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Old November 22nd, 2003, 08:06 PM
Lucky Rescue Lucky Rescue is offline
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Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 10,287
Don't panic! If the vet gave your puppy a clean bill of heath and she was eating fine at the breeders, then she will eat again.

By the way, how is she acting otherwise? Playful, happy, interested in her surroundings?

Many dogs go on hunger strikes when they are put in kennels, or separated from their families - loss of appetite is usually very common in stressed or ill animals. Dogs are like us - some get more stressed out than others!

But MOST dogs, no matter how upset, will eat by the 3rd day. I would give her one more day, as long as she is drinking. Be casual when you feed her. Use a happy and upbeat tone and say something like "Dinner time!" to teach her this is the time to eat. Put it in front of her at the usual time in the usual place, and give her 15 minutes to eat it. Don't hover over her, holding your breath. If she does not eat, pick it up and offer nothing else til next feeding time. And yes - stick with the food the breeder gave you for now.

Even if she does not eat, take her outside to the place you want her to potty about 15 - 20 minutes after you pick her food up. You want her to start seeing a routine. And stay calm - she can probably sense your agitation and is reacting to it.

Does she sleep in a crate at night - if so put the crate next to your bed. Is it possible to get some fabric or stuffed toy the breeder may have had in with the litter? The scent would be very comforting for your puppy and might make the transition a little easier for her!

Let us know if she eats tomorrow!
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