Boney Finicky Dog.

[mzjskinnee]

I have a similar question to edmunds' :  we took in a seriously malnourished stray miniature schnauzer 2 weeks ago.  The vet. checked him and said there are no parasites, no parvo, just malnourished and dehydrated.  They treated him with I.V. Fluids and sold us liquid vitamins and antibiotics for an infected cut on his head.  The thing is, it is very hard to give him his medications (pills) as he will not eat ANYthing except dry dog food.  We would normally put a pill in a small piece of meat.  We even tried bacon grease smeared on a piece of his dog food, he sniffed it for a second and deemed it contaminated, He will not eat hot dogs, or eggs either,, will not even attempt to taste milk...Dry dog food and water ONLY...What is wrong with this Dog...his behavior is quite strange really as well...He does seem happier after 2 weeks...but he is SO Boney! Any suggestions?

[shaneystar]

Bless him! Have you tried pushing his pills into a piece of cheese? Most dogs love cheese,well mine does!!
Time and patience and he will probably eat OK.if he has been malnourished his poor tummy may not be able to take a lot of food at once so smaller more frequent meals may be the answer.Perhaps if you just put a bit of gravy in with the dry food.The smell may tempt him to eat a bit more.
Good luck with him.

[maggie01]

probably the best way is to put it in his mouth gently hold it shut. Raise his head slightly and gently stroke his throat. In theory he should swallow it but it doesn't always work. Perhaps he may eat some rice and chicken or rice and fish. Coley is good for this then you could put the pill in a small amount of his food. Good luck

[mzjskinnee]

we tried cheese...we've just been holding him..as gently as possible "jacking" his jaws open and putting the pills in as far back as possible then holding his mouth shut.  He swallows most of them, but not by choice...because they are Not Dry Dog Food...and he seems traumatized each time we do this. 

[shaneystar]

Well...no dogs like taking pills .That's a fact ! I can only suggest that you give him time .You say you have had him two weeks.If he is happy with the dry dog food and water then all well and good. I. feed my dog the same.Varying it with sardines ,white fish or tuna.As long as he is eating his food and has regular mealtimes he should soon start to put weight on.A dog won't starve himself through choice.Have you tried some doggy treats.We give ours chewy sticks ,Bonios and Markies.Give him time and just keep offering different stuff. With a lot of love and attention he will soon catch on.He has probably just been given the same diet all the time before you took him on and thinks that this is all there is.Make a fuss of him when he does swallow the pill and tell him how good he is.I am sure with time he will be O.K .If he seems traumatised perhaps a dog psychologist could help you:..perhaps your vet could recommend a good one.

[Kimmiebear]

There is a product called Rollover, that smells very simular to dry dog food with a softer consistancy. You could try buying a little roll of it and seeing how he likes that... The best advice is to be persistant. My dogs aren't food oriented either but we just kept trying things until we found one that they both like. I agree with shaneystar that no dog will starve himself if he there is food infront of him. (Presuming that he has no underlying illness) Best of luck and don't give up. He will like something.
Cheers
Kim