my puppy is not eating

Question
QUESTION: I had recently got my cute little puppy he is nine weeks old tomorrow. I am so worried about him. When i first receive him he went the entire first day without eating. He was spiting up a lot, not eating and not playful at all. Early the following morning he ate and was very playful and no more spiting up. That morning was the last and only time he ate his dog food. J.R. my puppy is now very playful but just refuse to eat. The only thing I can get him to eat is a bone. We went to the vet and they want to charge three hundred dollars to find out what is going on. I know more than likely I would have to bring him back. I just wont have a dime until next week and I am so scared.

ANSWER: Hi Teira,

You didn't say what your vet found when your puppy was examined.

Your puppy does indeed need to be seen again by a veterinarian. You should contact your local animal shelter or humane society and ask if they know of a reduced cost vet clinic in your area. You should ask your vet if you can pay off your next vet bill over an agreed upon period of time. Many veterinarians are open to this, if you discuss it with them before your next appointment. Your vet doesn't want your puppy to go without the health care her needs.

You can also call around to other vets in your area for the best price on ordinary services such as checkups and vaccinations.

Be sure that your puppy is drinking water. Becoming dehydrated is very dangerous to puppies, and can quickly develop into a life threatening health condition. If your puppy is not drinking water, don't put off seeing your vet!

Sometimes mixing a little grated hardboiled egg into a dog's food is enough to "jump start" them into eating. If you're giving your puppy a dry food, try mixing in a little canned puppy food. Warming the food a little will release it's natural odors, which can also tempt a puppy into eating.
Remember, your puppy should receive a puppy food diet for his first full year.

If your puppy simply can't be coaxed into eating, there are over the counter appetite stimulants made especially for dogs that can help, until you can see the vet. Products to look for at larger pet stores are Enercal High Calorie Gel, DogSure Meal Replacement Food Supplement, or Nutrical Gel.

Best of luck,

Patti







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

QUESTION: Hello
Thanks for the reply. Yes, he has been drinking water. He is only eight weeks and I have been so scared. I pray that be don't become sick from eating chicken because he have ate it twice today. He just refuse to eat his dog food. The vet did not examine him. It was closing time and I had to make an appointment. In the process of scheduling she explain the cost. It will be sixty dollars to start because he is a new patient over a hundred to be examine with two deferent test and also two hundred if medication is needed. Thank you for your time and advice it is well appreciated.

Answer
Hi Teira,

Your puppy won't get sick from eating chicken if it's been cooked, but chicken isn't a nutritionally complete diet for a growing puppy. Try a canned puppy food (not dog food!), with chicken as the main ingredient.

I suggest finding a different veterinarian. A puppy exam shouldn't cost anywhere near $300, even if tests and medication are needed. Try locating a reduced cost vet clinic as I suggested in my first message.

You can't deny your puppy health care if it's needed, anymore than you can ignore a child's illness. If your finances are so tight that you can't afford to care for a sick puppy, you need to seriously reconsider pet ownership. Neglect is not acceptable, responsible, or humane.

Best of luck,

Patti