When your dog refuses to consume food, it’s almost like an eye-scratcher. It’s hard to tell if he’s sick. Do you think he’s upset? Is he looking to see something better? There’s no definitive answer. The list of things that could lead dogs to stop eating appetites is almost infinite, according to Christine Brennan, DVM medical director for VCA Raleigh Hills Animal Hospital in Portland, Ore.
It’s fine to wait for a couple of days to determine whether your dog is eating normally again, in the event that your dog is drinking plenty of water and doesn’t have any other symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea. If you’re not sure, you can read for some tips on troubleshooting and determine if there’s anything that you could do to aid in preventing it.
Four Reasons Commonly cited for Dogs Will Not Eat
1. Dogs don’t love their food.
The reasons dogs are reluctant to eat can be easy to solve, such as their food is rotten or they aren’t a fan of new food. Perhaps they don’t like eating alongside other dogs at home. If that’s the case you should ensure that the food is fresh, or substitute it with another brand, and then separate the dogs at feeding time.
2. Your dog is suffering from the side effects of a medicine.
The new medications may also cause dogs to lose their appetite. Certain medications cause nausea as an adverse result. A diet that is prescribed may be the cause. They’re not always the best tasting. If you believe this is the case for your dog, talk to your vet about your next steps. Perhaps you could change to a different medication or prescribed diet or offer the lure of a treat to get your dog to take a bite.
3. Your dog is anxious or sad.
They are also emotionally-driven creatures. They might stop eating when they’re worried or unhappy. Changes such as a move to a different residence or being in kennels while you’re on vacation, loss in the family or even kids going back to school could cause a dog to feel down.
4. Your pet is sick.
There are times when dogs aren’t eating because they’re sick. “Dogs frequently quit eating when they’re suffering from discomfort,” says Brennan. “Common causes are digestive parasites and eating food that isn’t compatible with their diet or eating something foreign such as a toy bone or socks. It could also be caused by a systemic disease like cancer.”
Is Your Dog Not Eating Food But Still Drinks Water?
If your dog isn’t keen on chewing hard kibbles but drinks water, it could be that he has gum or dental discomfort. It could also be many other conditions as well. “Thirst is a potent naturally occurring force,” Brennan says. “Even sick dogs might desire to drink water even if they’re in dehydration.”
Certain illnesses can cause an increase in thirst, such as UTIs as well as endocrine issues like diabetics. A thorough examination and laboratory tests like blood work, feces, and urine samples can assist your vet in finding the root of the problem.
Is Your Dog Eating Grass?
There’s a misconception that dogs consume grass in the case of illness Brennan says. Brennan. “A majority of healthy dogs who have a balanced diet consume grass, but only the smallest percentage of vomiting after eating grass. A lot of dogs enjoy the taste, or do it due to desire, anxiety, or maybe the need for extra fiber” the vet says.
It can be alarming If your dog is not eating food, but eating grass. This could be due to discomfort or illness in your pet’s stomach or intestines. In this scenario, Brennan recommends reaching out to your vet to determine whether you need to visit to have an examination.
Do You Have a Dog Who is Throwing Up and not eating?
The dog who isn’t eating can become more severe when there are other signs like diarrhea or vomiting. This could signal a problem that is deteriorating, and your dog could require medical attention earlier than later.
Are Your Dogs a Puppy?
If a puppy doesn’t want to eat the food they like, it’s probably to be due to infections or from eating something that shouldn’t be there, such as the or a rock or shoelace, Brennan says. Brennan. “We certainly perform more surgeries to eliminate foreign objects from puppies than older ones.”
Since puppies, less than six months aren’t able to stay as long eating as old dogs and require to be seen earlier. If your puppy hasn’t had a meal for 12 hours, bring your pet to the veterinarian immediately.
Are Your Dogs a Senior?
As they age, dogs generally slow down their metabolism and take in less however they should have regular meals. Senior dogs tend to stop eating altogether due to an ongoing health issue that is getting worse, according to Brennan.
The possible causes are dental issues, heart disease or intestinal problems, or illnesses like cancer. It’s essential to get your dog examined by a vet in order to discover the root of the issue and the most effective treatment.
How can you stimulate a dog’s appetite so that they Eat More
The best method for getting dogs to consume food can be to create their food appealing. It also means cutting back on treats so that your pet is more hungry when it’s time for a meal. Make the kibble soft and more fragrant by adding warm broth or water. It is also possible to offer your pet canned food in the event that he usually consumes dry food, or cook his preferred human dog food and feed portions in small quantities.
“However If you’ve not found out the root of the problem and then corrected it then you’re losing the struggle,” states Brennan. “You must consult your vet to determine what’s happening and then figure out how to restore your dog’s appetite at a normal level.”