I recently purchased a 1 year old Toy Poodle. She was very mistreated, and the vet said malnourished. I have tried everything to get her to eat and drink, but she acts like she is scared of her food and water bowl. I an very concerned about her, and any help or advise would be greatly appreciated.

-- Anonymous, November 16, 2001

Answers

Hi Pennie, Congratulations on your girl! I hope this will be a long and loving relationship for both of you! Do you have any additional prior information about your poodle? I'm very sorry to read that she was mistreated. It's simply unfathomable how anyone could harm a defensless animal. Since she has been to the vet, you should know about her physical condition. Any eye problems? Maybe she isn't seeing the food properly? Maybe the dog bowl is very unfamiliar to her, or she sees her reflection in it? This might be an issue if she has had to fight for food against other animals. Do you know what she was fed before? Maybe the food is different. What are you feeding your girl? Maybe she needs encouragement with some tasty tidbits mixed in with her regular food. Small hot dog or liver pieces, cheese, cottage cheese, beef or chicken broth, or chicken pieces might entice her. Have you tried feeding her with your hand? Some people will cook for their dogs, and if you are interested we will give you some web sites with that information. Good luck and thanks for contacting PSG! We would like to support and encourage you!

-- Anonymous, November 16, 2001

My toy won't eat or drink

Have you tried feeding from a small plate? My mom has her dog trained to only eat from a flat surface- a paper plate in his case. It seems to me, (although I could be wrong) that a toy's little face is almost inside of a bowl which would block it's view. If this baby has had a tough time, it may be reluctant to not keep an eye out for whatever it perceives as dangerous. I also would try feeding him/her in the crate. Crates give my dogs a very large sense of security and relaxation enough to eat.

-- Anonymous, November 20, 2001

HI , POODLES ARE SO CLOSE TO OUR HEARTS , THE POOR LITTLE THING , FEED HER OUT OF YOUR HAND AND IF SHE ONLY EATS A COUPLE SHE WILL EAT MORE AS TIME GOES ON AND JUST SURROUND HER WITH LOVE AND TALK TO HER ALOT , BELIEVE ME POODLES KNOW WHAT YOUR SAYING . WE HAVE 4 MINITURES AND LOVE THEM SOOOOO MUCH . GOD BLESS AND IF I CAN HELP MORE CONTACT ME AT 1-304-229-4284 REV.DAVID BROWN

-- Anonymous, April 14, 2002