It may be really frustrating when your dog refuses to eat, whether you’ve had pets for years or you’ve just gotten your first puppy.
Loss of appetite in dogs may be caused by a number of factors. To build the optimal treatment approach, you must first establish the reason.
Why has my dog stopped eating?
- Illness
- Dental problems
- Recent immunization
- Unfamiliar surroundings and travel
- Pickiness or difficulties with conduct
The first consideration is how you evaluate your dog’s hunger. If you’re worried that your dog isn’t eating as much as the food’s standards suggest, keep in mind that these are merely averages.
Many perfectly healthy dogs consume barely 60% to 70% of the quantity recommended on the package.
Because changes in your dog’s feeding patterns might signal sickness, it’s crucial to get veterinarian help if you observe them.
It’s particularly crucial to act quickly if your dog refuses to eat when they typically do. Even while most dogs may spend a few days without food without experiencing any negative consequences, it is better to treat the issue as soon as possible.
Reasons your dog refuses to eat?. There are a multitude of reasons why dogs refuse to eat, just as there are in humans. Among them are:
1. Illness
A dog’s diminished appetite is typically an indication of illness, particularly if other symptoms are present.
Although a lack of appetite in dogs does not always signify a severe illness, it is vital to seek veterinary help right once since it might be an indication of serious sickness, such as cancer, numerous systemic infections, discomfort, liver difficulties, or renal failure.
2. Dental problems
Your dog could refuse to eat because something in its mouth hurts. Examine them for damaged or loose teeth, severe gingivitis, or even an oral tumor.
Why Has My Dog Stopped Eating? (Explained)
3. Recent immunization
Many deadly and infectious canine illnesses may be prevented with immunizations. Despite the fact that these injections have saved the lives of millions of pets over the last century, they can sometimes produce side effects. The bulk of them are mild and transient, such as a dog’s momentary lack of appetite.
4. Unfamiliar surroundings and travel
If your dog’s appetite was great until you took them on a vacation or moved to a new place, it’s possible that the travel or unusual surroundings are to blame.
Some animals experience motion sickness, while others get frightened or uneasy in unfamiliar environments.
5. Pickiness or difficulties with conduct
Some dogs are just fussy eaters, or they may refuse to eat because they are fed in an unpleasant environment, such as alongside an aggressive dog or from a dish at an awkward height.
Because a reduction in appetite in dogs might be caused by sickness, you should never assume your dog is fussy without first ruling out other options.
What to do if your dog refuses to eat
What you can do to help your dog eat depends on the root of the issue, which you and your veterinarian will discover.
If your dog’s lack of appetite is due to sickness, your veterinarian may prescribe a prescription diet to fulfill your pet’s nutritional requirements while the underlying ailment is treated.
These diets might be bland at times, especially if your dog is accustomed to frequent treats or human food. Never starve your dog to compel it to consume the specified diet if he or she is already sick. Instead, discuss options with your veterinarian.
In more serious situations, your veterinarian may give appetite stimulants, suggest syringe-feeding a liquid diet, or place a feeding tube.
If your dog’s lack of appetite is due to pickiness or a dislike of mealtime rather than a medical ailment, there are a few things you may do to encourage him to eat. Among them are:
- Reduce the treats you give
- Feeding your pet on a regular basis, often twice a day.
- Make mealtime entertaining for your pet by playing with a food-dispensing toy or awarding your dog with food for doing a trick.
- Before dinner, take your dog for a stroll.
- Changing the way your dog is fed. Try feeding your pet alone if you regularly feed them with other animals. Alternatively, experiment with different bowls or plates at various heights to determine what your dog enjoys.
- If you regularly give your dog dry food, try a new kind of food, such as canned food.
- To make your dog’s kibble more appetizing, mix in a little warm water.
When Should You Seek Help? When Your Dog Doesn’t Eat.
If your dog stops eating for a few days and then starts, there’s probably nothing to worry about. However, if it doesn’t go away fast and you observe any of the symptoms listed above, it’s time to seek expert care.
You don’t need to be concerned if your dog spends a couple of days without eating and nothing else is wrong — no vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, or accidents.
Final words
Follow the tips we shared and see if you can get the dog to start eating again. If your dog isn’t eating and is vomiting, diarrhea, or both, call your veterinarian within 8-12 hours, as suggested above.
You should worry about his appetite changing. A trip to the doctor may be necessary if you detect a significant change in your dog’s feeding habits.