Food Strike

[Nobas Mom]

Hi all,

My 14 month old basset hound Noba seems to be on some kind of food strike. The last week or so, he is eating less than a cup of food a day. When he was younger, he was always on the go and very active, going to the dog park 4x a week, going on 3 or 4 mile walks a day. He was diagnosed with hip dysplasia about 6 months ago and I was told to limit his exercise (ie one trip to the park every 2 weeks, and keep walks to under 1 mile a day). It's been non-stop raining here in Washington (big surprise), so I've had to curb his limited exercise too. I understand that he may be eating less because he is using less energy, but less than 1 cup a day???? Just last week, he was eating over 3 cups of food a day... which is a lot for him. Hmm... any ideas on how I can get him to eat... I've cut off his treats and "human" food supply (he gets scraps here and there) and basically only made it so he has access to dog food only. Any ideas??? Thanks.

[borzoimom]

Well I think its a couple of things- that hit at once. Number one at 14 months, he is probably done with his last growth spurt that would lower much he thinks he needs- number two- you are giving less exercise, and number 3- if he is in pain, he will not feel hungry.
Not sure what you are feeding, but if you are feeding dry, try wetting it alittle with warm/ almost hot water. This will release the meat enzymes in the food and make it more appealing.
Also- for HD, ask your vet about Glycoflex. Its a daily supplement for bone surgeries or HD or OCD. It sure does work, and Hottie has been on it for several years. I can even tell if he doesnt have it after day 2..

[Nobas Mom]

Well I think its a couple of things- that hit at once. Number one at 14 months, he is probably done with his last growth spurt that would lower much he thinks he needs- number two- you are giving less exercise, and number 3- if he is in pain, he will not feel hungry.
Not sure what you are feeding, but if you are feeding dry, try wetting it alittle with warm/ almost hot water. This will release the meat enzymes in the food and make it more appealing.
Also- for HD, ask your vet about Glycoflex. Its a daily supplement for bone surgeries or HD or OCD. It sure does work, and Hottie has been on it for several years. I can even tell if he doesnt have it after day 2..

He isn't in any pain that I can guage. He has been just as active in the house as he usually is... drives me crazy with his hound antics, but I love it!! He did have to go to the vet about 10 days ago due to pulling a shoulder muscle trying to play superman off the bed (he has a ramp, but chose not to use it)... and he was put on Rimadyl... so that has helped with his pain. After his visit within two days, he was back to himself.

The exercise could be part of it. We have been experiencing ridiculous weather... rain, high wind, snow and ice last week... Noba REFUSES to go outside when it is raining (I have to pick him up and take him out when he has to go potty if it's raining )... so trying to get him for a walk is impossible...

He gets dry food with a little bit of canned food occasionally, so I may try the warm water thing...

I've never heard of Gycoflex, but will ask at our next appt, which is a shoulder follow up in a week. He is having surgery sometime this coming summer (almost have the full amount of $ saved up) and hopefully a THR will eliminate any probs for him.

Thanks for the advice...

Here are some pics of my baby from a few months ago...

[borzoimom]

It is normal for them to back off their eating after the growth spurts are done. They just do not eat it, and he isnt putting out alot in exercise. Its also a good idea to keep him light until you can have his surgery done.
Hotties condition changed that he is losing muscle mass, so the vet wanted him down although he wasnt heavy. Now he looks thin to me- but I will tell you- I am seeing behavior that has not been here in a while.
Try the water- and yes- rimadry will take their appetite away..

[Nobas Mom]

It is normal for them to back off their eating after the growth spurts are done. They just do not eat it, and he isnt putting out alot in exercise. Its also a good idea to keep him light until you can have his surgery done.
Hotties condition changed that he is losing muscle mass, so the vet wanted him down although he wasnt heavy. Now he looks thin to me- but I will tell you- I am seeing behavior that has not been here in a while.
Try the water- and yes- rimadry will take their appetite away..

AHHH, the vet didn't mention anything about Rimadyl suppressing his appetite... hmmm, thoughts. His vet does suggest that he stay right around 40-45 lbs until his surgery is done and I'm doing that just fine. When he was at the dog park all the time, he was pure muscle... but now that he can't go as often, he seems to be so skinny to me... it's sad. He was so intimidating just by his muscular size, now he just looks thin, but the vet says he is in great condition....

[Nobas Mom]

So I tried the warm water in the bowl trick and all weekend, he's been eating his food without hesitation!!!! Thanks for the suggestion...