QuestionI just adopted a 3 year old sable merle from a rescue - luckily she was not abused or abandoned. Her owner passed away, and the family could not take her. She has a really sweet disposition, and is very well behaved. Problem is, she hasn't really eaten much since I brought her home. She will eat treats (but only certain ones) just fine, but when it comes to her food out of a bowl, at first she would only eat a few pieces out of my hand. Then, she ate a few out of the bowl. Now, I mixed a little canned in, and she seems to be eating a little more, but certainly not enough. I can hear her poor tummy growling! She wouldn't touch the food that her foster mom was giving her, so I did change her over to what I fed my other dog, which she ate from my hand readily. Any other suggestions as to what I can do?
AnswerBrenda,
She is very depressed, cofused and sad. That's normal, she just lost the only family she knows.
I am assuming that you have taken her to the vet and discussed the issues. It would be worth the trip.
With that said, keep in mind that most Shelties only need one cup of food or less per day, they don't eat much to start with. Quality of food (meat as first ingredient not corn, food coloring is bad because dogs don't care about pretty food) is far more important than quantity. Feel free to mix in cheap cans peas and carrots and maybe plain white rice to her meal too.
Continue to hand feed her and encourage her to play-assuming there is a toy? Be careful with the treats, most dog treats are not very good for them. Just use dry dog food as a treat. Try buying a KONG and putting peanut butter in it, also take her to the pet store to pick out her own flavored rawhide chew to give her a distraction. Also if she doesn't already have a toy, let her pick one out.
Walk her, play with her, get her outside.
This is going to take a few months to get her comfortable and out of her shell. Just be patient and loving. Shelties are strong and she will be better eventually.
'sneezes
Dave
