Why Is My Dog Not Eating? 9 Vet-Verified Reasons & What to Do

Why Is My Dog Not Eating? 9 Vet-Verified Reasons & What to Do

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The info is present and up-to-date in accordance with the most recent veterinarian analysis.


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The function of each canine proprietor is to do every part it takes to maintain their pet joyful and wholesome. So, it’s comprehensible that many homeowners panic when their canine shows uncommon habits. When your canine abruptly stops wanting meals as a lot or stops consuming altogether, it might trigger you some stress.

If you have an interest within the the reason why your canine may cease consuming, stick to us for some helpful info.

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The 9 Possible Reasons Your Dog Is Not Eating

1. Your Dog Doesn’t Like the Food

We all wish to give our canine one of the best, however generally, canine can develop into spoiled and choosy in the case of their meals. So, in the event that they cease consuming abruptly, this simply is likely to be an indication they don’t just like the meals you gave them.

You ought to examine the expiration date and see if the meals continues to be usable. If it isn’t usable, you shouldn’t give it to your canine as a result of it may possibly doubtlessly trigger well being issues.

This may occur whenever you introduce a brand new sort of meals to your canine; in the event that they don’t just like the odor or the style, they could refuse to eat it.

Maltipoo dog near feeding bowl with dry food on floor in kitchen
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2. Overfeeding

If your canine is just not hungry, they received’t eat. If your canine’s physique situation rating is on the heavier facet, chances are you’ll offer them an excessive amount of meals day by day. These canine will usually eat tastier meals if supplied to them, however it’s necessary not to do that as it would create unhealthy consuming habits. Being chubby can enhance the danger of well being issues like joint illness and even some cancers. If you’re unsure how a lot your canine ought to eat, examine the feeding information in your pet food packaging and discuss to your veterinarian.


3. Eating at a Particular Time of Day

As everyone knows, canine are clever animals, and so they can rapidly kind habits. In this case, they will get used to being fed in a selected a part of the day and refuse to eat through the different durations. For instance, in case your canine likes to eat at evening, they could refuse meals within the morning. While most canine will chow down at any time when they get the prospect, this can be the explanation your canine’s not consuming.

Shih tzu dog getting food from owner at kitchen
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4. Stress

Like people, many life adjustments can have an effect on your canine and their urge for food. For occasion, shifting will be very annoying to your canine, leading to your canine not consuming. It is widespread for the canine to refuse to eat when their proprietor is away from house as effectively.


5. Your Dog Feels Threatened

Introducing new animals may trigger your canine to cease consuming as a result of they could really feel threatened by the brand new animal or choose to be alone. Either approach, introduce the brand new pet slowly, and they’re going to be taught to coexist over time. Also, it might assist if you happen to feed them in separate rooms as a result of one will be intimidated by one other’s presence and received’t eat—they may merely guard the meals as an alternative.

Scared chihuahua under a couch
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6. Age

Age will also be a big think about why your canine isn’t consuming or is consuming much less. Naturally, younger our bodies which might be nonetheless growing want extra vitamins from meals to develop correctly. So, whenever you get a brand new pet, you’re shocked at how a lot meals can match of their little abdomen. On the opposite hand, what occurs rather a lot with senior canine is that they begin to eat much less at a sure age in response to decrease calorie necessities.


7. Medication

A big issue to think about in why your canine stopped consuming is that many drugs can have an effect on your canine’s urge for food. All drugs have unwanted side effects, and a few unwanted side effects imply extra remedy is required. The lack of urge for food might additionally imply your canine’s authentic sickness getting worse. If you’re involved about any unwanted side effects of treatment, name your veterinarian for suggestions on what to do.

dog dewormer
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8. Dental Problems

The purpose why your canine isn’t consuming may additionally be as a result of they’ve dental issues. If you discover that your canine desires to eat however is spitting out their meals or drooling, it might imply that they’re in ache. They might need a damaged tooth or an an infection that causes ache and lack of urge for food.


9. Illnesses

These are some sicknesses that may result in lack of urge for food in canine:

  • Infections and fevers
  • Gastrointestinal issues
  • Liver issues
  • Kidney issues
  • Pancreatitis

When the liver or kidneys are diseased, toxins can construct up within the physique, making canine nauseous. Many of the above issues trigger ache, nausea, or lethargy which cut back a canine’s urge for food. Pancreatitis is an inflammatory disease of the pancreas that may additionally trigger lack of urge for food as a result of it is vitally painful.

Female vet examining sick and sad Rhodesian ridgeback dog
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How to Help Your Dog

Depending on the reason for the issue, it might be a easy answer to assist your pooch get their urge for food again. Eating much less and never consuming in any respect are two very various things, so it is best to take issues extra significantly in case your canine hasn’t eaten something in 24 hours.

First and foremost, search for different indicators your canine is likely to be unwell like vomiting, retching, diarrhea, lethargy, elevated or decreased thirst, urinating extra, unhealthy breath, and pawing on the mouth. If they present some other indicators or they don’t begin consuming effectively quickly, contact your veterinarian.

If your canine doesn’t wish to eat as a result of they don’t just like the style of the brand new system you gave them, it is best to return to the outdated, dependable meals. When altering the weight loss program it is best to accomplish that steadily to keep away from gastrointestinal upset. You may attempt to combine the recent meals with the outdated one, and it’s also possible to attempt to soften it by mixing it with water to make it extra interesting and simpler for them to chew.

If your dog is stressed due to some vital adjustments at house, attempt to calm them by spending extra time with them and lowering their supply of stress as a lot as doable. Playtime is a wonderful approach of fixing these issues and a good way to bond together with your canine.

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Conclusion

Even although this could be a very annoying scenario for each canine proprietor, it is best to keep calm and search for some other adjustments in your canine that may clear up the issue—canine usually cease consuming as a result of they’re careworn or simply being picky. On the opposite hand, there are cases the place some well being points trigger a lack of urge for food.

Either approach, we hope we helped you perceive why that is taking place, however if you happen to nonetheless have doubts, it is best to contact your veterinarian for a check-up.


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