Eating habits have decreased, HELP!!!!

[luvmypoodles]

Hi all,

I have two mixed-poodle puppies about 2 months old. A few days ago, they were both eating great, waking me up every morning to feed them. Both playful, barked at anything that moved, however, the last 2 days I've noticed that one of them hasn't been eating like he did before and his energy level has gone down. He would usually be the first one to come running at me barking and jumping on my leg and now it's like hes dragging a heavy load that keeps him from running. He has a really sad look that kills me. During the day I leave them out in the back yard after they eat and dont bring them in until I come back from work, round 7pm. Now the other one seems to be just fine barking and cheerful as always. Any advice???????

[.Little Texas.]

Neglect of any sort? Or one getting more attention then the other? You might want to have a look down his throat, no really, I mean it, it'll be good to see if he might have gotten something stuck down there that's causing a blockage or something. Good call, that you have kept notice of them and that you've spotted it in time to do something about it.

[Blaze]

Well firstly at 2 months old they shouldn't be left outside.
They could have eaten something or they could be sick. Take them to your vets as soon as you can, it isn't normal for a puppy to be low in energy. It might be nothing but it's better to be safe! Good luck and I hope everything is fine!

[msmkm]

Lilly's owner is right, they shouldn't left outside and the dog that is not eating may have gotten into something that is making him/her ill. I would take the dog to the a.s.a.p. particulalry if there is vomiting, drinking more or less water than normal etc.

[barnjess]

How long are those poor dogs left alone? sounds like a long time they are only 8 weeks they should have company, and be feed a few times a day, what are you feeding, have they had vet checks?

[luvmypoodles]

I may have explained myself wrong. They are about 4 months old, I took them in about 2 months ago. I did take my sick one to the Vet this afternoon and he wasn't able to find anything wrong other than his weight. He checked for worms and was fine. He also ran some blood tests and took x-rays. I work part time so they are only outside for about 4 hrs with plenty of food and water. Neglect is the furthest thing these kids will ever feel. Now the funny part is that I gave them each a bath after the vet visit and Sponge(the sick one) all of a sudden seemed better, began to bark, eating and even left me a little present on my bed. I'll continue to keep an eye on him and observe if he returns to his norm. I appreciate the advise, thanks.

On another note, how can I stop my other kid to stop bitting my hand when I play with him? He doesnt bite hard but I'd like for him to stop before it can get worse.

[Deb's Tiny Dogs]

Even at 4 months, I would leave them outside. For one thing, regarding housebreaking, they don't learn to hold it if they can go wherever and whenever they want outside. I would opt for them to be indoors in crates when you are away. They definately would need to go out after four hours at their age.

Is there a reason you don't want to put them in crates? Dogs are natural den dwellers and if introduced properly, they quickly learn to love their crates. It's the best housebreaking tool we have. A great overall training tool really.

Also, as others have said, puppies are so curious. Left outside, who knows what they would get into. They'll swallow about anything. My puppy is 9 months old and I don't let her go outside without me ever - not even for a minute. Only God knows what she'd get into!

Are you having fun yet?? LOL

[AroHawk Collies]

I would have his heart Checked. A year ago I lost a 8 week old collie puppy that I was babysitting to a heart murmer. It was so bad. He was outside with the other puppies and he was running around playing and the next day he wasnt eatting well, his energy went down. I rushed him to the vet and they had to put him to sleep. I would def. have his heart checked out. I disagree with the whole puppies should not be outside. If they are kenneled they go out side at about 7 weeks of age. they are free to run back and forth in and out and at night they are locked in. Most of the puppies I babysit for are great at house breaking.