When a Dog Has Strange Eating Habits

By Alisa Chagnon

As a responsible dog owner, we are quite sure you are following proper feeding habits for your dog. However, there are many owners who are voicing concerns about what may seem like strange eating habits that their dog is displaying.
Some owners are concerned that their dog seems to be eating less than normal. Since dogs are obviously much smaller than humans, even a divergence of a pound or so can make a visible and worrisome difference. Other owners are concerned because their pet is a very finicky eater. Of course, having a stubborn canine can be quite a challenge.
They may also show an unusual habit of refusing to eat where you wish and bringing their food to a spot that they choose. This can be an issue when your dog brings food to a room that you want to keep clean.
No matter what type of odd or unusual eating you dog may have, there is a solution. Discussed will be eating issues that can be fixed and also signs of a medical condition that should be addressed immediately with your vet.

Refusal to Eat In the Designated Area
As a loving owner, you most likely set up a really nice eating area for your dog. You probably have a nice matching food and water dish and a place mat that holds them. Following proper feeding, you chose a quiet corner of a room to place their food. Does your dog pick up their food and carry it into another room? There are several reasons for this. If you have a dog that was previously owned by a neglectful or abusive owner, they may have learned that he or she must "hide" their food.
Another explanation is that to you, your kitchen or eating area for your dog may seem quite and free of distractions but they may feel that the room is much too noisy and does not feel secure there. Be sure to make a very nice, quite area for them to eat. Do all you can to make the area their own undisturbed dining area. Section it off or make sure no one walks by, even at times that your dog is not eating. It should be very clear to your dog and to all members of the family that this area is only for your dog to eat in privacy.
If they take food into another room, and you have followed the above guidelines, gently take the food and bring it back to their eating spot. If your dog stays and eats there, even for a few seconds, during that time show how proud and happy you are with kind words of encouragement and a cheerful tone to your voice.
If they are having great difficulty eating in the spot you wish for them to, if they eat anything there, give a big reward such as a new dog toy.
If Your Dog is Not Eating
First and most important, when a dog refuses to eat it can point to a medical issue. Those that are in pain will not eat. The first thing you should do is bring them to the vet. If all checks out okay, it may be caused by one of two things.
Dogs will eat less in hot weather. If you turn your heat up very high in winter months, try lowering it a bit. If your home is very hot in summer months, do all you can to keep it cool. On average, a dog will eat 10% less food for each 10 degrees that the temperature rises. They may also appear to be eating less because of an increase in exercise that causes a bit of weight loss. Be sure you are not over-exercising them; however do keep in mind that exercise is needed for good health!
Visit a great site to help you keep your dog happy, no matter what their personality at http://www.happycanines.info
Learn helpful dog facts, separated by category at http://www.facts-about-dogs.info
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