Phoebe not drinking and other issues.

K

Kamie

Forums Novice
Good evening fellow Sheltie lovers.

My wife and I just adopted an adorable puppy Sheltie girl named Phoebe, who has quickly jumped right into our hearts. We only picked her up yesterday, but in the past 26 hours we have been noticing a few potentially problematic habits of hers that are causing us a bit of concern.

The first is that she is not willing to drink water. We have a stainless steel bowl set up with water in it, as well as a plastic bowl (given to us by the seller) with water, and a water bottle in her crate (much like the one she was using when we first met her) filled with water. All three of these sources have different "types" of water (cold in plastic...even a few ice cubes a couple of times, "muddy" [a tiny bit of crushed food mixed in] in the stainless, and room temperature in the bottle, yet Phoebe is extremely hesitant to drink from any of the sources. The only success we have had getting her to drink is when we mix it with her kibble and only if it is at the correct mixture % with the food...As new parents to Phoebe, we want the best for her and are coming to the end of our knowledge base as to how to get her to want to drink.

Secondly, she is extremely hesitant around EVERYTHING. New rooms, crate, stairs, downhill slopes outside, certain routes (from the kitchen to the door is not on her good side, but if we go from the kitchen, through the dining room, through the living room, and then out the front door, she is fine), collar/leash...so much that is making us a bit concerned. She didn't seem to be like this when we met her the first few times, and we just are looking for some ideas...

Finally, we are feeding her around 1 and 1/2 to 2 cups of food a day (as per the store and food's instructions), but since yesterday (7/14/10) at 3:30pm, through the night, and through the day today (7/15/10) at 6:45 she has only gone #2 twice...once last night at around 9pm, and once early this morning at around 3:30am. Nothing today....we have a vet visit sometime next week, but wanted to get input from other Sheltie parents with any ideas that you might have.

Thanks!!


Kamie
 
Hi! Congratulations on your new puppy!! Sounds like you'll make a great dog parent - you're fussy and worrying over the pup so much even now! :lol:

You just got her a day ago so alot of the things you are experiencing may be due to stress and the fact that she's in a brand new place with brand new people, all of which she's unsure of. It can be overwhelming! (She's been at the seller's for some time so will not be the same as when she goes to her new home)

I would advise that you give her a few days, if not a couple of weeks to adjust and get comfy. Let her explore on her on time - it does a pup no good to force things on it. She'll come out of her shell and will start to eat and drink normally, and will poop normally (or you'll learn what her real pooping schedule is really like). She'll also be less suspicious or afraid of her home surroundings - she'll be running through the house and jumping on furniture before you know it!

It's very normal for a new puppy parent to be overly concerned about everything! And to be paranoid and wonder if something is wrong over the smallest thing! Been there done that. :lol: After a while, you learn to read your pup and you'll start to breathe a little easier! There are great people here will offer excellent advice so don't hesitate to ask anything! Good luck with Phoebe!!
 
I agree with Michelle. It sounds like she might be a bit stressed about her new environment. That can lead to not eating, not drinking, having an "off" potty schedule, etc... The best thing you can do is to continue to monitor her and to stay positive.

If you really feel that she isn't getting enough water, and is risking getting dehydrated, you can continue to put water in her food. Also, try ice cubes, and even putting some chicken broth in the water. Those things can be very enticing.

As to being nervous about new things, smells, routines, she may just adjust a bit slower than other dogs. There are boisterous, adventures dogs (like people) and there are those that are more cautious and take more time to adjust. Show your pup that new things are fun and exciting. Reward ANY courageous behavior, and ignore any scared behavior. Try not to baby her when she shows fear or anxiety. A good idea is to have treats on you all the time. That way you can catch her being good at any time!

You are doing a great job. Just give her some time to adjust. Keep in mind that the breeder's house is all that she has known.
 
When I first got Sunny I was so paranoid too. Perfectly normal.

Our vet told us to feed our girl About a cup and a half of food a day and give her omega 3 fatty acid rich food and sometimes I add this doggie fish oil to her dry kibble. She really likes it.

I also give her these treats once a week that promote hip and joint health.

I have always been told to keep your puppy fed, but lean so they do not become over weight. You always want to see a defined "doggie waist".

Good luck and congrats on you lil pup!

Amanda and Sunny
 
Welcome to you all.

How old is Pheobe? I agree with the others - she may need an adjustment period. Her routine is changed, her family are gone and everything is big and overwhelming. Some pups just take a little longer. Keep things fun, play games and keep her active and she will soon be back to being a puppy.

Are you feeding her moist or dry food? I would look at adding some moist food to her diet if you think she is getting dehydrated. Also consider soaking the kibble in warm water and let it sit for a while so it soaks up some water. If she is eating with no problems then you are actually doing really well. Until she gets her toileting routine on track she may be a little worried about drinking or she just may not be needing it.
 
I did most of what *Caro said when Fluffy came home. :yes: Smudge is the first dog I have ever owned that has ate AND drank the same day he came home. Fluffy held off on food until day two, and she would not drink water until the end of day two. She would not drink a lot of water for a good long while, and so I soaked her kibble in water.

It didn't take long before she was drinking her water so fast she was throwing up. :rolleyes2: So since those bowls to keep her from drinking fast didn't seem to help I put a bowl in her crate and raised the bowl just slightly higher than it should have been to make her slow down her drinking some. She eventually slowed down her drinking in her regular bowl, too. Of course you didn't ask about drinking fast, but sometimes I get sidetracked like that. :uhoh::confused2:
 
Welcome -- and how wonderful that Phoebe is a part of your life. Everyone has given you great advice. She'll come around; it's probably that she's overwhelmed. Patience, quiet and love will work wonders. :yes:
 
Great advice from everyone and I want to add a welcome to the forum. It's normal for you to be concerned about your new baby but try not to get too stressed out. Easier said than done I know. You've come to a great place for answers as there are a lot of caring people here with tons of experience. One more thing never be afraid to ask questions There is no such thing as a dumb question.
 
not that it would make much difference now but have you got her from pet store or a breeder? Also how old is Phoebe?
some dogs need their confidence build up slowly, some are more shy then others and if your pup is from pet store that might be totally different game as those animals tend to be from puppy mills and be traumatized from the get go with no human contact, being taken too early from mom/ littermates etc
 
First off, welcome to Sheltie Nation! You have come to the right place. There are so many knowledgeable members here.

You have already been given great advice. I actually don't have much to add.
It's only been one day, give your pup some time to adjust. My Bailey, who is one years old now was very shy and cautious the first few days we brought her home. She didn't drink and eat enough. She was uncomfortable in our yard. Slowly, but surely she came around. With lots of praise, treats and puppy classes, she has turned into a much more confident dog.

Also, a lot of shelties don't seem to eat as much food as the bag recommends. Bailey eats half of what her food recommends for her weight.
 
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