King Charles refuseds food

Question
Dear Jennifer,

Our 6 1/2 month old King Charles Spaniel recently began refusing to eat dry dog food which we have been feeding her since we got her at just over 3 months. She will eat canned food and table scraps (mostly chicken cut up into her bowl). She will also eat dry dog treats like Milk Bone (we give her pieces, not whole "bones"). Could this be related to changing her teeth? Does she need to go to a vet?

Thanks for your help!

Bruce

Answer
Hi Bruce,

It is very unusual for a puppy to stop eating and usually they only do so when not feeling well such as having a fever.  I would recommend a trip to the vet for an exam, stool sample check and possible blood tests.  You don't want to get her to fixated on people food or that may be all she wants to ever eat.  I doubt teething is causing her to not eat her dry food since she is eating hard milk bones.  The other thing is to try a different brand of dog food.

Good luck,
Dr. Fry