[Dailydrool] Feeding issue & question

[Sylvie McGee]

Hi, Lisa,

 

This isn't unusual at this age. Teenagers, which is exactly what your girl
is at about a year, often go through phases of being picky, or even just
having lower appetite - forcing her to eat when she is not hungry is not a
good idea.

 

Bear in mind that dogs are, essentially, domesticated wolves. Who can go a
week without food in the wild. So it is true that a healthy Basset will not
starve herself.

 

So, assuming that you have had her checked by the vet, adopt the "eat now or
wait" policy. Down it goes for 10-15 minutes, if she doesn't eat, too bad,
up it comes until the *next scheduled mealtime*.  If she dry-heaves, eats
grass or vomits, well, she will figure out sooner or later that her tummy
feels better when it has food in it. I have never, personally, seen a dog
hold out for more than 2 or 3 days before settling into a good eating
routine.

 

Right now, she is getting a LOT of payoff from you for her
pickiness....momma following her around trying to entice her, special treats
in the food, etc...so you want to cut off that pay-off...

 

Also, either Lindsay Lou or Maeby should be fed in a crate, a bathroom, the
linen room or otherwise behind closed doors, so that competition for food is
reduced. Maeby may well be intimidated by Lindsay Lou - how comfortable
would you feel about eating your dinner if someone was having to hold back
another diner at the table from lunging at your plate?

 

Crates for each girl, or at least for one, so that they can have their meals
in peace, would be an excellent thing, along with a stiff upper lip and
determination to break this pickiness habit before it gets completely
ingrained.

 

 

Sylvie McGee

All For A Good Cause Consulting

360-705-1233

sylviemcgee at comcast.net

 

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