Why Isn't My Dog Eating?
Dogs are generally highly motivated by food, so if your dog stops eating, it is natural to feel a bit worried. There can be various causes for this, and some may be more serious than others. Anorexia, for instance, refers to a complete lack of appetite where your dog refuses all food and doesn't eat anything at all. On the other hand, hypoxia is a reduced appetite or a reluctance to eat. It is important to distinguish between these two when discussing the severity of your pet's symptoms with your veterinarian, as different issues can result in varying levels of changes in appetite. People often associate the term "anorexia" with anorexia nervosa, which is an eating disorder in humans, but in dogs, anorexia simply means refusing to eat. Understanding the reasons behind a dog's loss of appetite, whether or not and how to encourage it to eat, and when to be concerned are crucial aspects for any pet owner to comprehend.
Why Do Dogs Stop Eating?
Dogs may refuse to eat for various reasons. While some reasons could be related to behavior, others may indicate underlying health conditions or ailments affecting your dog.
Behavioral
Certain dogs develop finicky eating habits after being indulged by well-meaning owners, leading them to refuse food unless their preferences are met. Frequent changes in their diet, excessive treats, and being spoiled with human food can contribute to behavioral problems that manifest as anorexia.
Disease
Whenever a dog is unwell, whether due to an illness or disease, it may lose its appetite. Conditions such as liver and kidney disease, intestinal disease or blockage, respiratory issues affecting breathing, cancer, and various other problems can all contribute to a dog's refusal to eat. Lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms are frequently observed alongside anorexia in an ailing dog.
Pain
Dogs may experience reluctance to bend their heads and eat food due to various sources of discomfort such as joint, muscle, or back pain, mouth pain, abdominal discomfort, and other issues.
Dental Issues
Various dental problems such as fractured teeth, periodontal disease, and even an object lodged in a dog's palate can lead to appetite loss in your canine companion.
Environmental Changes
If your dog is experiencing stress or fear due to factors such as the presence of a new puppy or person in the household, a different environment, or ongoing home construction and other changes, it might show a reluctance to eat.
Side Effects
Certain medications your dog is taking might cause a loss of appetite. This condition, known as anorexia in dogs, can be addressed by consulting your veterinarian. They can consider adjusting the dosage or exploring alternative options to reduce the side effects. It's worth noting that apart from medications, recent vaccinations can also impact a dog's well-being and subsequently affect their appetite.
Obstruction
Certain dogs tend to consume non-digestible objects such as socks, stuffed animals, rocks, and other items. This behavior can lead to an obstruction in their digestive system and cause a loss of appetite in your dog.
What to Do if Your Dog Isn't Eating?
It is not advisable to force your dog to eat. Instead, if your dog is losing weight, your veterinarian may recommend assisted feeding. This can be done by syringing watered-down canned food or special formulations into your dog's mouth, but it should be done slowly. If the food is force-fed too quickly or if your dog refuses to swallow it, there is a risk of aspiration, where the food goes into the airway instead of the esophagus. Therefore, it is important to have specific instructions and guidance from your veterinarian before attempting to force-feed your dog. Force-feeding dogs is rarely recommended because there are other safer and more effective ways to improve their appetite.
If you ever have concerns about your pet's health or behavior, the safest approach is to contact your veterinarian. They can guide what to look for and when to be concerned. Since they know your pet's medical history, they may be able to offer tips or suggest food that can help stimulate their appetite.
If your dog is refusing to eat but is otherwise behaving normally, you can continue offering food and monitor them for any other changes for 12 to 24 hours. However, if the loss of appetite persists, or if your dog starts losing weight, behaves abnormally, vomits, has diarrhea, or shows any other changes, it is crucial to contact your veterinarian immediately. Inform your veterinarian about the type of food or treats your dog has been consuming and when you first noticed the changes in their appetite. Along with a physical examination, your veterinarian may need to perform X-rays, blood tests, and other diagnostic procedures to determine the underlying cause of your dog's loss of appetite.
Treatment and Prevention
If your dog has lost its appetite, there are several things you can do to try and encourage it to eat at home.
Contact your veterinarian to seek advice or inquire about a specific food they can recommend that would be safe for your dog. It's always a good idea to consult your veterinarian before introducing any new food to your pet.
Warm up your dog's food in the microwave for a few seconds, making sure to check the temperature to ensure it won't burn your dog's mouth before offering it.
Consider offering baby food, starting with plain turkey or chicken options. Make sure no additional seasonings or ingredients are added.
Provide a bland diet consisting of cooked white rice and boneless, skinless boiled chicken breast that is not seasoned.
Mix sodium-free chicken broth or water into your dog's food.
Serve your dog's food on a plate that is typically used by humans instead of using a dog bowl. Alternatively, you can raise the food if your dog experiences neck or back pain.
Sprinkle a small amount of low-fat mozzarella or a little peanut butter on the food.
Different approaches may be more effective for your dog, and the effectiveness of these options may depend on the underlying cause of your dog's lack of appetite. Softer foods may be more appealing to dogs with dental issues, while warmed food may be enticing for dogs with respiratory issues that affect their sense of smell. Additives like canned chicken or chicken broth may help if your dog is a picky eater.
In terms of prevention, it's important to note that many "picky eaters" often suffer from chronic low-grade gastrointestinal inflammation. These dogs may benefit from a sensitive stomach diet. Discuss your dog's eating habits with your veterinarian to see if they can recommend a diet that will help your pet eat more regularly without the need for additional toppings or food. Adding toppings frequently can contribute to obesity or exacerbate gastrointestinal issues.
Additionally, maintain your dog's dental health and avoid offering excessive treats or table scraps to prevent your dog from developing picky eating habits.