Not eating is one of the most common issues in dogs, just for a few days or sometimes for a longer period.
You don't have to worry about this immediately.
As long as your dog is not too thin, looks happy and has enough energy he probably will be fine.
If you are concerned your dog is ill, think your dog is behaving different, is vomiting, has constipation or diarrhea you should take your pet to your vet first.
Also keep in mind every dog has his own eating habits.
We have Chihuahua's in our family for almost 30 years, a few of them ate everything they could get, and we needed to watch their weight closely.
But most of our Chihuahua's did skip meals themselves when they started to gain weight! Another reason for not eating can be a change in dog food, stress, moving to a new place, changes in the family, after a while your dog probably will eat again, just give it some time.
When you are sure your dog is not ill, there are some Do's and Don'ts: Ensure your pet always has fresh water available.
Never try to persuade your dog to eat by giving a bowl of food, sit with him, feed him by hand or pet your dog.
Don't try to encourage your dog with words to try and get him to eat, some dogs will learn they get extra attention when they don't eat.
Just offer your dog his regular food, leave it for about 15 minutes and then take it away.
Don't make the mistake to mix some extra tasty food or table scraps with his regular meal, this way your dog will learn when he waits long enough, he will get food that is more special to him.
If you think your pet does not like the food you give him, it is OK to try something else.
You can ask for some sample bags at your local pet store.
If you cannot find food your dog will eat without any problem, start giving your dog his meal on regular times, like twice a day morning and late afternoon.
If you serve only dry food to your dog, you can add a bit of warm water or chicken broth, it will increase the smell.
Give your pet 5 minutes to start eating, if not take it away without giving any attention to the dog.
This way your pet will learn he cannot eat whenever he wants, your pet needs to wait until it is time for his next meal.
Two meals a day is appropriate for most dog breeds although some toy breeds, like our Chihuahua may need to eat more often to avoid hypoglycemia.
Remember don't give your fussy eater anything else, no treats! until the next meal.
Some dogs are more stubborn than others and will not give in easy, from my own experience Chihuahua's can be very stubborn! Just be firm and consistent, it isn't a problem when your dog doesn't eat for a few days, he will probably start to eat again when he is hungry.
You don't have to worry about this immediately.
As long as your dog is not too thin, looks happy and has enough energy he probably will be fine.
If you are concerned your dog is ill, think your dog is behaving different, is vomiting, has constipation or diarrhea you should take your pet to your vet first.
Also keep in mind every dog has his own eating habits.
We have Chihuahua's in our family for almost 30 years, a few of them ate everything they could get, and we needed to watch their weight closely.
But most of our Chihuahua's did skip meals themselves when they started to gain weight! Another reason for not eating can be a change in dog food, stress, moving to a new place, changes in the family, after a while your dog probably will eat again, just give it some time.
When you are sure your dog is not ill, there are some Do's and Don'ts: Ensure your pet always has fresh water available.
Never try to persuade your dog to eat by giving a bowl of food, sit with him, feed him by hand or pet your dog.
Don't try to encourage your dog with words to try and get him to eat, some dogs will learn they get extra attention when they don't eat.
Just offer your dog his regular food, leave it for about 15 minutes and then take it away.
Don't make the mistake to mix some extra tasty food or table scraps with his regular meal, this way your dog will learn when he waits long enough, he will get food that is more special to him.
If you think your pet does not like the food you give him, it is OK to try something else.
You can ask for some sample bags at your local pet store.
If you cannot find food your dog will eat without any problem, start giving your dog his meal on regular times, like twice a day morning and late afternoon.
If you serve only dry food to your dog, you can add a bit of warm water or chicken broth, it will increase the smell.
Give your pet 5 minutes to start eating, if not take it away without giving any attention to the dog.
This way your pet will learn he cannot eat whenever he wants, your pet needs to wait until it is time for his next meal.
Two meals a day is appropriate for most dog breeds although some toy breeds, like our Chihuahua may need to eat more often to avoid hypoglycemia.
Remember don't give your fussy eater anything else, no treats! until the next meal.
Some dogs are more stubborn than others and will not give in easy, from my own experience Chihuahua's can be very stubborn! Just be firm and consistent, it isn't a problem when your dog doesn't eat for a few days, he will probably start to eat again when he is hungry.