Generally, a healthy dog likes meals and rushes enthusiastically towards its bowl. This is why any change in the dog’s eating behavior must alert.
Without falling into total alarmism, a change or a lack of appetite is not systematically the sign of an illness. However, it is important not to ignore this attitude in order to act accordingly.
A dog that does not eat much or not much is a sign not to ignore. A dog, usually voracious, who trots to join its bowl can be a dog that suffers and this behavior is a small sign of alarm to be taken seriously.
The loss of appetite of a dog can, unfortunately, be the symptom of an underlying medical problem. Especially if this loss of appetite ( we speak here of anorexia ) is followed by other symptoms: we speak of the decrease of its general condition.
Why My Dog is not eating: All Possible Causes
Anorexia in a dog can be the cause of several reasons. We can differentiate between non-medical reasons, which include poor eating habits and quality of food. Then medical reasons which are generally due to pathologies of which the first warning sign is the lack of appetite.
Non-medical reasons:
He may just not be hungry.
Your dog is probably full due to the change of food (the nutritional values of the food are variable) or because there is a frequent distribution of treats outside of mealtimes.
Because he just doesn’t like the food you give him:
If your dog refuses to eat but acting normal, he may not like the food you give him. This happens during a sudden change in diet.
Your dog is not eating but drinks water. It may be hot and this may be the most likely cause of your dog’s loss of appetite.
Change in environment
Your dog is not eating but it seems fine. Has your dog changed the environment or owner? It is very likely that stress is the cause of this loss of appetite. The transport also causes stress and nausea to your dog and becomes moody by losing all appetite.
Age factor
Is your dog old and lacking in physical activity? a sedentary lifestyle also affects dogs: a dog lacking activity or an elderly dog lose their appetite. Hence, an old dog, not eating, maybe perfectly normal and this might be the age factor only.
Medical reasons:
Unfortunately, in some cases, this anorexia is associated with a deterioration in the general condition of the dog, which becomes prostrate, apathetic and with a decrease in body mass. A dog that does not eat is one of the main signs for a variety of reasons.
Gastrointestinal problems: gastroenteritis in dogs, with nausea and heartache caused, can cause indifference to food. A stomach twist can also cause a complete loss of appetite.
Oral problems: if the dog’s lips, tongue, teeth, gum or salivary glands are pathological, discomfort during food intake thus causes a decrease or loss of appetite. A dental abscess, gingivitis or stomatitis often prevents the dog from feeding.
Obstruction of the digestive tract: if a tumor or a foreign body is found between the esophagus and the stomach, this can cause irritation of the dog and therefore decrease his appetite.
Any disease that causes a high fever can cause anorexia in the dog.
Intoxication or poisoning: dogs tend to sniff and swallow anything within their reach. An antifreeze, rat killing product, detergents can cause poisoning, one of the symptoms of which is loss of appetite in dogs.
Poisoning can also cause the loss of appetite in dogs. Consumption, for example of garlic or onion, can cause intoxication, depression of the dog and loss of appetite.
Certain illnesses in dogs can cause anorexia. For example Kidney failure, heart failure, parvovirus, distemper, piroplasmosis, ehrlichiosis can cause anorexia.
Recent vaccination: A temporary loss of appetite can be an adverse effect of vaccination.
Your dog is no longer eating: what to do
The first thing to do when you notice your dog’s loss of appetite is to observe its general condition. A dog that refuses to eat while continuing to play and keep fit is a dog that has just expressed a rejection of the diet. In this case:
To change your dog’s eating habits: reduce treats outside of meals and avoid access to food at will. Avoid a sudden change in diet. A gradual change is advised.
Increase physical activity:
An active dog has more energy needs. However, when the loss of the dog’s appetite is accompanied by the deterioration of the general state ( asthenia, dog slaughtered, not very reactive, rapid weight loss ), it is generally a symptom of a disease of the dog whose severity will be determined by extensive reviews.
Before consulting the veterinarian, an inspection of the oral cavity for inflammation or palpation of the abdomen and belly for swelling or constipation may guide you towards what to do. It is necessary to note all of your dog’s attitudes: food intake, behavior, mood, and sensitivity.
If your dog’s condition still does not improve, a visit to the veterinarian is necessary if symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rapid weight loss appear. A clinical examination by the veterinarian will determine the appropriate treatment. Forcing your sick dog to eat will not help.
After the medical history and clinical examination, the veterinarian may carry out additional examinations:
- Blood tests to determine a metabolic disease or infection.
- X-rays and ultrasounds to diagnose heart or respiratory problems.
- Fibroscopy or colonoscopy to detect the digestive origin of the problem.
- In some cases, the veterinarian may prescribe medications that boost your dog’s appetite or recommend liquid food when blocking transit.
If your dog has not eaten his food for a week or so, hospitalization with your veterinarian may be necessary. Depending on the severity of the anorexia, your dog will be on a glucose infusion, fed with a syringe or using a nasopharyngeal probe.
Generally, if the treatment administered by the veterinarian is effective, a few days will be enough for your dog to get back into shape.
Restore your dog’s appetite:
Even if he is not sick, it is necessary for the well-being of the dog and his comfort to improve his quality of life, to take care of his hygiene and his immediate environment. Restoring your dog’s appetite, especially if he has had an anorexic episode, is essential for his health.
Here are our tips for improving your dog’s eating habits:
Change his eating habits and reduce treats: feeding your dog at the same time can be beneficial in the long term, especially if you reduce the treats and treats you give him. You can also improve your dog’s food by adding a small amount of canned dog food or a tablespoon of soup.
Improve the preservation of food: expired, spoiled or poorly preserved food is generally rejected by the dog. Good food preservation is necessary for a good appetite for the latter.
Exercising Your Dog: Walking your dog is a great way to spend energy. An adequate solution to increase your appetite.
A fun meal: combining food and play can be effective in getting your dog to eat.
A pleasant environment to feed your dog: there are dogs that are disturbed by their immediate environment during meals. Consider putting the bowl and the dog in quiet places.
Changing bowls: there are bowls that scare dogs. Remember to change the bowl and place it at a comfortable height.
When should I worry about my dog not eating?
A dog that does not eat much is an unusual state for a dog. Even if generally it is temporary (2 or 3 days) and that it is not alarming. It is necessary to pay attention to this sign, which can be sometimes the symptom of fairly serious illnesses.
It is important to pay attention to your dog’s eating habits. If these habits change and your dog’s condition deteriorates, it is time to sound the alarm.
If in doubt, it will be imperative to take it to the veterinarian. A thorough examination will be able to determine the reasons for the lack of appetite. This will allow the appropriate treatment necessary.
A dog that does not eat is a dog that suffers, this signal must be taken seriously and the cause of this behavior must be identified. Prompt care of the dog will prevent deterioration in his general health, treat any diseases he may suffer from and thus improve his comfort of life.
frequently asked Questions
My dog no longer eats and just lays around: What should I do?
A dog that is no longer eating is a symptom not to be taken lightly. A prostrate slaughtered dog who denies food indicates that the dog is weakened and that his general state of health is affected.
If the dog is lying down, it is important to consult a veterinarian quickly. The dog can be affected by:
– Digestive disorders
– Infectious diseases
– Heart failure
– Poisoning
– Dental problems
– Etc
If a dog is lying, it is no longer eating and the dog triggers a high fever, the situation must be handled urgently.
How long can a dog go without food?
My dog is not eating for 2 days:
If the dog is refusing to eat for 2 days, a veterinary examination must be carried out to find the cause of malnutrition. The causes can be many and only a clinical examination will be able to find out what the dog is suffering from. Abdominal palpation, blood test, urinalysis … various acts will be performed to find what causes the dog’s lack of appetite.
Do not forget to transmit to the veterinarian all the useful information so that the diagnosis is as precise as possible.
The dog that has not eaten for 3 days:
After 3 days, if a dog continues to refrain from eating, it will show symptoms of hypoglycemia. Immediate consultation by the veterinarian must be sought. The dog can be fed with infusions, by syringe by veterinary assistants.
After observations, clinical examinations and analysis, the animal health professional will be able to offer a diagnosis in order to treat the cause. In this case, drug treatment or a surgical procedure (depending on the cause ) may be implemented.
The dog that has not eaten for 4 days:
If your dog has been without eating for 4 days, the situation should be considered a life-threatening emergency. The dog is at this stage in advanced hypoglycemia. The veterinarian will hospitalize him urgently. A glucose infusion will be given.
It is necessary to observe your dog daily and not to let an animal suffer.
