Should I get a new bowl for my anxious rescue dog who won't eat?

I would first check to see that you are feeding the same food that he was getting in the shelter. They can get quite used to one food and not be interested in others. You can get them to eat other foods, but you'll need to transition him slowly from the food he was previously given. Also, make sure that you are not feeding him too much. You should not feed more than is recommended on the bag of dog food. It's possible that he is eating plenty. Some dogs tend to not be big eaters. They will eat just a little throughout the day and it's perfectly normal - these dogs tend to be in better shape too. The other possibility is that he has a medical condition causing this. It could be due to a mild illness, or an upset stomach. If he is not acting like a normal dog, or having other abnormalities, then it's best to get him checked-out by a vet. I hope that helps and all goes well with Mickey.

Aww poor Kina sounds like she might be a bit confused. Try guiding her over to the bowl and showing her as you put food in it so she understands what the new bowl is for. You might also want to try putting her old bowl within the new one while shes watching so she understands what it is. Throw a few small treats in the bowl randomly during the day so she learns it's a place where she gets good things that she likes, and hopefully she will understand it soon!

Poor Boomer! It does sound like he's a bit stressed. You can try hand feeding him his food for a few days until he settles in to see if that helps (especially if he takes it from you), or try to entice him to eat his own food by adding in a little boiled chicken or low-sodium broth to make it tasty. You can then slowly phase out both as he becomes more comfortable. If he continues to refuse to eat, or starts to show any signs of illness, seeking a vet exam to rule out any issues is a good idea. If he doesn't seem to settle down or is very stressed for several weeks, talking with a trainer is another option as well.

It sounds like there could be a potential problem. I would highly encourage you to have her evaluated by your veterinarian soon. In the meantime I would try blending her food into an oatmeal type consistency to see if she is able to eat more comfortably if she doesnt have to chew. Jaw pain, tooth pain, or swallowing difficulties could all be possible. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

Remember if you transition to a new diet, do this over a 1-2 week period while slowing building up the amount of the new diet and reducing the old diet every few days until you make the switch completely. Rapid food changes can cause intestinal upset. Good luck

If you were willing to do a food puzzle or something along that line that would be beneficial. It's hard to say why she doesn't like her dish. It could be the material, it's height, or other issue. If it is a low dish you could try raising it and seeing if that helps or vice versa. You can monitor her weight on a weekly basis to ensure she's gaining appropriately. The proper weight gain depends on the breed and size and age of the dog as well if they are spayed or neutered. some veterinarians will allow you to bring your pet in for a weight check at no charge.

If you just rescued him, he is probably confused and scared. I would have him checked by a vet first, to be sure there is nothing physical that is causing him to be reluctant to eat. If he checks out okay, you need a little "tough love." Put his food in a bowl on the floor without fuss and leave it for 15 minutes. After that time, pick it up whether he has eaten or not. Do not give him anything--no treats, snacks or human food--until his next scheduled mealtime. Then repeat the process. It may take several times for him to realize that there will be no more entertainment from you, and that he must eat his food. Remember that you are not starving nim--he is choosing not to eat. When he is hungry enough, he will. Do not give in or "feel sorry" for him. It will only make it harder to correct. If you need additional help with this, click on the prompt to initiate a consult.