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about my 9 month GSD
i`ve checked his mouth but i don`t think his teeth is hurting cuz he`s chewing on his toys and his gums are ok i felt the outside of his neck/throat don`t think there is any swelling and i tried Leaving the food out on the bowl for 15-20 minutes and then take it away that didn`t work ,i gave him a boiled egg and skimmed yogurt he had a few bites then left it again
so any new ideas please
It is quite normal for young Shepherds to be light eaters. I have only found one breed specific reference in the manual the dog guide school gives those of us raising shepherds, labs, Goldens and some other breeds, ''Note: German Shepherd puppies typically will look very thin throughout puppyhood.'' They tell us not to worry about even if the ribs show a little. Let me assure you, they know much more about producing healthy Shepherds than anyone here does. Feed it what it will eat and don't worry about it.
By the way, giving any growing large breed puppy yogurt or other high calcium food is a bad idea. Most puppy chows have as much or more than puppies need. Any more can wreck a dog's hips.
How long did you try the "tough love" method (leaving food out for 15-20 mins) for? It's supposed to be done over about five days at most. The driving idea is that if all the dog has the opportunity to eat is what you give him, he'll give in eventually. Most dogs will not allow themselves to starve. If he is holding out well, it may be a medical problem.
It's definitely sounding like he's holding out for the yogurt and boiled egg (or whatever you give him to entice him to eat each day) but honestly, it's not normal for a dog to have such a lackluster appetite.
I'd encourage you to get a vet check up (I didn't read your other ?, so forgive me if you already have had this done.) If you haven't done this yet, it's an important step in sorting out what's going on with him.
Dogs in general, but especially younger, growing dogs, are hardwired to eat. Some dogs regulate their appetite better than others and aren't chow hounds. But all dogs eat. Any time a dog doesn't eat more than one meal in a day or shows little interest in food, it's a huge red flag that something is going on.
Getting to the bottom of that something is important because if it's something serious, the sooner you have a diagnosis, the better chance for a good outcome.
Having said that, it may be something as simple as lack of exercise. Good luck with him.
Is this a big change for your dog? If he went from a vacuum to refusing to eat, I would be worried. If he has always been finicky about eating, I would be concerned but not as worried as If he were a chow hound.
If he isn't eating much of the egg and yogurt, (If that is something he would normally eat) I would think he may not feel well.
I don't totally agree with tough love. If my dog truly hates a food, I wouldn't force him to eat it or starve. However, I also wouldn’t pander to the dog like a spoiled kid.
When I have had dogs that didn't always eat, I would just leave their kibble out for them to have whenever. They would usually graze a bit and eat at least half of the kibble.
Maybe get the vet to look at him before you withhold food for him not eating. Rush him to the vet if he stops drinking water.
At 9 mons Toto quit eating. In the beginning I did all the correct things... picked up his food, all that and more. I've tried each and every additive or speciality food made, tried raw, tried satin balls, tried drugs, and finally realized that, left alone, Toto will eat enough to keep him alive and normally active but always with ribs and hip bones showing. Three and a half years later and neutered for over a year, he still eats about ever third day and is still skinny. There is nothing physically wrong with him, that is just the way he is. I don't like it, and I am really tired of everyone telling me how skinny he is and that he is starving, but he will eat about every three days and no more. I do give him a high quality food and it is offered to him for a 2 hour period twice each day, but he will only eat when he is good and ready. He does not eat treats either. Perhaps this is your guy too. First, get a health clearance from your vet to rule out anything else. Good Luck!
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