New Behavior is Troublsome

What you're describing does not sound like normal adjustment behavior at this point. It does sound like there's some medical issue going on, and I'd definitely see the vet and describe what you're experiencing.

I would also, at this point, make a call to the breeder that you got him from and tell her what is happening. She might have some insight or suggestions for you too. It's worth a try.

Please keep us posted. It's so tough when you love them so much and want them to be well and happy. You are doing everything you can. It certainly doesn't sound like it has anything to do with you, how you're treating him or your care! Best to rule out anything medical.
 
pipersmommy said:
I had considered that too, but he just went to the vet on Monday for a checkup and to get his rabies shot and came out with a clean bill of health. I feel terrible for him. It just seems by his behavior that he does not have any interest in trying to adapt. I have done a lot of fostering and such over the years and I have just never seen it this severe, even in major abuse situations. Ya'll think that with such a recent vet visit we should take him again? :(
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Sometimes just a few phone calls to different Vets can make a difference. You don't need to spend money yet until you find one you like over the phone THEN maybe go in.

When my Tyler was diagnosed with Prostate cancer, I called several Vets here in my area and faxed over the info to confirm diagnosis AND see if they all agreed on treament. The phone call was free and they were all more than happy to help!
 
Thanks guys. I emailed the breeder this morning and she just emailed me back. She said she was afraid he might go through some depression because he was used to being around other dogs and that we should try giving him more enticing food so that he will at least eat. But the problem with that is that he will eat treats from us but he throws them up because there is nothing in his stomach! We are in the process of buying a house we want to get him a playmate, I think that will help some with the depression. But it won't be until the end of February. I am not sure that giving him wet food like she suggested will sit well with his stomach. I will try taking him in to the vet that we normally use, which is not the vet he went to on Monday, shoot I mean Saturday. I don't know why I thought it was Monday when he went, geez my brain is fried! Well any other thoughts would be appreciated as well regarding the severe antisocial behavior, he acted like this even when we went to pick him up so...maybe bringing him with us just made it worse. :( I will update after a trip to the vet too!
 
pipersmommy said:
Thanks guys. I emailed the breeder this morning and she just emailed me back. She said she was afraid he might go through some depression because he was used to being around other dogs and that we should try giving him more enticing food so that he will at least eat. But the problem with that is that he will eat treats from us but he throws them up because there is nothing in his stomach! We are in the process of buying a house we want to get him a playmate, I think that will help some with the depression. But it won't be until the end of February. I am not sure that giving him wet food like she suggested will sit well with his stomach. I will try taking him in to the vet that we normally use, which is not the vet he went to on Monday, shoot I mean Saturday. I don't know why I thought it was Monday when he went, geez my brain is fried! Well any other thoughts would be appreciated as well regarding the severe antisocial behavior, he acted like this even when we went to pick him up so...maybe bringing him with us just made it worse. :( I will update after a trip to the vet too!
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On the food angle, have you tried very bland foods like boiled chicken, or rice, non-fat plain yogurt?

I'm sorry, but how old is Hollywood?
 
I agree with Megansmom...I'd cook up a chicken breast, shred it and mix it with some boiled white rice and try feeding him that for a day or two so he gets something bland with protein into his stomach. You can also try giving him diluted chicken broth. See if that helps. If all else fails, pick up a few jars of chicken baby food and a bit of rice. I don't know any dog that won't eat that! And those are all more digestible than dog food so he would hopefully keep them down.

Is there anyone you know with a dog that you could visit, or borrow for a few hours, just to see if it pulls him out of his slump?

Vet visit is a good idea! glad you're doing that.
 
I seriously thought Gizmo would die before he ate when he came home as a puppy. I really did. He finally broke down and ate.

That's why I'm thinking it is 100% crucial that you get a second opinion. If the dog is throwing up because it can't keep anything down it is not good news. Especially if it isn't getting nutrients to replace whatever it threw up.

At this point I'm not sure quality matters so I'd say for now if a "bad" dog food gets him to eat - bring it on. You can always work around it later. Get him to eating first and then worry about switching later.

At the start Fluffy would only eat if I sprinkled water over her dry kibble. Check out this link:

http://dog-care.suite101.com/article.cfm/helping_a_dog_who_wont_eat

I guess I'm so pushy about you getting to a vet ASAP is because this is how my sheltie, Gizmo, died. He refused drink or water for several days. We said we'd take him to the vet tomorrow.

He never made it. :(:cry: I don't play the tomorrow game anymore.
 
Shoot, even in a desparate pinch you could offer a bite of cat food :biggrin2:, just to get him eating of course. Baby foods like Ann said, chick broth, maybe a bite of bland toast w a smidgen of broth or baby food on it!? Having another fur buddy come over for a little bit..

Please keep us posted :cool:
 
Those are all some great ideas! Megansmom, Hollywood is 18 months old.

I can try to find someone with a dog to come over and visit, unfortunately we cannot have one of his old buddies come over, we drove five hours to go get him! But any friendly dog should work just fine I would think. The breeder said he loved playing with the other male dogs outside and seems to think that is the bulk of his problem. Also since he wont walk around the house or eat where the food dish is, should we bring it to him just so he will eat? We were trying not to coddle him thinking he would eventually eat on his own, but I would rather coddle for a while than him starve lol.

Thanks Smudge I understand what you are saying completely.

I so appreciate ya'lls concern and suggestions!
 
By the way Megansmom I just noticed that you are from Kingwood, TX. We are originally from Beaumont, which I do not think is all that far. How far are you from the Shreveport/Bossier, Louisiana area?
 
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