Non-energetic (sleeps a lot/eats little)


  • @allyn we tried the blanket when we first picked her up, she pooed all over it during the drive home. The breeder is in PA and we’re in VA so it’s an inconvenience to try and go back. We’ve also tried giving her one of my shirts. I worked for about 30mins to an hour.


  • @dagodingo yes we spend as much time with her as possible. We tag team her morning encounter since we work different shift. I come home for lunch to walk/play with her, etc.
    Yes she’s had her first vet appt


  • @basenjimom2 our breeder is in PA. But Zazie has an appt on the 13th so I will ask for blood work to be safe. thanks


  • @badbasenji she’s had her initial first visit. she’s schedule for a follow up (for more shots) on the 13th. I will ask the doc to check her ears. thank you


  • @eeeefarm Haven’t informed the breeder yet, due to receiving multiple feedback responses of “she’s a pup, that’s normal” or “she’s not settle yet, gives it some time”. but you pose an excellent question regarding how well she was socialized prior to us being her home. I think we’re at the point where I need to contact the breeder. To answer your questions, daily routine: husband’s up at 0430 to take care of Zazie (feeding, potty, play); puts her back to bed to get ready for work, around 0530 one last trip to potty then his off. I’m up at 0645 for water/potty/play session, I let her lounge in her bed as I get ready for work; around 0720 I take her outside for laps/potty bring her in to her crate (treat her) and sit with until she settles in the crate, leave with some tunes then head off to work. return home at 1130 (for hour) and repeat. husbands home around 1530 (feed/potty/training/exercise) then I’m home around 1700, she’s usually in her bed napping when I get home. I’ll try and her her to play but she’s not usually receptive to my invitation.
    Sleeping arrangements: we had her in the crate in the bedroom for the first week. This week we try having her in the crate in the living room. We brought her a thunder shirt yesterday so that night we used that and place a warm bottle of water in her crate and that was the most peaceful not she’s had since being her (barely a peep when we left her). She also has a great day today (no accidents in the crate) at least until it was time for bed. tonight and last night were literally not and day. it’s like she has a good day then the next day we’re back at square one


  • My first reaction is too much time alone for a pup. Also, she should be in your bedroom at least, if not in your bed at night. Basenjis like to be with their people, they do not like to be alone. I don't think she should be crated when you are home. Yes, she needs supervision, but not isolation. If you must crate when you are around, bring the crate to where you are.....kitchen, living room, whatever. But better she should not be confined when you are around.


  • @thelees102117 It is good that you come home at 11.30 to care for her, without that I think it would not work. But that is a lot of time alone for a basenji. When you are home she should be with you /not crated and for sure move the crate to the bedroom at night. Basenjis do not like to be alone and some will become frustrated to the point of harming themselves. My first boy damaged his teeth and chewed through a metal crate.

    They are not your average dog, most dogs will do just fine alone. Basenjis tend to be 24/7.


  • @thelees102117 Please let me know of the results. Good luck!


  • @thelees102117 You always should consult the breeder... if she is from a responsible breeder they need to know what is going on... and if not from a responsible breeder could contribute to her socialization issues... Was there a Vet visit before you took her home? Do you have a report from the Vet?


  • @eeeefarm she’s never in the crate when we’re home unless it’s bedtime. We decided to crate train so that when we’re working it would not be a foreign item to her (that’s why we crate her at night, in hope that she would settle to the idea when we away from the house). We also got her a pretty spacious play pen but she’s not comfortable going in there either (she’s getting better not it a lot of work to encourage her to go inside).


  • @dagodingo when we’re home she’s not crated at all except for bedtime but even still she just wants to sleep. I try to engage her in play but nothing. She love to be held and cuddle and that’s about it (no interest in exercise or toys). I’ve reached out to the breeder for more insight. I’m going to revisit the bedroom sleeping arrangements as well. thanks


  • @tanza I literally just texted my breeder. I inquired about the Vet info at the time of purchase but she kinda skated around it to be honest (now that i’m thinking about it). I’m going to request a copy of the vet notes. Thanks


  • @thelees102117 Doesn’t sound at all normal, usually they are terrors when they are pups. Just as you are rescuing your third pair of socks off them, they will be bouncing off the couch. At the very least curious and active.

    Not only that but the more time they spend crated, the more they will burn off frustration when they are out.


  • @thelees102117 - Doesn't sound like she came from a responsible breeder... puppies at her age go full out for short periods and then crash to sleep... at that point we tell people "sorry you broke the puppy" LOL Find it strange as I have been in the breed 30+ years and never had a pup react in the way you are describing.. ? When feeding to you put the food down for a short time and the if not eaten take it away till the next feeding time...? Are you mixing the dry food with a little wet food? And at 9 1/2 wks they are teething... so that could contribute to the eating habits... and unless sick they will not stave themselves.


  • @tanza we tried all of that. But we recently provide a stool sample to text for giardia. One of Zazie’s sisters tested positive. we should hear back from the vet Saturday or Monday. She’s been doing better the last couple of days. just her energy level is still a bit low (grated it still a bit cold here so idk is that has anything to do with it)


  • Update: we provided a stool sample to the vet yesterday to test for giardia. We should hear back Saturday or Monday. Zazie has been doing better with her separation anxiety, she able to sleep during the night, she’s no longer fuss when we go
    up for bed. Once the test results come back, I’ll let you guys know the outcome. 🙏🏾 Thanks for all the advice


  • @thelees102117
    Hoping everything works our for you and Zazie! 🐾❤🐕


  • @thelees102117 hi, I’m having the exact same issue with my pup, going to see the vet tomorrow, did you happen to get the results from the vet?


  • Update: Zazie was at the vet all day today. Unfortunately, the doctor could not pin point exactly what’s the cause of her issues. However, she was able to conclude that Zazie is anemic which was the cause in the drop of her body temp and her fatigue. The reason for her lack of appetite no clear answer as of yet. Zazie was clear of all parasites and she’s scheduled for a liver test tomorrow which will require two blood pulls. She was looking A LOT better when we picked her up. We were instructed to do the following:

    • force feed Purina Pro plan veterinary diet; 4ml every hour (provided by the vet). Not to exceed past midnight, bc she can’t have any food or water 6 hrs prior to her appt.
    • administer .3ml of amoxicillin every 12hrs for 10 days
    • discontinue Pedialyte/water solution we were giving her and give her just water
    • deworm med for (2) days starting tomorrow
    • use iron supplement

    So far the feeding process has gone well and she’s gotten a bit of her spunk back but we understanding it’s going to take time to get her weigh back up. Lastly, we ordered Pet Tinic to use as her iron supplement (should be here in two days) and when brought Nutri-Cal to assistance with the dehydration. So with prayer, patience, and doing our part I know she will bounce back.


  • wow, anemia at 9.5 weeks? Did the Vet suggest what might have caused that?

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