Chihuahua wont eat

Question
QUESTION: hi my 9 m/o chi will not eat dog food, he'll eat people food but not dog food. i have had my chi for almost a week now and i found out from friends that the owners before me always gave him people food they would make an extra bowl of whatever they were eating for him and his mom and im worried. i am leaving for the states for 2 weeks at the end of this month and im taking my Mini Dachshund with me but seeingd how i already bought the ticket for a couple of months ago i dont have the money to take him with and im worried that im going to come home to a dead dog (i am not leaving him by himself hes goin to be staying with a friend or a kennel) please if you can help me thank you. im just really worried.

ANSWER: Usually a healthy dog will eat all it needs.  Evaluate the dog as illustrated in this link, http://www.longliveyourdog.com/twoplus/RateYourDog.aspx You may want the vet to confirm your judgment. Adjust the dogs food and exercise as needed to reach its ideal body condition. Some German Shepherds and other breeds may refuse to eat enough to completely hid their ribs. As long as you are feeding a concentrated, meat based chow, the best thing is to accept it.

The worst thing you can do is to bribe a dog with rich foods into eating more than it needs. Instead, Put down the dish with what the dog should eat, and give it 15 minutes to eat. Then take it up. Do not give it anything to eat until its next scheduled meal. In a few days, it should be eating what it needs. Continue to check its ribs and adjust the food as needed. This is not easy. I had a Shepherd go 3 days on a few nibbles. I was a wreck, but she was fine. It is almost unknown for a healthy dog not to eat what it needs. Unfortunately, in too many cases, it is less than the package says, and less than the owner thinks the dog should have. Many dogs are quite good at holding out for tastier chow. Like kids, sometimes it calls for tough love.

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QUESTION: but see thats the thing hes not eating at all he only eats when i give him human food and thats hardly ever like maybe acouple peices once a day if not nothing. and i cought him eating paper a couple of times not just chewing it actually swallowing it too. and when i eat he he starts bouncing up and down whining his little but off.

Answer
It can be tough, but you have to wait him out.  It won't hurt him to go a day or 2 without eating or even longer.  Eating the balanced diet modern dog chows provide will be much better for him in the long run.  You don't have much time, you need to get started.