New doodle...not interested in eating

[Janelle & Finley]

Hi Everyone!  We just picked up our doodle Finley yesterday.  He is not really interested in eating.  He eats a tiny bit but not what I thought he would or what was recommended.  How long before I should worry?  I know he was too busy exploring the house and playing with our kids but even this morning he took a few bites but that was it.

Thanks-Janelle

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Are you feeding him the same thing that he was eating at the breeder's? If not, get some of whatever it was, even if it's the worst food in the world.

Your puppy has just gone through the most traumatic experience he will hopefully ever have. He's left his mother, his littermates, and the only home he's ever known and gone to a completely strange place where nothing and nobody is familiar, and he is confused. He's a baby. It's somewhat natural that he doesn't have much appetite.

Is he drinking water? It's important that he not become dehydrated.

If he still hasn't eaten a significant amount by tomorrow a.m., and you are giving him whatever he was eating at the breeder's, I'd be concerned.

 

[Janelle & Finley]

Thank you!  He is eating the same thing that he was fed at the breeders.  He is drinking lots of water so I know that he not dehydrated.  I was just concerned about him not eating much and I wasn't sure what was normal and not normal so thank you very much for your help.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I know the kids must just be over the moon with their new puppy, but it's important that you make sure he has some "down" time to rest and just get adjusted. That might help his appetite, too. Too many distractions and excitement might also be keeping him from eating. Make sure he has opportunities to eat with nobody standing over him or distracting him.

 

[Lynda Kamrath]

I wouldn't worry yet.  It has been a big change for him.  Some pups are reluctant to eat in a new, different environment.  Give him a reasonable amount and put him in a quiet area to eat.  When he doesn't eat take the food away instead of leaving it for him to eat at will.  Lots of water to drink at will however.  If it is the food he is accustomed to, he will start eating when he is not over stimulated.  And do offer food frequently and in a quiet area.  If I remember correctly, my pups did not feel comfortable about eating at first either, but I think (since they had other dogs around) it was more of a issue of establishing "dog etiquette".

[Ginny Nightingale]

I agree with Karen--get everyone out of the room, have some quiet time and put the food in his crate with him in it and the door closed--let him eat without distraction--some doodles "pick" at their food throughout the day, so maybe leave the food in there if he does not eat it right away and give him other opportunities to eat--most pups GOBBLE their food though, so if he is still picky after a few days, you may want to have his stool checked for any issues.

Also, you are feeding him 3 times a day right? The total amount should be divided up into three meals.

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

I used to put Cubbie in his crate with his food.  That way he learned to associate his crate with good things and it also gave me a chance to sit down and eat my own dinner and not worry about watching his every move.

[Janelle & Finley]

Thank you everyone for your suggestions and I will be trying them all.  He has eaten more today so I feel much better. 

Thanks again you guys are great.

[Lynette Main]

He has tooo many things that just changed in his new little life. Once he get the lay out of the house he'll do better. When the fed bill gets bigger you'll wish he would eat bless. I have some BIG eaters at my house. Have fun with your new baby...

[Tara & Scarlet]

Hi Janelle. I am a new doodle owner myself. I picked up Scarlet on Sat. She too didn't eat barely at all Sat. or Sun. She wouldn't even eat Zach's peanut butter treats. She finally started eating and drinking today. Goodluck with your new baby. I bet she will start eating soon.

[Janelle & Finley]

Thanks Tara.  He ate all of his dinner so I am feeling much better.  :) Scarlet is so cute!

[Tara & Scarlet]

thanks Janelle - Finley is so adorable. Is he eating better?? I put about a tablespoon of canned pumpkin on Scarlet's food(Learned here of dk) and she loved it!! Not sure if it's too soon for that but I feel really bad that she has to eat the junk that the breeder has her on. I can't wait to start her on good food. I just wanted to pass the pumpkin along because Scarlet really loved it. Goodluck :)

[Veronica Z.]

I actually got the same advice from our vet. I had been worried about her not eating the first day until the vet told us that it was typical because the removal from her mother/siblings was a traumatic experience and everything was so new to her. He'll settle in soon I would think. Anyway, I would definitely listen to Karen, she always has the best advice. :)