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I've noticed a radical change in my dog's behavior over the last 6 months or so.
She's an 8 year old Siberian Husky who has become completely obsessed with food and eating. She inhales her food in the morning and evening like she's starving to death. And then proceeds to lick the bowl for about 5 minutes. The previous 7 years we had her she only had moderate interest in her food and frequently skipped meals. Sometimes it would take her all day to finish a bowl of kibble. Our vet suggested adding a can of green beans to her food to make her feel full without adding extra calories to her diet. And while the dog loves the beans, it had no affect on her appetite.
This new behavior is a problem because for about 2-3 hours leading up to her usual meal times she becomes almost impossible to deal with. She will frantically follow you around the house singing (its a husky thing) and generally annoy the crap out of you until she gets fed. She will eat anything small that she finds on the floor or on the edges of tables/counters, even things that don't even remotely resemble food.
Also, and I don't know if these problems are related, she has become very standoffish and will shy away from any kind of physical contact or affection.
According to the vet she is completely healthy (no parasites) and her weight is in the normal range. Any theories or ideas would be appreciated. TIA.
I've noticed a radical change in my dog's behavior over the last 6 months or so.
She's an 8 year old Siberian Husky who has become completely obsessed with food and eating. She inhales her food in the morning and evening like she's starving to death. And then proceeds to lick the bowl for about 5 minutes. The previous 7 years we had her she only had moderate interest in her food and frequently skipped meals. Sometimes it would take her all day to finish a bowl of kibble. Our vet suggested adding a can of green beans to her food to make her feel full without adding extra calories to her diet. And while the dog loves the beans, it had no affect on her appetite.
This new behavior is a problem because for about 2-3 hours leading up to her usual meal times she becomes almost impossible to deal with. She will frantically follow you around the house singing (its a husky thing) and generally annoy the crap out of you until she gets fed. She will eat anything small that she finds on the floor or on the edges of tables/counters, even things that don't even remotely resemble food.
Also, and I don't know if these problems are related, she has become very standoffish and will shy away from any kind of physical contact or affection.
According to the vet she is completely healthy (no parasites) and her weight is in the normal range. Any theories or ideas would be appreciated. TIA.
You are RIGHT, it's not about food.
Her symptoms say thyroid to me. I'd have a FULL PANEL thyroid test , NOT the routine screening. Google Dr Dodds, a national expert for information.
What about water? I'd screen for Cushings , Addisons...adrenal stuff too. Not always clear cut.
Also, on our megaesophagus board we get alot of dogs with hard to diagnose GI issues and many of them hide and get isolated when they are sick. So the owners always tie behaviors into assessing their condition. (just an example)
IMO she HAS SOMETHING MEDICAL. It's often a long slog to figure out since they can't talk.
Have you been giving steroids for any reason? My Pom was never the same after steroid type meds until he died from them. Became food obsessed suddenly.
Have you been giving steroids for any reason? My Pom was never the same after steroid type meds until he died from them. Became food obsessed suddenly.
No, the only medication she's gotten is for heart worm and fleas/ticks.
I'll look into getting the thyroid test, thanks everyone
Since you said the vet said she is healthy I am assuming she had a complete blood panel done? My mom had a dog that suddenly became food obsessed at about age 8 to the point she was stealing food and she had never done that before. Turned out she had become a diabetic and once her blood sugars were regulated the obsession passed.
Help, I am at my wits end with my 5years old *****, she also eats as if she was starved does not even chew it we feed her with dry food once a day and she wolves it down and sometimes chocks herself as she eats so fast, I have had to separate her and the 2 year old ***** while they eat as she would eat hers as well, but what I have noticed is she has started not only scoffing her food but eating her poos and I think she has started to eat the other ******* as well, has anyone came across this behaviour ??? and what can I do.
Help, I am at my wits end with my 5years old *****, she also eats as if she was starved does not even chew it we feed her with dry food once a day and she wolves it down and sometimes chocks herself as she eats so fast, I have had to separate her and the 2 year old ***** while they eat as she would eat hers as well, but what I have noticed is she has started not only scoffing her food but eating her poos and I think she has started to eat the other ******* as well, has anyone came across this behaviour ??? and what can I do.
When was the last time she was at the vet? If she hasn't been recently she needs to go. Even if she has been recently, there could be a medical reason for it.
Have you had the 2 year old since she was a puppy? If the dog is a new addition that could be causing it.
Also it's much better to feed twice a day that way they're not so hungry for the next meal.
How is her weight? Is she fat? Too thin? Did you change her food recently?
Any number of things could be going on here but I'd start at the vets and feed her and your other dog twice a day. Just cut what you're feeding them now (assuming it's the right amount) in half.
I would look for a different vet. There is something going on. Could even be diabetes. Maybe her body cannot hold the nutrition anymore for whatever reason. Does she drink a lot, too?
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