February 16th, 2010
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Some dogs need the stimulation of another dog hovering over them in order to eat. Others are just glad for some human company. If your dog is picky, pull up a chair and see if that doesn’t restore his appetite.
Radio show host and pet expert Tracie Hotchner is the author of The Dog Bible and The Cat Bible. Click here to follow her on Twitter. |
Actually, many times a lack of appetite stems from a lack of exercise. We have a 4 year old Chinese Crested who used to be incredibly picky and would rarely eat (even with 3 dogs and 2 people hovering over him). He’d walk away from his meal, usually untouched, and often wouldn’t take food even if it was hand fed to him. Obviously, a vet check is the first thing to do with a dog who does not have a good appetite, but beyond that, a good walk (20 or more minutes) before each meal does wonders. And it’s good for the owners too.
That’s so funny. A long time ago, I had a miniature schnauzer who would wait until I got home to eat if I came home late, even if I had someone come in to feed hime. But as soon as I came in he would run over to his dish and he would want me to stay with until he finished. He was a “social eater” I guess.
My neighbor just lost his pug of 13 years and has been looking for another one. He has been in touch with pug rescue, and has seen pugs he would like – but never hears back from anyone. I would think those sites would be chomping at the bit to find good homes for their dogs. He LOVES pugs. Has had 3 – wouldn’t have anything else. Do you have any connections to pug sites?
Good point! My Raja won’t eat without company… not interested in dining alone.
Our’s are the other way around. Our Pit/Ameriican Bulldog and our Corgi/Queensland will wait until I am out of the kitchen before they will eat. Both just stand at their bowls and will wait until I am out of the room. It’s a new thing that they started about 2 years ago…
My dogs are funny there are times when they want each other around when they eat. Then a few times out of the year Rusty changes his mind and decides he cannot eat as long as Sadie is watching him.
Ah – Ha ! So that’s it! Gen. Neyland, 55 lb AKC Airedale,
some day’s just doesn’t want 2 eat; UNLESS i am in the kitchen, puttering, & preparing my food … he doesn’t get
“people food” only dog food & cheese & chicken; in his food … some day’s he just mope’s around, lookin’ at me, like: “dontcha’ know! IT’S U, ATTENTION ! so from now on, instead of just “Sir, yes. Sir” with his am salute, i’ll be sure to be close by at dinner time; he eats 2 x daily – and get’s plenty of exercise at Grandma’s 10 acres; chasing anything that moves – go getem’ squirrels, groundhogs, horses; fenced in next farm. He’s such a Terrier – Tks 4 letting me know this – Woof Woof 2 U