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What do I do if a dog is not drinking water because she’s scared and she’s bit me a few times?

Hello all. Not sure what to do here but I did a meet and greet with a dog who was a rescue. The owner was mostly concerned about how my dog would get along with her. He is fine with her but she does not like me. I’ve never had that happen. She refuses to come out of her crate. When I got the slip leash on her she nipped at me twice. But it was the only way I could get her out of the crate to go potty. To my knowledge and awareness she has not had any water to drink and she’s been here for over 24 hours. She went pee this morning but nothing since. I’ve made the owners aware but haven’t heard back. I alerted them that she seemed really scared and she nipped me but they seem to think she will eventually come around. They are out of town and I don’t know what state they are in but they are a full day’s flying away.

My concern is that if she was this protective, not leaving her crate unless prompted that she is feeling abandoned by her family. I really don’t know what else to do.

What are the rules for when something like this happens? I’m concerned for her health and safety honesty. Any advice would be appreciated.

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The most important thing a dog needs to survive is to stay hydrated so I’m glad that was the title of your post because clearly you understand that.

I’d suggest:

  • Serving flavored water. This can be done a couple different ways. Whatever protein dog eats/is allowed, cook a very small amount finely diced or ground (chicken or beef or fish) in water, cool in ‘fridge, serve small amount like 1/4 cup at a time that won’t make a mess if tipped near or possibly in crate. There are removable bowls that mount to the wires inside the crate to help provide access (maybe look around?) Or take a small amount, as in half serving of dog’s food and add a few tablespoons of water. If this dog is eating dry, the kibbles will puff up after a while and become somewhat rehydrated. Along that thought, it may be a good idea to place shallow serving of food there too.
  • Instead of forcing a walk with slip lead leash, put a pee pad or multiple pads outside & next to crate so she can feel safe and eliminate on pads without venturing too far from what she considers a safe zone. I realize that may not sound ideal, but with a dog that behavior that you’re describing, it seems likely that she could be a flight risk on a leash, which would be a far worse outcome.
  • Be sure to continue making owners aware of what is happening. If the dog is showing signs of dehydration, as time goes on, you may end up having to take dog (probably by carrying crate while inside) to your vehicle to vet for subcutaneous IV injection.

Comments

Thank you for that detailed response! The good news is she’s not missed a single meal since she’s been here, so that’s great and her breakfast is in part Just Food for Dogs so it’s juicy already. But I did hear her drink last night. She’s peeing 2-3 x/day. I think we may be past the worst of it.

Yay! Glad to read that update. I’m familiar with the JFFD wet food- that’s accurate, it provides moisture too.