I’ve done a number of sits with senior dogs. I am currently on a sit with a 15 year-old schnauzer. The owner left me with tons of delicious food for his pet but the dog has refused all of it. I’m thinking that the dog is sick of the steak and carrots dinner and wants something else. He ate a few treats but basically hasn’t eaten in 24 hours and this is the first day of a 10 day sit. I had a roasted chicken breast that he seemed really interested in. I went to the store and got sweet potatoes and want to feed him some of the chicken breast + sweet potato (that I have fed to senior dogs before). I can’t get ahold of the owner to get permission so think I should go ahead and feed him. Is this a really bad idea?
At this point I wouldn’t feed him anything other than what the owner left as the dog meals.
I’d give it another 24 hours before trying other foods. Hopefully in the meantime you can reach the owner to ask if this is new behavior, or to see if they’re OK with you feeding some sweet potato and/or skinless boneless boiled chicken breast.
More importantly has the dog had any water? And has he pooped or peed? That would be more concerning to me.
Hopefully you can reach the owner, or did they leave an alternative friend or family contact?
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He has pooped and peed but lack of appetite is something I would worry about if he is feeling sick. I think I should feed him a little now just to see if he has an appetite at all. If not I may decide to take him to the vet tomorrow.
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Just text the HO first and let them know what is happening. There are many reasons why the dog might not be eating including just depressed that his people left him, but his owner’s will know better than you.
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Message the HO and give them an update. 24 hours without food isn’t concerning, it’s quite normal when you change dogs’ routines, more than 48 hours and it is then an issue. Is he drinking water? He might just be pining for his owner and come round soon. #keepusposted
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Agree with Cuttlefish. Could be just break of routine. Drinking is the most important. Keep the HO posted. It might have happened before also.
Try cheese, hand fed. Our dog had a stomach operation so was obviously very sore inside.
He didn’t fancy eating any normal food but a little cheese from the hand got him going again.
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Ask the owner if the dog has a magic word or phrase that he connects with being allowed to eat. Sometimes owners do this without thinking so they might not realise: for example, “there you go”, “grubs up”, Bon apetit” or even tapping the bowl.
Unless the owner talked to you about giving other food, especially human food like cheese, don’t feed them anything other than what was provided. Talk to the owner and ask if it’s ok if you try out a few different options (provide examples) to try to tempt the doggo.
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Grated cheese on top of their food always works a treat, but you need to check with the owner first.
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Definitely ask the Owner first. It might be common for this dog not to eat for a day or two when the Owner leaves.
Sometimes dogs have pain in their teeth or mouth which can affect the type of food they can tolerate.
Always good to check with hosts to see what’s normal for their pet if you’re worried. They might have allergies or other health conditions, too.
Dogs can sometimes not feel like eating even when their families are at home, as well as when they leave.
Sometimes, if they’re not feeling well, it can be better for them to skip a meal or two — as long as you’ve served it as usual and they choose to skip it. That happens with our dog and we monitor. They’ll eat when they’re up for it.
Make sure they’re drinking water, meanwhile.
If a day or so goes by without eating, you might ask the hosts whether they’d want you to get the dog checked out.
Before you feed the pup ask the HO in writing just in case…
Are they going potty (1&2) just fine? Do you notice any signs of distress, walking up to the plate but unable to eat, nausea, etc?
You can try hand feeding a little of the wet food. I sometimes put a little gravy on the tip of my dog’s nose. Once she licks it, she’s like “ok, ok, I’ll go eat.”
I’ve also had luck by going on long walks (you have to gage based on your pup’s age,) that usually opens their appetite up.
Last but not least, treats or a little hard boiled egg sprinkled on top helps.
I wouldn’t worry if the dog won’t eat on the first day. Ensure he has access to food and water and that his feeding bowls are clean. He’s encountering a change and this might be more exciting than food, or he might just want a bit of time to adjust. Did his pet parents let you know what his appetite is like, normally?
I definitely wouldn’t change his diet, or even give treats or toppings which haven’t already been approved by the pet parents. You risk upsetting his tummy, which could make matters worse.
I’d suggest giving him a bit more time and contacting the pet parents only if he continues to show no inclination to eat. If he appears otherwise well and happy enough, then there’s no need to worry at this point if he’s drinking and toileting okay and seems happy to go out for walks.
Hi @Petstuff
How are things now? Did you hear from the pet parents and has the dog you’re looking after eaten?
I hope things have settled and that he’s had a good meal.
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