absolutely certain there is no underlying physical problem. It won't do any harm, even if he is fit and well. A blood work-up (to be sure his liver/kidneys/pancreas etc are all working well) and a urinalysis wouldn't be a bad idea.

Then, if all is well, the problem HAS to be one of these things:
Either the food is not so brilliant, or there is a behavior problem. Or he is basically over-fed, or is accustomed to refusing what is put down for him, then after a little while -getting something different, (like human food?) or getting fuss and attention.
Leaving his food down for 10 minutes and then, if it is not eaten, taking it away, shows him that is his window of opportunity for getting his food, and if he wants it, he had better get it. That will work very well most times, so long as you don't weaken, and slip him treats because you feel sorry for him.
A hungry healthy dog will eat. It's usually as simple as that. A healthy dog can go even a couple of days without food with no ill effects so although it might seem mean of you, don't weaken. Because my bet is after he will come round if not on the first day, then almost certainly on the second day, as his hunger will get the better of him, and he'll start chowing down!

But please do check for any possible health issues first to be on the safe side.

[ausieb]

I have the same problem. My 5 month old border collie refuses to eat. He drinks alot and very active. But after changing our routine (advice to a trainer), he just does not like to eat anymore. I am so worried as he use to eat alot.. sigh... the trainer said, give food and if within 10 minutes he does not eat, i have to take it away and make him wait for the next meal... not sure if that is right though... sigh...

[lonewolf07]

When we moved two years ago our dogs were stressed out too and we only moved two rows over - still the same complex.  The dogs had to get used to this place since they had lived their entire lives in our other place but eventually they adjusted.

Maybe your dog misses your parents' dog.  Any possibility he could visit you and your dog or would that make things worse?  If our Siberian husky and Akita are separated, they become quite depressed.  Same with the shih tzu and lhasa apso.  They're family and don't like to be separated.  Possibly your dog feels the same way.

It's really difficult to think like a dog.  All we can do is guess.

Hope it works out well  = )

[Jaybay]

Hello and welcome to the forum!  

Relocation can sometimes really mess with a dog's head.  One of the best things you can do is get her on the leash, and take her for a nice long walk in the neighborhood.  Dogs rely on their noses first to assimilate with their surroundings.  She needs a bit of time to smell all the new smells that will now mean "home" to her.  Of course, daily walks are a necessity for any dog, but walks are particularly important when they go to a new place.  I've found that walking my dogs for 5 or 10 minutes around the vet's office results in a much calmer vet visit for everyone.  Same thing goes if we visit a friend's home or go to the dog park.

Try to avoid the hand feeding rituals too.  She'll eat when she gets hungry enough, and all you're doing now is reinforcing her fearful behavior.  She gets scared, refuses to eat and then gets all kinds of love and attention from her people, so she keeps it up.

If she doesn't settle down in a week or so, then take her to your vet to rule out a possible physical problem.