Dog Not Eating? Possible Solutions.

Not enough is written on dogs refusing to eat, or dogs eating less than needed. I've studied countless books on dog training. The books say pretty much the same thing.

What did i learn that's not covered in the books?

Steps:
• Get the dog excited through play and sweet voices before the dog smells the food.
• Let the dog smell the food, but don't give it right away. This might create the dog's desire for food, especially if they can't get it. Like people, dogs want what they can't get. Once they get it, they may lose interest.
• Getting dog to taste the food, creates appetite. Either drop a single kibble on the floor, or feed a small mouthful portion of wet dog food. If they don't eat it, put some in their mouth waiting for them to chew and swallow.
• To start, give up to half the food volume you expect your Fido will eat. Too much food offered might make the dog feel they need to eat it before it disappears. Too much food might make the dog not want any of it. They might feel nauseous, etc.
• Then add all or much of the remainder just before the food runs out. If it runs out first, the dog might think there's no more food and turns off it's appetite, or loses interest in what they may not get? Who knows what they're thinking, and i've found it easier to keep the dog eating if there's still some food remaining when i add more.

These are my thoughts for what might help. Getting dogs to eat enough is tricky.

Keeping Dogs & Cats From Killing Animals Outdoors

• Attach a bell to its quick-release collar. It may have a 50% improvement or none at all.
• A collar that emits an electronic beep. It can sound like a bird’s alarm call. In a study, cats killed 38% fewer mammals and 51% fewer birds.
• Songbirds: Take down your bird feeders. Discourage other people’s cats from coming into your yard and killing birds with motion-activated sprinkler sprinklers.
• It won’t be easy, and it’s worth a shot. Google will suggest specific products to achieve these aims.

Free Neutering & Spaying: Dogs & Cats

Free or affordable dog spaying, dog neutering, plus cat spaying and cat neutering is available. While Solano County's discount program may have a waiting list, there are other options at www.aspca.org/pet-care/spayneuter/ Free spay neuter programs are in Solano, Napa and Yolo Counties.

Common Dog Allergies

Most dog allergies are airborne. Vets have said 15% of dog allergies can be food based. Dogs can be allergic to the same things people are including cats.

More common possible food allergens include: Beef, Chicken, Fish, Eggs, Soy, Wheat, Corn and Milk.

Consider sticking with one type of dog food for six to eight weeks, then switch to see if the allergic reactions change. One should slowly phase in a different food over a span of one or two weeks, as it can upset the dog's tummy. But if the allergy should reoccur again with the new food consider these possibilities:
• The airborne allergen disappeared and was the cause of the allergy (not the food).
• Maybe the dog was fed an allergic food substance, or she found some scraps on the kitchen floor?

Recent Fairfield Dog Attack

It's unfortunate the two women joggers were recently attacked by dogs on the loose. Owners should take greater care of their dogs, especially if they're bred to fight.