My dog has suddenly become a grazer. He's not showing any signs that he's sick. His still on schedule with dumps, doesn't show any signs of fatigue and no vomiting. Anyone had this happen before?
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My dog has suddenly become a grazer. He's not showing any signs that he's sick. His still on schedule with dumps, doesn't show any signs of fatigue and no vomiting. Anyone had this happen before?
When did this happen?
My lab eats his food quickly. If he suddenly started not attacking his food with a gusto that would be a huge red flag for me. When I took my pet first aid, one of the biggest things drilled into us was know your animal, abnormal behviour needs to be noted and if it continues, it should be dealt with. How has his water intake been?
Dyth
Everything is normal. He'll eat biscuits, cheese and other goodies. Just has become a grazer in the last couple days. I walk him. Everyday for about 2-3 km and he's shown no signs of fatigue or lack of desire to run.
If I stand by his bowl, he'll usually eat most of it. I think he might just have a massive co-dependency problem?
How much are you feeding? I had a similar situation and I reduced their food intake somewhat and now both dogs eat it right away.
Perhaps all the cookies, cheese and other goodies are keeping him full and he doesn't feel the need to eat. Cut back and see what happens.
Were there any recent vaccinations or anything to upset his usual routine?
I should have worded it better. I'd toss a half inch by half inch cube of cheese on his food and he'd demolish it, but ignore the kibble. Will try cutting back on portion size.
Thanks gang.
Mg dog does the same.. A dog won't starve to death.. Abe also gets a lot of scraps from the kids...
Snow is melting...grass exposed, and my dogs have begun to graze. Happens annually in Spring. So does periodic gastro upsets/loose stools etc. which are easily solved with taking them off food for 24 hrs. and if necessary, the standard treatment of feeding rice/boiled chicken for a few days.
I think WG99 meant his dog doesn't eat his food as fast as he used not, not necessarily his dog has started to eat grass. WG99, can you clear up any confusion here?Quote:
Originally Posted by spinster
If you've always stood by his bowl when eating and suddenly stopped being near his bowl, then yes, I could see this being a conditioned response.Quote:
Originally Posted by WayneGretzky99
Other than that it's likely nothing to worry about. They do go through phases, but keep an eye on it and if it continues then I think it's time for a check up at the vet.
They do also get bored of their food.
Take his food away if he doesn't finish it and don't subsidize by giving him snacks . Make sure he's still taking on water . Put food down next day . Also if you have been spraying air freshener etc near his food dish or feed bag it could be contaminated . They usually bounce back in a day or two . Have a look at his gums . Could have an abscess ,
TD
Good points TD, and something you reminded me of is sometimes the food itself can go bad, or get moldy, or already be moldy through shipping, or got wet, etc.Quote:
Originally Posted by 400bigbear
Yes or mice get in it .Quote:
Originally Posted by last5oh_302
TD
My dog eats mice... And muskrats.. And possums.. And anything she else she catches... She tried to eat my chickens.. Put a stop to that.Quote:
Originally Posted by 400bigbear
No grass eating. Meant 'grazing' as in taking his time.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dythbringer
Never stood over his bowl when I'd feed him either.
However, my bathroom is right beside the kitchen and with st Patty's and what not, I've used an unusual amount of air freshener if ya catch a whiff.... I mean my drift.
heh
That's how I took your grazing point WG .Quote:
Originally Posted by WayneGretzky99
Start with the basics and work your way back . It can be a simple change . And yes they can get bored but I got a feeling this is not the case . Clean his dishes etc and starve him a day or two by taking his food away if he doesnt eat right away as normally he does .. No treats . If he's hungry he will eat .. if it's food contamination or sickness . He won't .
He is eating " treats " . Your da boss . Hopefully your not a rawhide lad . Doesnt sound like it since he isn't constipated .
Think about yourself G99 . Can you eat a roast 365 days of the year ? Also there could be something in your yard he is filling up on . Just watch him even in yard . It happens here too .
TD
Very common in my experience. I have a picky eater right now. I have no idea why but they do go off their food. If he appears healthy in all other ways I don't worry about it. If mine didn't eat for 3 days but still drinking , I might have the vet have a look at the dog.
PS
Senior dogs goes off their food as their sense of smell/taste fades. They often need a booster - I use garlic powder- not garlic salt.
We had this issue with our dog a few years back. As a pup he was only able to eat a medicated diet. Vet said his guts were not growing as fast has he was. Now we stick with a food that is made for labs.
As long as the food is not bad, you could add a bit of warm water to it.(in the dish) It is supposed to bring the smell of the food out.
Also agree with what 400BB and Sharon have suggested.
What kind of food is made specifically for labs? You're not feeding that Royal Canine crap are ya?;) I see they make food specifically for Rottweilers too. :whacked:Quote:
Originally Posted by krismerry
Unfortunately it is one of the only foods that keep his weight in check and from me cleaning up vomit and the runs. Even with weening longer then normal onto other foods it just does not work for the vomit/runs. I think I have tired 75% of the foods available. The only other food that we have found to work is science diet from the vets. The vet told us to stick with this one so we did.Quote:
Originally Posted by last5oh_302
Science Diet is crap as well, yet you pay dearly for it, like Royal C. These companies have big marketing bills and have to get it back somehow.Quote:
Originally Posted by krismerry
Have you tried a food without poultry in it? Something with all fish or mostly meat but without poultry?
Yeah we have tried many different brand some include: Simply Nourish, Nutrience for fish product, Natural Choice (lamb) and so on. We have tried cheap to expensive. I can not remember the brand but we had one that really didn't give him any energy. He would just lay around, even his training duck did not get him up.Quote:
Originally Posted by last5oh_302
We do give him fish oil capsules, he thinks they are treats. Once summer comes around we will try another brand again. Just easier to be outside with him and a 2 year old to see whats going on. :thumbup:
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If your dog is doing well on the food you are feeding then I would not change. You have stated that you have tried a wide variety and this is the one that does not cause gastric upset. As long as the dog is healthy and his coat is good and he has energy I would keep him on his present diet. It is obvious from your post that you have consulted the vet and if he see no problem health wise then continue. i am not one for constantly changing foods. Find the one that works for you and the dog.
We found that "Maximum" from WallMart is the best food for a reasonable price. $26 for a 16kg bag. Good for puppies to old age. The original owner of Walmart bred hunting dogs. A lot of breeders here use it.
I have to agree with ebenezers recommendation. One thing that I have noticed over the years with my own labs and others as well is not all Labs do well on a high fish content dog food. My experience is that they can suffer bouts of diarrhea because the food is too rich of a diet.
Feed what you are happy with. Everyone has an opinion on dog food. Your dog looks great. See my article in "senior dog food " thread on fish oil.Quote:
Originally Posted by krismerry