My Pup Hasn’t Pooped And Eaten In A Day. Should I Be Worried?
Filed under Care & Training Q&As
The little 4 month old papillon came home with me yesterday. He was a curious young thing, very gentle, very bright, but amazingly well-behaved – won’t jump on sofas nor chew shoes or furniture(at least, not yet). He’s teething, though he did eat a normal sized portion last evening, but hasn’t touched his breakfast ever since.I have yet to observe his poop simply cuz he hasn’t.
I had some mini training and play sessions with him this morning, teaching him not to chew his leash & collar, letting him explore the house. He’s a great fan of sniffing. I used a shake-can and the sound really does startle him. But what i’m afraid it did more than that and frightened him so much that he’s become withdrawn.
Now he’s much less enthusiastic, almost on the edge of sadness and would only like to curl up on this wool mat in the balcony. He wouldn’t respond to his toys or chewies. Could he be “home-sick”? Or could there be something more serious?
thanks in advance!
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My guess is homesickness. We got a dog once, about a year old, that had been abused. In spite of the bad treatment in her former home, she tried to run away several times to go back. But once she bonded with us, you couldn’t pry her away. We’ve had her seven years now.
Dogs are loyal by nature, and will try to return to even an abusive owner.
Be patient, but if he continues, take him to the vet.
By the way, if and when he eats, mix All Bran (small handful) with a little water and mix it with his food; it helps fight constipation.
I am sure he is just home sick if you only got him yesterday. If this lasts any longer you may want to get it checked out. For the eating part maybe he just wasn’t hungry in the morning and doesn’t need to be fed as much? I am not quite sure, you should ask the breeder you got him from for some advice and her/his opinion.
I’m not a vet, but I would be concerned if my dog didn’t eat or go to the bathroom for a day. It could only be a psychological thing, but I would call your veterinarian and tell him/her what’s going on. When in doubt, call the expert, I say.
If you just took him home and you got him from a breeder, shelter or anywhere with other dogs he may have kennel cough. It starts off like this in many cases before a cough develops. I am in no way trying to scare you but lethargy and not eating is symptom in the beginning. Check and see if he has had his bordetella shot (for kennel cough). Take him in to the vet and get him on antibiotics if he hasn’t and get him the shot. It could also just be a change in food or atmosphere and he could better in the morning. I rescue dogs and many times when they come from a shelter they will have these symptoms and act this way and then develop and cough. It is usually very minor. Then again it could be nothing more than an upset stomach or like you suggested he is just home sick. Good Luck!