Strange Dog Behaviour This Morning With Food

[ebonyblackdog]

Hi there... just wondering if anyone had experienced anything like this with their dogs?

Gave the dogs their breakfast this morning. Zack wolfed his down as usual, but strangely Ebony didnt seem interested at all, just gave it a sniff, and walked off. Later she came back and took it up the yard, but didnt eat it. It was their usual breakfast food, nothing out of the ordinary. NOrmally she would be jumping and dancing around in excitement to eat it.

I came back out 15 mins later and it was still there. Zack was finally brave enough to have a look at what she'd left and she snapped at him and he backed off immediately. Its like she didnt want to eat it but didnt want him to have it either. In the end I decided to get rid of the food, she didnt have a problem with me touching it. I didnt want any more scuffles over it whilst I am at work.

I dont understand why she's lost her interest in food, its extremely out of character for her, I have NEVER seen her turn back food. Guess I shouldnt hit the panic button till dinner time, see what she does then. The only thing I can think of is that she had vaccinations (C5) and heartworm on Saturday, but she has had her usual hearty appetite since then.

[Erny]

It's not unusual for dogs to want to protect their food, even though for whatever reason they don't feel they can or want to eat it right away. It's a valuable resource, something to look after for either now or for later on.

Your dog could be feeling a bit 'off'. A normally healthy and enthusiastic eater who goes off his food is an 'alert' sign. Not to suggest it is time to panic about it assuming that in all other ways she appeared 'normal' health wise. Just keep your eye on it and if it continues, then consult your Vet. One of the most important thing to watch for is that your dog is still drinking. Dehydration is a bigger problem than a dog not eating for a couple of days.

You did right to remove the food so there would be no scuffles over it while you're at work.

Hope your dog has returned to normal by the time you get back home from work.

Edited June 29, 2009 by Erny

[ebonyblackdog]

Hi Erny

Thanks for your reply. I will keep an eye on her to see she is drinking, I'm not overly worried about it, you're right she might just be feeling a bit "off" today.

[stormie]

May just be an off day. Orbit had a couple of days a couple of weeks ago where he didn't feel like eating. Unusual for him, but he was still his normal self so I wasn't too worried. Couple of days later he had a bit of diarrhoea. Few days later and with a bit of meds and pumpkin, he was back to his normal self.

She may have a bit of an upset tummy, but like Erny said, keep an eye on her and watch for other signs. Hope she's ok

[persephone]

Upset tummy, sore mouth, sore throat.. teeth problems...fever...

could be any one of a few things

[puggy_puggy]

Unless her behaviour goes on for a few days I wouldn't be to worried.

If she doesn't eat her dinner within 10 minutes take it away. And try again with breakfast tomorrow.

[ebonyblackdog]

Hi everyone

Thanks for all your responces. Ebony was back to her usual self again by yesterday afternoon, guess she just must have just woken up on the wrong side of the bed!

[puggy_puggy]

Good to hear that Ebony is feeling better.