My dog wont eat much

[Sanna]

I hope someone can help me out...My is about 15 months old mixed shepard..and her eating habits are so poor shes so skinny I have tried different foods add wet food to her dry and nothing works ive moved her food bowl several times to see if that was it..she has food in her bowl 24/7 she does most of her eating late nite but its not enough..im trying to ask here first before I take her to a vet cant really afford it...she is happy always playing just so skinny..and sometimes it seems she is eating real well for a few weeks then wont eat nothing. We dont give her food from the table I just am trying to figure out something maybe im doing wrong..she is very playful doesnt act sick or anything..sometimes she will drink to much water and throw up but thats about it. Im lost and just dont know what to try anymore I hope someone can help me out...

Thanks

[Dax]

She might just be a skinny dog. And a lot of dogs don't thicken up until they approach middle age (3 or so). If you are concerned, I would add some high calorie snacks to her diet. A kong with peanut butter and milk bones or even those dog treats called Marrow bones are packed with calories (a no no in our house). BTW are you still feeding puppy food or adult? Puppy food might be recommended for longer for her - a phone call to your vet (should be free) couldn't hurt.

I would definately recommend having her checked for worms but if she has been on a regular worming schedule, she should be ok.

[GretaJack]

Bacon! Do I smell bacon? LOL! I just think of the one commerical for beggin strips. Try adding some other items into her food to up her caloric intake and that might make her more interested in her food. Bacon is much better for dogs that it is for people. It is good for calories and for their skin and coat. Bacon grease is good for them also. I have used olive oil as a supplement also for skin and coat, but that also adds calories to help ad weight without requiring her to eat more. Now, I am not telling you to fill her with empty calories, but a few add "treats" can help.

[Deb's Tiny Dogs]

Do you have a low cost vet clinic in your area? Sometimes The Humane Society will do low cost checks. I think you need to rule out worms and parasites. I feel for you not having the money to take your dog to the vet. On the other hand, vet visits are inevitable when you except the care of a pet for its lifetime. Is there anyone who can share this expense with you?

[HeartSong]

Maybe try not having it down 24/7. Sometimes dogs will eat better if they have a set schedule where they have to eat their food at a certain time. Put down a small amount of food and wait about 15 minutes. Anything she doesn't eat take up until the next feeding time. Split it up into two or three feedings a day whichever is best for you. If she does eat the amount that you put down, give her the rest of what she should be eating for one meal.