My new rescue dog won't eat much & struggles to chew. Is she sick?

This question really depends on what medicaiton she is getting daily. Yes it is true that some pets take time to adjust but she should still be energetic and relatively normal otherwise. She also should be receptive to taking yummy irrresistible treats. I would recommend offering her some boiled plain chicken and rice or cottage cheese to see if you can coax her to eat a full meal. Once she eats you should be able to resume her medicaiton. Also please keep in mind that some medicaitons can cause lack of appetite as a side effect so it is important to have her re-evaluated by your local vet if she is having such a reaction. She may even need to be placed on a different medicaiton that her body will agree with. If you need to discuss her case more in detail feel free to request a consultation at your convenience. I hope this helps! Take care.

Hi and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If Mia was eating fine and suddenly has stopped eating, this is certainly a cause for concern. Issues with the teeth, gums, or mouth can cause pain while eating. Of course there are other medical conditions that can cause decreased or lack of appetite that will need to be ruled out with her veterinarian. You can try softening the food down with water and heating it up a bit to bring out the flavor and entice her to eat. If she still doesn't want to eat, then please take her in to see her vet as soon as you can.

Hello, my name is Dr. Elizabeth and I am happy to help. Thank you for the photo, it is helpful. I agree with you and am also concerned Shilo has dental disease (and potentially periodontal disease). I can't know for sure the full extent until the plaque is removed but it looks like there is some gingival recession affecting both of the smaller teeth behind her upper canine tooth. It also looks like there is a far amount of plaque or potentially infection around the base of those teeth. Depending on severity, there may be a pocket of infection under the gum line. Plus exposure of the tooth roots can be uncomfortable and this could make Shilo not eat well. Here is a link about Periodontal Disease: https://www.petcoach.co/article/periodontal-disease/ Here is a link with general information about pet dental care: https://www.petcoach.co/article/periodontal-disease/ I recommend to make an appointment this week with Shilo's veterinarian for an exam. They can give her a thorough exam and then discuss with you appropriate therapy. If they find that those teeth are in bad shape, they will most likely recommend to remove them. This is the best course of action long term and Shilo will still be able to eat, chew and play normally after they are healed. I hope this helps and that things get figured out quickly!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is certainly not that unusual in puppies and really in some adults as well as they adjust to a new environment. If she seems fine otherwise with a good activity level, I recommend you try a highly palatable diet such as the Purina Pro Plan shredded blends or potentially consider adding pieces of boiled chicken or dog grade gravy to make her current diet more palatable. This is likely going to work for you. If at some point, she appears to not be doing well, have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment. Good luck!

Poor Baby! I am sorry she isn't feeling good. The symptoms you have mentioned make me concerned that Baby may have some sort of respiratory issue-kennel cough, pneumonia. I would recommend contacting your regular vet and arrange for her to be seen today. Advise them she has just come from a shelter situation, as repsiratory diseases can be quite contagious. They will likely ask for you to keep Baby in the car until they are ready to bring her into an exam room. Your vet will do a thorough exam, listen to Baby's heart and lungs. They may recommend some diagnostics such as X-rays and bloodwork too. Depending on the issues identified treatment may range (assuming it is a respiratory issue) from oral medications and rest at home, to hospitalization with IV fluids, oxygen therapy and injectable medications. I hope Baby starts to feel better soon!

He is probably suffering from a condition called kennel cough, it's quite common in rescues, the lack of appetite could be due to the disease or due to the change of environment, the diarrhea is probably not related to the infection i mentioned before. i would recommend taking him to the vet tomorrow for a full checkup, he might need some medications to treat his problems.

Moymoy needs to be eating at least something, and drinking water, or I am worried she is ill. Try cooked chicken breast and rice, and see if she'll eat this. Otherwise, she needs to see a vet as she may have an infectious disease or other issue that is making her feel poorly. Good luck!