Depressed and wont eat

Question
QUESTION: I have a 3 yr old male cocker. We are in the process of moving and my husband and son only get home every two weeks. After they leave, Toby becomes very depressed; he won't eat or play.  I tried mixing wet food with dry food, but unless I hand feed him he shows no interest in the food. Even then he only eats about 1/4 of the food.  He does, however, ask for treats and will eat them.  Help!

ANSWER: Oh dear...poor little Toby.  Manipulative little Toby :)
So he'll eat treats and WILL eat if hand fed.  Jeepers, I wonder who has created this scenario?  

Okay..next time they leave, put Toby on his leash..wave goodbye..and take him for a nice, long walk.  When it's feeding time (and I'd like to know what you're feeding him?) put the bowl down and LEAVE THE ROOM.

Why do I know you're hanging over him angsting over him eating or not eating? :)  Okay, I do understand..lol..I can get just as freaked out as the next owner over this type of thing BUT...huge BUT here...you have taught him this "works" and when he's a little sad Mom will make a huge fuss, hand feed, give treats and generally give him sympathy and attention.  Works for him !

But I know you're worried..so I'd suggest a change of food or putting a little chopped boiled chicken on top..and LEAVE THE ROOM.  

Any time he doesn't eat...snap that leash on and go for a walk.  Ignore the not eating.  Pick up the bowl and out you go.  This is a psychologically healthier "reward" for him than you begging him to eat.
Delores

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

QUESTION: I really don't get upset about the not eating until he goes more than 3 days.  I thought he would eat if he got hungry enough, but that hasn't been the case.  I am feeding him Pedigree - both dry and the wet pouches.  When this first started I put hamburger or chicken in with his food, but that didn't sit well as he has really loose sttol and ALOT of gas.  He is kind of a burpy dog as it is.

Answer
Oh wow...3 days.  Okay, I just have to say this..Pedigree is crap.  And the pouches are the worst. No wonder he's burpy !

Get a couple of cans of Canidae and "slowly" switch him over...canned, not kibble.  If you don't know where to buy it, do keyword "Canidae Dog Food" and their website has a "dealer locater".

When you did put the chicken/hamburg on his food, did he eat then?

Jill, if you want to write me directly, please do.
DeeBeck7765@aol.com.  I'd really like to talk to you about nutrition...and I think we can solve this dilemma.
Delores