Clearly something is wrong with Murphy!

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

My Murphy can do one thing faster than any dog I have ever met and that is finish off his bowl of food in seconds! I have even gotten him the bowl with the bumps in it to slow him down being as I worried about bloat as he ate so fast. We call him Hoover and have timed him just for laughs as it is SO quick. It didn't seem like he even chewed or breathed.

However, this week I have noticed Bella finishing before him, (she's pretty quick too but he's usually done before her) and then standing around waiting for Murphy to finish. Hummm....the first day I thought this was odd, but didn't pay too much attention, and it was only a matter of 20-30 seconds. The next day it was longer and today I watched as Murphy slowly took a bite, moved his mouth out of the bowl and chewed, then slowly repeated this process. Very unusual! Minutes went by and for once he didn't look like a crazed hungry dog being threatened to have his food taken away any second like he always has.

Why the change? What's different? He has been getting less homecooked these past 2 months since our  son's two dogs were here\ and they don't get real food. Can he be bored with just kibble although I still add yogurt and veggies to it.   The son and 2 dogs moved out Sunday and this started on Monday?Maybe that's it? The amount is the same that he's been getting for months. 1 1/2 cups 2 x a day. Just switched from Fromm back to Candidae which I do on occasion, so nothing new there. Could it be he is more relaxed with 2 less dogs here?

But Bella is still here and he's always done it even when no other dogs were around. I don;t get it. I even checked inside his mouth to see if all their rough-housing has caused a loose tooth or injury to the inside of his mouth. Nothing.

Have any of you had your dog just slow down his eating pattern for no apparent reason? If he starts leaving food in his bowl I'll be really worried as that would be very odd for him.

 

 

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Sorry all, Been so darn busy here with my son moving out and trying to get this house back in order for the next round of house guests; my mom and dad for 2 weeks. Yes the White Glove is coming to visit. Soooo...Clean - clean - clean is my mantra. Plus shop to replace stuff and I have to buy beds for them and on and on.  Besides doing all the pre-employment requirements before I start work.  however, Murphy is a priority and I really don't know what to make of it. Like I posted to Allyson, I will feed chicken and rice tonight and see if it's texture that's bothering him, or if he's bored with his food or what. Got me stumped./

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Actually even slower this morning! WE are starting to get concerned now. It could be all the changes in the home but he has had many changes in his life with all our travels and dogs coming in and out during dog sitting for friends and family.  It's not like he really ever minded before when other dogs left, however, none have stayed with us for 2 months before. I don't know what to make of it. If you knew how he ate for his whole life and your saw this you'd be very surprised. There has to be some reason!!!

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Sue,

how does he eat his treats? slowly or with vigor?

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Eats treats with vigor yes. That's a good sign. and they are all crunchy like kibble. But little and one at a time.

[Heather and Rocky]

I really hope Murphy is ok - I'd be worried too!

[Tina, Clover, Plus 5 More]

Just a thought about the Candidae.  Last spring I was switching between Blue Buffalo and Candidae.  Instead of dumping the food into a container, I was just feeding out of the bag.  When I was on my 2nd bag of Candidae one of my dogs ate the first couple of bowls, but than would only eat a few bites of it.  So I switched back to Blue Buffalo and decided to dump the Candidae into a sealed container.  When I poured it out the food from the bottom of the bag had white bugs (grain mites?).  It didn't seem to bother Weiner, but Apollo could tell there was something wrong with the food.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Just checked the bag and I did empty the fresh bag right into a plastic bin. Bella is still eating it like it's the best thing since a pooper scooper. Well, maybe a pooper scooper is not the best to Bella as SHE would like to eat the poop!  So grain mites wouldn't probably bother her either.

[Tina, Clover, Plus 5 More]

Hope Murhpy's okay.  Maybe he just wants mom to cook for him. :)

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

You might have a good point there Tina. He is missing his homecooked meals since the other 2 dogs have been here. I hope that's all it is. I will let you all know after dinner tonight. ALtho we are 3 hours behind the east coast so it will be late for some.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

I will look with DH tonight with a flash light at his mouth and throat.  And give him soft chic and rice for dinner and see how it goes. Maybe a little romp at the dog park will perk him up if he's just feeling down and missing companionship. Thanks guys. Any other thoughts or ideas? Let me know.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

I can just see me calling the vet to say he is eating slowly. SOund like a worry wart new mommy.

[April Cliber]

I think he's growing up and has realized that he doesn't need to scarf down his food.  I also don't think it's as enticing as the home cooked food he use to get.  As long as he does eat it, I wouldn't worry at all.  This is most likely a good thing!  Call me if you need anything. :o)