Fussy eater losing weight?

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Patterdale

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Bit of background -

5 year old, always been incredibly fussy, changed foods about 6 months ago. Took ages to get her onto the new (better) stuff but we finally got there.
Reason for change was that (after i'd been educated a bit on processed dog foods!) its a much better food that all the dogs have gone on to.

Eating with another dog seems to help but even then she doesn't always eat. But usually maintains healthy fit weight so I don't worry.

NOW - she had a phantom pregnancy about 6 weeks ago and had galastop which worked v well. However, her behaviour has changed since and she's off her food again. Not helped by her eating pal currently being away lambing. She hasn't eaten much for a couple of weeks now and has lost weight as a result.

The vet was here TB testing the other day and checked her over. She's the picture of health in every way apart from appetite, very energetic, good skin etc.
He suggested a wormer even though she's not due yet which we gave her.

But what do I do?
I know that I could just offer her treats etc and not bother about her eating her proper food but as I don't pander to my child in that way I don't really want to start with the dog! Truthfully I thought she would have caves in by now and just eaten.
We went to stay with a friend last week and she ate her full bowl then as the other dog was watching her, so I really don't think it's health related.

I'm tearing my hair out and losing sleep over the dog not eating! Should I carry on just offering her food? Or go back to crappy processed junk food??

Help please :)
 
I acquired one like that once.(not ill in any way) He picked at his food some days, others he just turned his nose up. I made the mistake of worrying and trying different things to tempt him.
In the end I didn't offer any food whatsoever for 2 days. Then offered food, if it wasn't eaten in 10 mins I removed it, and offered nothing else until the same time next day. It took best part of a week before he ate up as soon as food went down. Never looked back after that.
Providing you are positive there is no underlying health issue (unlikely as you say She's been fussy all her life) I'd teach her the eat or don't, your choice lesson.
They are incredibly good at controlling us to get what they want, often without us realising what is going on.
 
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It could be hormone related if she has recently had a phantom pregnancy. Also you mention her pal is away lambing, could she be missing her and off her food as a result. I know its easy to say don't worry, but if she is otherwise fit and well I would really just let her get on with it. Don't be tempted to change her food just offer her her usual meal, and take it away after about 10 minutes and don't offer anything else until next meal time.
 
Good advice above, I would also instead of putting her normal amount of food down just put a little bit for her, if she eats it you can add a bit and so on, if turns her nose up I would just take the food away or if you have another dog let them eat it as long as you can guarantee they wont scrap over it.
 
Thanks for all the advice :)

I did try the 'put food down for ten mins then remove' but it got to 4 days and she hasn't eaten so I caved and gave her some sausages. Should I have kept it up longer? I think I know the answer....
Her pal gets back on Friday so hopefully it'll improve then. Ill definitely be stricter then though as the other dog will clear what she doesn't eat.

Good idea too about just giving her a bit - may have been over facing her in the effort to tempt her!

Thanks again :)
 
You could supplement her current dog food with more calories to get her up to weight from time to time. I had a dog with digestion problems and one thing I used was instant mash. heap enough at full of nasties like some dog food, most are just dried potato flakes. Or you could cook and give her the real thing.
 
What breed is she? I have had both a JR and a Parson Rusell and they have been very picky. However they always ate after 48 hrs (1 day/night without food)..I would be very worried after 2 days though....I feed half and half dry James Wellbloved fish/small dog plus 100gm Lillys tinned, plus a few treats. I put the food down in the evening, and if it isn't eaten I cling film it into the fridge, offer it at the next feed time and if it isn't eaten I dump it. I have found that adding ANY human food (cheese sauce!) and the whole lot gets eaten. I am completely resigned to how she is!!
 
Have you tried adding gravy or sprinkling parmesan cheese on it? Turn boring biscuits into doggy delight!

Otherwise if she will eat stuff like sausages you could buy her liver and offal, cook it if you prefer, I am sure she will gobble it up. Lots of calories and vitamins in there.
 
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