What to do if my dog refuses to eat while boarding?

What to Do If Your Dog Refuses to Eat While Boarding

When a dog refuses to eat while boarding, it can be concerning for both the pet owner and the boarding staff. Here are some suggestions to help encourage your dog to eat:

1. **Familiar Food**: Ensure that your dog is fed their usual diet while boarding. If possible, provide the boarding facility with your dog's regular food to avoid any dietary changes that might upset their stomach or appetite.

2. **Comfort Items**: Bring along a favorite blanket or toy that smells like home. Familiar scents can help reduce anxiety and make your dog feel more comfortable in the new environment.

3. **Routine**: Dogs thrive on routine. If the boarding facility can maintain a consistent feeding schedule similar to what your dog is used to at home, this can help encourage eating.

4. **Enticing Treats**: Sometimes, adding a little bit of wet food, broth, or dog-safe treats can make the food more appealing. You can discuss this with the boarding staff to see if they can mix in some enticing options.

5. **Hydration**: Ensure your dog is drinking enough water. Sometimes dogs will refuse to eat if they are dehydrated. Ask the boarding staff to monitor your dog's water intake and encourage them to drink.

6. **Stress Reduction**: Understand that boarding can be stressful for some dogs. If your dog is particularly anxious, it may take a few days to adjust. Staff can help by providing extra attention, playtime, or even some quiet time if needed.

7. **Veterinary Advice**: If your dog continues to refuse food for more than a day or shows signs of distress, consult with a veterinarian. There may be underlying health issues or anxiety that need to be addressed.

By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your dog feels more comfortable and is more likely to eat while boarding. Always communicate with the boarding staff about your dog's habits and preferences to ensure they are well taken care of.

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Topics covered in this question:

Dog Behavior Dog Care Dog Nutrition Pet Anxiety Boarding