Puppy not eating

Discussion in 'Labrador Puppies' started by Whiskypup, Mar 24, 2016.

  1. Whiskypup

    Whiskypup Registered Users

    Joined:
    Mar 5, 2016
    Messages:
    13
    Hello, we brought our new puppy home this morning but he hasn't touched any food. He's had some water and had a few pees but doesn't seem interested in food. His breeder gave me the food that he is used to but he hasn't touched it. Is this normal?
     
  2. Snowshoe

    Snowshoe Registered Users

    Joined:
    Sep 5, 2015
    Messages:
    2,546
    Location:
    Ontario, Canada
    Yes it is but you don't want it to go too long. Missing a few meals (assuming 3 or 4 a day) won't hurt him. How long has he been in your house? It can be very overwhelming for some and put them off meals. It's good he is drinking. Let him settle in, keep things quiet and low key, no meeting the neighbours or stuff like that for a few days. Don't try a new food, you can get into trouble just from switching. Try offering only a tiny bit, much less than usual. Call your breeder and ask what her suggestion is.
     
    Debs likes this.
  3. kateincornwall

    kateincornwall Registered Users

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2012
    Messages:
    9,936
    Hi , I agree with @Snowshoe , it can be distressing when a pup wont eat but it is common when they first arrive . Everything is so different in the big wide world , away from siblings and Mum , new scents, new people . See how things are tomorrow , don't leave it too long but for now, just let him settle in , good luck :)
     
  4. Naya

    Naya Registered Users

    Joined:
    Sep 14, 2013
    Messages:
    9,628
    Location:
    Bristol, UK
    Hi and welcome. Tell us a bit more about your pup......age? Name? Colour etc
    I agree with the above - it must be very overwhelming for them to be in a new environment with new people and no mum or litter mates. Keep him drinking. You could try and hand feed him bits of kibble to get him to eat, or you could soak the kibble in water to make it softer for him.
     
  5. Boogie

    Boogie Supporting Member Forum Supporter

    Joined:
    Mar 29, 2014
    Messages:
    8,416
    I soak my pups food for the first couple of weeks xx

    After that I put water on it but don't leave it to soak.

    .
     
  6. Whiskypup

    Whiskypup Registered Users

    Joined:
    Mar 5, 2016
    Messages:
    13
    Thank you for your responses. It's reassuring to know that this is normal. He still hasn't touched any food and isn't interested in water either now. Fingers crossed, tomorrow he will have more of an appetite. He's 8 weeks old, a beautiful yellow lab. How long do I leave it before I contact a vet? I'm worried that tomorrow is Good Friday so it might be difficult to get to see someone.
     
  7. Stacia

    Stacia Registered Users

    Joined:
    May 25, 2011
    Messages:
    6,924
    Location:
    Malvern UK
    There will be a vet on call, so don't worry. Is the puppy bright and happy and looking well? if not then maybe a phone call to the vet for advice.
     
    JulieT likes this.
  8. JulieT

    JulieT Registered Users

    Joined:
    Jun 15, 2013
    Messages:
    20,186
    A lot of puppies/dogs won't drink unless they have eaten. As @Stacia says, how is the puppy in himself? Bright, happy, energetic? In between sleeping calmly, of course?
     
  9. JulieT

    JulieT Registered Users

    Joined:
    Jun 15, 2013
    Messages:
    20,186
  10. Boogie

    Boogie Supporting Member Forum Supporter

    Joined:
    Mar 29, 2014
    Messages:
    8,416

    Don't hesitate if things don't seem right. They do go downhill very quickly at this age if poorly. If he's not had a drink I would take him straight in. They have emergency vets on call 24/7.

    The time to worry is if he seems floppy and lethargic.

    Far better safe than sorry with tiny pupsters.

    xx
     
  11. Karen

    Karen Registered Users

    Joined:
    May 24, 2012
    Messages:
    11,185
    Hope your new pup is settling in ok, worrying when you have a new puppy.
     
  12. Whiskypup

    Whiskypup Registered Users

    Joined:
    Mar 5, 2016
    Messages:
    13
    He's fast asleep at the moment but has been very playful and inquisitive. Hopefully when he wakes up he might want a drink and some food. Thank you all for responding. It's good to know there is help out there. I've never owned a dog before so it's quite a learning curve!
     
    Boogie and Naya like this.
  13. JulieT

    JulieT Registered Users

    Joined:
    Jun 15, 2013
    Messages:
    20,186
    Good to hear the pup is playful and alert. :) It's a big change for them, probably the first time he hasn't been in competition with 6 or 7 littermates for his food! I'm sure he'll soon get the hang of it. :)
     
  14. MaccieD

    MaccieD Guest

    Hope he wakes up hungry, I'm sure he will. It must be so hard for pups leaving mum and litter mates, being with strange people, strange smells etc., and that their food bowl isn't the same and not in the same place.
     
    pippa@labforumHQ likes this.
  15. Whiskypup

    Whiskypup Registered Users

    Joined:
    Mar 5, 2016
    Messages:
    13
    Delighted to say that Whisky woke this morning and had lots to drink and enjoyed his breakfast. He's full of beans and absolutely gorgeous!
     
  16. jessieboo

    jessieboo Registered Users

    Joined:
    Feb 12, 2016
    Messages:
    241
    Hurrah! Brilliant news!
     
  17. MaccieD

    MaccieD Guest

    Good to hear he has a healthy appetite :)
     
  18. Boogie

    Boogie Supporting Member Forum Supporter

    Joined:
    Mar 29, 2014
    Messages:
    8,416
    Hurrah!

    (sounds like he slept too? :) )

    .
     
  19. snowbunny

    snowbunny Registered Users

    Joined:
    Aug 27, 2014
    Messages:
    15,785
    Location:
    Andorra and Spain
    Fabulous news! And so the trouble begins.... ;)
     
    Beanwood and Stacia like this.
  20. Karen

    Karen Registered Users

    Joined:
    May 24, 2012
    Messages:
    11,185
    Good news!!
     

Share This Page