Why is My 3-Month-Old Japanese Tosa Not Eating? Understanding the Causes

A 3-month-old Japanese Tosa puppy refusing to eat can be concerning for owners. Several factors could be at play, including illness, overfeeding, or pickiness. It's crucial to assess the situation and address it appropriately. You can improve your puppy's eating habits by checking their health status, implementing short-term fasting, and establishing a regular feeding routine.

1. Health Check-Up

Sometimes, a puppy's lack of appetite is a direct result of illness. Conditions such as colds, injuries, or internal organ issues can significantly impact a puppy's desire to eat. If your puppy is lethargic or shows other signs of being unwell, a trip to the veterinarian is essential. Once the underlying health problem is resolved, their appetite should naturally return.

2. Temporary Fasting

Overfeeding or excessive eating, known as binge eating, can lead to digestive problems in puppies. When a puppy's stomach is full and uncomfortable, they may lose interest in food. In such cases, you could try a short fast of 12 to 24 hours to allow their digestive system to rest. Provide plenty of water to keep your puppy hydrated, and you might also use pet-specific digestive aids to help break down any undigested food.

3. Scheduled and Portion-Controlled Feeding

Picky eating can often be the culprit when a puppy refuses food. If a puppy prefers treats or strong-flavored foods over nutritious dog food, they may become accustomed to these less healthy options, and avoid their kibble. This requires a change in feeding habits. Eliminate treats and heavily flavored foods. Offer dog food or a balanced puppy diet at specific times. Allow them about 30 minutes to eat, then take the food away. Do not offer treats until the next mealtime, sticking firmly to this routine will eventually encourage the puppy to eat the food offered to them. This may take some time, especially with stubborn puppies, but it is vital to remain consistent.


Related resource:Pet Training

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