How common is it to force feed your dog

How common is it?

How many in the dog world are having to help their dog to eat as they refuse for whatever reason?

Did your vet recommend force feeding?

Did you decide yourself as you'd had enough of no eating and changing the food ALL the time and making it worse for yourself not the dog as he or she is just very confused?

Was there any reason for stopping eat. Health scares, cancers, pregnancy, whelping, seasons affecting both the bitch and dog to name a few.

Small dogs would have to be syringed every 2/4 hours because of size in very small amounts.

Medium to large its small handfuls of their food and slide (hopefully) down their gullet if needed.

Rule of thumb for me was the tried and tested 24 hours rule of no food as we raw feed.  if that doesn't work its bone broth, then minced chicken, turkey.

I never ever leave food for them,  for one there is too many for that. It's removed after 20 minutes and offered again at the next meal.

If going this route please do a well check at your vet first to rule out anything.

Then if nothing proceed to help them to eat. Usually, its hand feeding but some need that extra help and its to back of the throat gently and tip head back and rub the throat area. Yes, this may take time but the effort is so worth it as they are getting their daily requirements.

Do not think for one moment you're at fault here some dogs test our patience and we need them to eat.

Some dog's its a vicious cycle and they don't feel hungry and can end up anorexic, more so after surgery, it can take them a while to want to eat normally if at all for some.

Feed their normal amounts 2/3 times a day make time for a quiet spot to feed. Don't mither either and be a matter of fact over it. Take your time more so for large breeds as they are deep chested.

I have bitches that refuse food and I leave for a few days as my lassies are slight and can't afford to lose too much so I try bone broth and minces then the hand feeding first then down the hatch. I can usually tell now if any are going to stop and I have my methods and food to hand.

So how common is it and what method did you try in the end?