Thanks everyone for the responses!
I did not coddle him during the ordeal because that can reinforce the fear, like you’re telling him its ok to be afraid. We had a rescue with seizures and phobias of loud noises 20 years ago, and a professional trainer gave us the advice to either ignore or make light of the situation. That’s what always works when Moose hears loud noises, and I was able to calm him a little bit by offering a few pieces of his old food. Honestly, I never would have suspected the food change except for the fact there was no other difference to account for it, and I would say he doesn’t actually have a full blown loud noise phobia otherwise. Just some more nervousness than should be normal that he easily gets over.
Today his berhavior and activity level seems better, except that he seems more snappish and aggressive with my other two, elderly Dachshunds. They’re on Royal Canin Dental prescription food, but I did give Max, our 15 year old male, a few pieces of Canidae this morning, as a treat. Not only is Moose acting slightly more aggressive with the other dogs today, so is Max. I don’t know what to think.
I’m going to keep Moose on the Canidae for at least another day or two, and if I notice any more unusual behaviors, I’ll switch him back to the Beneful cold turkey to see what happens. I wonder if it might be the heat, or if the food really is to blame???
@ Susan: Which Canidae formula are you feeding & did you take 7-10days to slowly introduce the new Canidae formula?
I introduced the food over about a period of five days. No vomiting, diarrhea or loose stools. He usually vomits a little at night after new foods are introduced, but he didn’t with this. I’m using the All Life Stages formula, btw.
