Not eating much...

Question
QUESTION: Hi Kathy,

Just 1 day ago, my girlfriend and i just got ourselves an american cocker spaniel = 7 weeks old.
We are feeding her with some recommended dog food (soak in water for her ease of consumption). However, she's not eating much. She's only consuming a handful of it yesterday evening and again a handful of it this morning. I'm worried that she will starve herself. Is there any way to improve her appetite as she's in a growing stage now?

Thanks Kathy!





ANSWER: Hi Manson, congratulations on your new addition, arent they just adorable? Dont worry too much your pup will eat what she needs, if you are feeding dry food, is it the same as she was on with her breeder? at seven weeks she is still very young, but should be having at least 3 meals per day use the chart on back of dog food and follow your instincts, (perhaps she dosent like the food) try her with Weetabix in the morning moistened down with either water or Goats milk (not cows milk) then try her dried food for the other two meals make sure she has plenty of fresh water to hand at all times when they eat dry food they will drink a lot of water, this she needs to enable her to digest the food properly, its all trial and error at this age, but she wont starve honestly she will eat when she is hungry, try sitting with her and tempting her she could be feeling a little anxious from leaving her mum and litter mates, so dont worry too much. Good Luck with your new pup.
Best Wishes
Kathy

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: HI Kathy,

The food is the same as she was on with her breeder (that's what the breeder claim) but anyway, thanks for the tips and will try her out on Weetabix in the morning and some new dry food.
I thought of getting her some treats too (for the purpose of rewarding on jobs well done) but is it recommended at her age (7 weeeks) to take treats?
What kind of treats would you recommend for a 7 week old cocker?

Thanks again Kathy!


Answer
Hi Again Manson, to be honest there isnt a lot you can give a seven week old puppy, most treats are for three months onwards, you could try some milky bones biscuits, but break it in half, try visiting a good pet store and see if they do any recommended treats for a pup that age, a little bit of cheese wont hurt her, but really not too much. If you change her food you could reward her with a kibble of her food she is eating, hope she goes on okay and starts eating properly for you soon, good luck
Kathy