My 5-month-old puppy isn't eating. Is he sick or just growing?

As long as he is on a good quality, large breed puppy food and is otherwise well, normal growth and a healthy, shiny coat I would not change his diet. The more variety he is offered at this age the more likely he is to develop into a picky eater and refuse foods regularly! Most pups will have a reduction in their appetite as their growth slows, or ha may have picked up a mild infection etc. Monitor over the next 5-7days a schedule a vet check if any further symptoms develop

If she is maintaining a healthy weight and growing steadily then I would not be concerned. Feeding guidelines are only an indication and are an average no t a requirement. If you vet determines she is healthy then I would continue to monitor her body condition score and growth

At this age it is expected for your puppy to eat less. Usually between 6-8 months of age puppies have less calorie requirement and will go from needing three meals daily to two meals daily. As long as she continues to eat dualy, act normal and is playful there likely isn’t anything to worry about. Best wishes and take care.

I see that Hazel is around six months of age. It could be that she is teething, and it is painful for her to eat. You can try offering her wet food, or you can soften her dry food by soaking it in gently warmed low sodium beef or chicken broth, or warm water. I would try these methods first, and if she still isn't eating a lot, then I would take her into the vet for an exam.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Schnitzel. I recommend that he sees his veterinarian today. Puppies typically do not refuse all food simply due to teething. I am concerned he has another health concern affecting his appetite. Is he experiencing any vomiting, diarrhea, coughing or sneezing? All of these can affect puppy's appetite. He could also be experiencing pain somewhere. In the meantime, continue to offer water to prevent him from becoming dehydrated. You can also try the canned food warmed up or mixed with warm water. The dry kibble can also be mixed with warm water. This can make the food more appealing. I hope this information helps!

Hello. If he's bright and alert and feeling well drinking water no vomiting and no diarrhea I would not be too concerned at this time. But if he refuses to eat tomorrow or shows any signs of lethargy loss of activity vomiting diarrhea, he does need to be seen as soon as possible. Hopefully he'll feel better in a day or so. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

It is ok if your puppy does not eat all in the first days at its new home. This is a very stressful time. I suggest , since you only just got your puppy, to take him to a vet next week for a wellness check to make sure he is healthy. You can then also schedule the remaining vaccinations and worming and make sure he has no congenital defects or other health problems. Should your puppy still not eat properly by then, you can address that with your vet.