Is your dog not eating? It doesn’t always sound like there is something wrong with your pup. Your dog’s appetite involves complex mechanisms supported by the brain, the fullness and distention of the stomach and intestines, and specific hormones.
Understanding the reasons behind your dog’s lack of appetite and how to address them is crucial for maintaining their health.
What Does It Mean When Your Dog Isn’t Eating?
When a dog refuses food entirely, it’s called anorexia—different from anorexia nervosa in humans. If your dog eats less but hasn’t stopped eating completely, that’s called hypoxia. Sometimes, dogs may want to eat but can’t physically manage it due to conditions like dental pain; this is called pseudoanorexia.
If your dog isn’t eating, it’s essential to differentiate between medical, behavioral, and environmental causes. Most adult dogs can go three to five days without food if they drink water, but this doesn’t mean you should wait long to act.
When to Contact Your Vet
- Adult dogs: Call your veterinarian if your dog hasn’t eaten in two days, even if they seem otherwise healthy.
- Diabetic dogs: Skipping meals can lead to serious complications like insulin imbalance—contact your vet immediately.
- Puppies: Puppies can’t go as long without food as adult dogs. If they’re not eating, especially with symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea, seek veterinary care immediately.
Why Is My Dog Not Eating?
There are several potential reasons for a dog not eating. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Medical Causes
A wide range of medical issues can lead to decreased appetite, including:
- Gastrointestinal problems: Issues like parvovirus, stomach upset, inflammatory bowel disease, or constipation can reduce appetite.
- Obstructions: Foreign objects lodged in the stomach or intestines can make eating impossible.
- Organ dysfunction: Conditions such as kidney failure, liver disease, pancreatitis, or diabetes can severely impact appetite.
- Dental issues: Fractured teeth or gum disease can make chewing painful.
- Cancer: Tumors, particularly in the digestive tract, can lead to a lack of appetite.
- Medications or toxins: Certain drugs or accidental ingestion of toxic substances may cause nausea or anorexia.
2. Behavioral Causes
Dogs, like humans, experience emotions that can affect their eating habits. Behavioral issues might include:
- Stress from new environments or visitors
- Anxiety, including separation anxiety
- Fear or phobias
- Cognitive decline in senior dogs
For severe anxiety-related eating issues, your vet may prescribe medications like fluoxetine or trazodone to help manage symptoms.
3. Environmental Changes
Major changes in your dog’s environment can trigger stress, which may affect their appetite. Common stressors include:
- Moving to a new home
- Adding new pets or family members
- Rearranging furniture or relocating food and water bowls
- Construction or loud noises
4. Problems With Food
Sometimes, the issue lies with the food itself. Check if:
- The food is expired or moldy
- The flavor has changed
- The food is wet or damaged
Gradual diet changes are essential to prevent stomach upset. Additionally, overfeeding treats or table scraps can make dogs uninterested in regular meals. Treats should make up no more than 10% of their daily calorie intake.
How to Help Your Dog Start Eating Again
If your dog isn’t eating, there are steps you can take to encourage them:
- Warming the food: Heat enhances aroma, making food more appealing.
- Changing flavors: Switching to a more palatable option might help.
- Adding food toppers: Mix enticing options like chicken broth or wet food with their regular kibble.
- Offering bland food: Cooked chicken and rice (without seasoning) can be gentle on the stomach.
- Using appetite stimulants: Your vet may recommend medications like mirtazapine or Entyce™ to boost appetite.
Helping Senior Dogs with Appetite Issues
Older dogs may eat less due to reduced calorie needs, but a significant decrease in appetite could signal an underlying issue. To support senior dogs:
- Use raised bowls to ease discomfort from arthritis.
- Offer softer food that’s easier to chew.
- Feed at consistent times to reduce confusion.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Contact your vet immediately if your dog shows these symptoms along with a lack of appetite:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Lethargy or weakness
- Distended or painful abdomen
- Excessive thirst without eating
For diabetic dogs or puppies, a lack of food requires urgent attention.
A dog not eating can be alarming, but understanding the potential causes and taking swift action can help address the issue. Whether it’s a medical condition, stress, or a simple food preference, keeping an eye on your dog’s behavior and seeking professional guidance when needed is key to their well-being.
By addressing the root cause, you can help your furry friend regain their appetite and thrive.
