Puppies are a lot like newborns. You bring them home and they sleep for 2 weeks. You think, this is easy why don't we have more. Then the child wakes up.
hello and welcome! Glad your little one seems okay. its a steep learning curve though, and if you Haven't read The Happy Puppy Handbook, I would heartily recommend it! jac
Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum as I've recently become a Lab puppy mummy we have him since Friday and he has been energetic, inquisitive and puppy-like since arrival. Last night he didn't eat his last feed before bed and again this morning, smelled his food but walked away. He had been scoffing his food every other time. He is still drinking water. He does seem a little less energetic this morning but still waging his tail and playing about. I'm wondering should I take him to the vet or try him again with the food at a later stage? He's 9 weeks this week......and has me a little worried Any advice would be much appreciated x
Hi and welcome As your puppy has now refused food twice , I would consult your Vet , its good that he is still drinking though , please let us know how he is doing
As long as he seems bright, I wouldn't worry yet, he might just have scoffed too much food and not be hungry. However, if he refuses next meal and/or starts to look lethargic then you can always phone the vet for advice. @Kate, we posted at the same time, I wrote mine before I read yours.
If the food you are offering is the same as the breeder was feeding, I think as he has not eaten two meals I would give the vet a quick ring, just to put my mind to rest. That he is drinking is good, but that you feel he isn't quite so energetic is not quite so good. Puppies are like babies, when it comes to eating, sleeping and pooing they worry us all the time Please let us know how he is later
At this age I would consult to the vet, they are happy for you to make a phone call - to put your mind at rest imo. We usually have good intuition as to when things are 'not right' with pups. xx .
Thanks for the advice everyone. I put him in his pen with the food as a last ditch attempt. Low and behold, he ate it! Thank god! I actually reckon he's testing his boundaries a little.....so ill keep my eye on that! It's so great to have this forum as I'm quite anxious at the moment, he being my first dog! So thanks again.
So following my concern yesterday...my lab puppy, Kevin, became completely lethargic and stopped eating. He also had diarrhea. I brought him to the vet once I could see him so thrown down. The vet told me that he had eaten something toxic (possibly a daffodil) and was very ill. He gave Kevin a shot, some rehydration solution for his water and gastro intestinal wet cat food. I also have to start him on antibiotics tomorrow. He told me to return this evening if he hadn't improved so that he could be hooked up to a drip. He perked up during the day and ate a feed of mixed cat food and his regular dry food and is drinking his water solution. I can honestly say that I have never been so worried or upset. I'm watching him like a hawk. While he plays a little every now and again, he's still quite weak and lethargic. I'm just writing this update as a warning to others with new puppy's. Don't hesitate to bring ur puppy to the vet as soon as you may think something is wrong.....Don't delay. And keep them well away from flowers in the garden. From a very heart broken new mummy to Kevin x
@Labmum so sorry to hear that all was not well with Kevin but you dud the best thing and got him to the vet as quick as possible. Hoping he improves quickly. Hugs to you and licks from Juno to Kevin
Get well soon Kevin xx Be sure to take him back if things still don't seem right, they get dehydrated very quickly at this age. .
@Labmum You might find this list from the Dogs Trust helpful with Kevin, I know I went around the garden with it to identify plants which could be an issue plus all ghe other things we don't tend to think about too much. These pups worry us so much, but they're worth it https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/help-advice/factsheets-downloads/factsheetpoisonoussubstances09.pdf
I am sorry to hear that Kevin has been so ill, hope he is on the road to recovery. If a pup doesn't eat and looks lethargic, phone vet as you so wisely did.
