How can I get my dog to eat?
I have a 5 year husky/boxer/pitbull mix and since we adopted her at 9 weeks old, she's been a picky eater. We have tried all kinds of kibble, wet food, even plain boiled chicken and sometimes she'll like something for a few days then refuse it. We always assumed the pickiness is the husky in her (huskies age notoriously picky eaters). Things got more complicated when she got valley fever (a fungal infection prevalent in the southwest) a couple years ago. She went into remission for a bit but it's back again. It's disseminated in her hindquarters and can be uncomfortable, but she's otherwise happy and energetic. However, since the resurgence, her eating has gotten worse. She had a full exam and blood workup and everything is perfect, so the vet is sure valley fever is her only health issue (she will likely have it for life but lifespan can generally be normal with lifelong meds).
The vet said to put out her kibble and don't offer anything else. No treats, nothing. In other words, if she gets hungry, she'll eat. We have tried that for multiple days at a time. Problem is, she'd rather go hungry than eat something she disapproves of and the valley fever is curbing her hunger as well. Yet, if we give her a canned food she approves of, she'll gobble it down, but she gets tired of stuff she likes easily.
I have no idea what to do anymore. I love this girl with all my heart and I can't bear to see her waste away. She's obviously slightly hungry, but we need healthy calories in her. I'm so worried. I need my baby to eat. 😔 I appreciate any advice.