New puppy won't drink water- Help

[Callee]

I just brought home a 6 week old chihuahua a few days ago. The lady I got him from said he was eating and drinking fine. After doing some research I found out that he was too young to send to a new home. I didn't know this at the time. Every one I called was selling them at six weeks old. So here is my problem... He is eating well but won't drink water. I really don't think he was ever drinking water. I have been feeding him watered canned food and also supplementing him with nutrical. I am also carefully giving him water with a syringe. I thought he wasn't drinking water because he was getting use to his new home. I have tried using a bowl and a plate. I have also tried to get him to lick it off my fingers and leading him to his water dowl. My puppy is healthy according to the vet. So, I need some advice! Help!

TIA

 

[Maxy24]

You're right he is way to young to be home especially for a small breed (10-12 weeks is preferred). I don't blame you since you did not know better, I blame the stupid BYB you got him from. Continue feeding wet food and add water, call the vet and ask what he thinks you should do. Also make sure he is not dehydrated by checking the color of his gums (should be pink not pale and when you apply pressure to the gum with your finger and pull your finger away the color should return to that spot) and lift the skin on his back, it should go back into place when you let go. If the skin remains standing when you let go then he is dehydrated. Is he urinating?

 

[Callee]

Yes he is urinating. He is going a good amount and it doesn't look like it's too yellow either. I know I am keeping him hydrated well.

 

[ledoc]

Also consider the fact that as a little guy he doesn't need that much water to keep him hydrated and well - so if you continue syringing water and feeding him wet food, he might very well not drink - he doesn't have to as his requirements are being met!

Try easing off on the syringing while keeping an eye on his urine output and introduce the water bowl again.

Good luck

ledoc

 

[bubbatd]

Put an ice cube in a dish .....he may enjoy that .

 

[girlbuffalo1]

I wouldn't worry too much. When Wrigley was a pup he didn't drink very much at all--maybe 5-6 laps of water once daily--and he was not dehydrated. As long as when you pull his skin it bounces back quickley and also the gums are not dry or tacky he is most likely hydrated properly.