I have an 8 wk old Boxer...brand new to the family. He's been here for 24 hours and wont eat. Is this normal? My initial thought is that he's a bit scared and just not ready yet.
Any ideas?

please email to zdpoe24@yahoo.com or answer here.

Thanks much

Try feeding him with a feeding bottle... he has possibly not come out of feeding on his mother.

try to feed him dog foods or milk..

[wishbone]

What's he eating before you got him? He might be adjusting, as soon he gets really hungry, he will surely eat.

Well, i raised 1 litter of boxers and all my puppies and the dogs i've gotten all ate like pigs at such a young age. The dog could be adjusting to the new surroundings, but is he/she very timid or shy around the family members? If so, the puppy was not properly socialized or was taken from his mother too soon. I suggest feeding babyfood for a little bit. It's easy on the stomach of puppies (as if for babies, of course) and recommended by a family member's vet who's pug would not eat either.

Make sure the puppy is vaccinated and wormed. The pug ended up being very sick and from a puppymill (they were not educated about those types of situations)

[lil mutt]

is your dog lethargic? Not eating can pose serious effect to your dog's health. I hope you can tell us more about your dog so we can help you better.

Hopefully this is just a case of "adjusting" to his new environment. If it's just nerves, he will eventually come around and eat when he is good and ready. On the other hand, it could be something else but I assume the reputable breeder you got him from had him vet-checked etc etc, which rules out an illness.. As pups don't become sickly just out of the blue..

Try a gentle food formula with him. If he does not eat within a couple days, take him to a vet and have him examined just for peace of mind and precaution. Avoid feeding him a high quality dog food when he is ready to eat, as many dogs, especially the young, are allergic to it and their stomaches cannot handle it.

Originally Posted by zpolino

I have an 8 wk old Boxer...brand new to the family. He's been here for 24 hours and wont eat. Is this normal? My initial thought is that he's a bit scared and just not ready yet.
Any ideas?

please email to zdpoe24@yahoo.com or answer here.

Thanks much

I would ask the breeder whom you got the dog from what he was eating when you got him and get the same food. If you want to change it later on then you should do it gradually. If he drinking? If he doesn't eat soon, I would definitely consult a professional.

In my opinion, if the puppy doesn't start eating, and soon.... you should take the puppy to the vet. I've raised several litters of puppies, and never have I came across an 8 week old puppy that won't eat, unless there is some type of health related issues going on. My suggestion would be to take the puppy to the vet ASAP! Also, you should contact the breeder, as they may have some information that you or your vet may find helpful.

Best of luck!

[rayter]

Your pup is adjusting. Ask the previous owner or breeder, you should be feeding your pup with the same food that your breeder did.

What great advice from each reply. The feeding bottle is a good idea as well as finding out if he was eating on a regular basis before coming home with you.

It' s normal for your boxer not eat in the beginning as he may be adjusting. Although if he doesn't eat after the first day there maybe a problem and you should consult a professional.

Are you trying to feed your dog dry dog food or something else? What was the breeder feeding him before? The answers to these questions may help you solve your problem.

There is a period of getting used to their new enviroment.

Where did you get the dog from? Shop, home or rescue place?