How long without food (finicky eater) is too long (owner changed food when dropping off dogs)?
Owner dropped off two dogs and mentioned (casually, it seemed) that he'd gotten the dog food for free, and thought "why not try it, it's free." It didn't dawn on me until after he left that he meant I should try it (that he hadn't even seen if his dogs would eat it, or the effect it might have on them.).
It's Iams "Healthy Naturals" Lamb & Rice. It seems to have good reviews. But, I saw a few stories about people needing to feed rice and boiled hamburger to recover some dogs from it.
I found out from the owner what they were eating before coming here (Kirkland at Costco). I would have to beg a manager at Costco to be compassionate and sell it to me. (Otherwise I have to buy a membership.).
I don't want to overreact or be dramatic about this. I think all of us would say it's a bad idea to change food with already stressful boarding. (That's why it didn't occur to me that's what he was saying he was doing.). I want to be respectful to his position (he said changes food all the time, it's not a big deal.).
But, It's been 23 hours since they were dropped off.
1. After 21 hours since being dropped off, one dog (1 yo) ate about 1/2 cup and immediately went outside with loose stools ending in liquid.
2. The other dog (4 yo) still won't touch it (even moistened with water, a little flaxseed and olive oil, honey).
My questions:
1. At what point would it be too long for the 6 yo to go without food?
2. At what point should loose stools (or straight liquid) be considered unacceptable (either to me as a boarder, or for the dog's comfort and health)?
I don't want to be uncooperative about following the owner's expectations (just "tough it out."). I consider this a learning experience (like the other post about owners not using leashes). I'm learning that I have to talk to owners about basic things, maybe have my own "sign off" (contract) about what I require (leashes, don't change food). I'm willing to do what I have to do to make this work (struggling with the trots, etc.).
So, it's not a big deal to me. I would gladly buy the food (at my own expense) and get through this stay with the least problems. But, I also feel like I should be respectful to what the owner is saying. Maybe give it more time?
What would other sitters do? Aside from "don't change diet as part of boarding," (that ship's already sailed). How long would you try to make it work (owning your own responsibility for getting into this situation)?
FWIW: IMO, this is another example of what I see as a shortcoming on Rover. There needs to be ...
Also, your idea about "Owner 101" is excellent. You should send it on up to Rover support. If we ever see it, we'll know it was from you!
I've been unusually inspired lately and sent a few things to Rover. I don't recall if this was one of them. You (and others) could send it in. That would cover if I didn't. (If I did, it would add more support for that enhancement.).
We regularly get a 12-year-old husky who eats now, but the first time we had her she only ate one bowl in five days. The owner said she ate three big bowls when she got home. As long as they're drinking water, probably ok. We have a rescue German shepherd now who has eaten treats only for three days