Hello all. I am new here and I know I skipped the introducing myself in the new dogs section but I will do that later.
First off I want to say that I just got my dog yesterday from the local animal shelter. The thing I need help with is that he is not eating or drinking. I know this may be a sign of just being nervous and scared of being in a new place. But he just has me worried. All he does is lay down in the hallway.He has this look of being depressed.He does not play at all. We think he is about 9 months old or so and should be more active than this.
He also has thrown up a little bit a few times this morning.
This is the weekend and we have no vets open till Monday. I was hoping that somebody may be able to give me some pointers on how to get this poor guy to eat. If you sit next to him you can hear his belly growling.
I just want to make him feel better.

It always happens on the weekends! I would get him to the vet, myself asap, but you could try a little crackers with cooked egg. That at least would be something. Good luck and let us know what is going on!

Hi. Welcome. I'm new too It sounds like it may be a little more than just new environment, etc... I'd try what poohbear suggetsed...mix a little scrambled egg into the food maybe...I've found that if you offer "real" food for the first meal they are pickier when you actually want to feed it to them. I guess the expect "real" food instead. Also try leaving the food nearby and going "out of sight' for a bit. Does the dogs seem interested in you or it's surroundings at all? Like is he watching movements and listening to sounds? Has he "relieved" himself yet? How did it look? I would just make sure that he does not seem in any pain and that there is food and mainly water available and that you limit the stress level as much as possible...keep the noise and lights low...and just let him know your there for him when he's ready. Though a "shelter" dog could have an undiagnosed problem so do take him to the vet on Mon. if he's not better. Hope everything goes well!

Well he started eating a little bit yesterday YAY! And this morning he has a huge appetite. He is drinking quite a bit now and is getting ALMOST playful with the kids.
That is a hurdle I will tackle later. I am just glad he is eating.
I did try to feed him the egg like was suggested and he just turned his nose up at it. But now he thinks his dog food is just fine.
Thanks for your help.:grin:

[beks]

Glad your new dog is starting to eat! he was probably just nervous in his new home, our dog was really quiet when we first got him the first week he was an angel. now he's a little devil. well hes not little but we cant get him to calm down! hes allways playing and everything, im sure your dog will get used to you and your family soon! hope everything continues to improve!

I'm pleased to hear that your dog is eating. I was getting worried!
anyway, it is quite usual for a dog to be depressed when in a new home.
The best treatment is lots of love, peace and quiet, and letting them settle in.
Good luck
Janet