Only a few things are as distressing for dog owners when their dog is not eating correctly. When your dog suddenly turns their noses from their favourite food and loses their appetite, it can also be quite confusing. However, before jumping to a conclusion, you need to understand why this problem has happened in the first place.
In this blog, you will learn the potential causes of why your dog is not eating and the measures you can take to tackle this problem.
So let us get started,
Common Reasons Why a Dog Starts Refusing Their Food
There are several reasons why a dog suddenly stops eating their favourite food. Here are some of the common ones,
- Illness or Injury: Just like humans, dogs can also lose their appetite when injured or experiencing some illnesses.
- Stress & Anxiety: Stress & Anxiety can also significantly alter a dog’s eating habits.
- Dental Problems: Your dogs can also stop eating if they are experiencing dental problems like tooth decay or gum disease.
- Food Choices: Sometimes dogs can become picky, and they start liking only some foods and rejecting many others.
- Environmental Factors: Climatic conditions like excessive heat, humidity, etc., can also affect your dog’s appetite.
What Can Dog Owners Do About It?
If your dog is not eating enough or refusing their food outrightly, here are some highly effective measures you can take.
- Notice Behavioural Change
See that your dog is showing any sudden behavioural change which is associated with symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea or excessive thirst. These symptoms show you it’s time to take your dog to the vet.
- Check For Obvious Signs
Check your dog’s mouth for any signs of injuries or any dental problems. Your dogs can also stop eating when some object is stuck between their teeth or any issue persists in their tongue or gums.
- Stick to a Routine
Dogs are creatures who thrive on routine. Feeding them regularly at the same time every day will make them aware of the time at which they should eat daily. Also, avoid feeding them table scraps as it can result in picky eating habits.
- Provide Variety in Their Diet
If your dog is not interested in their usual food, you can provide them with other delicious and nutritious dog food. If your dog is eating a portion of dry food, you can add gravy dog foods to it to boost the palate of their current food.
- Reduce Stress in Them, If Any
If you feel stress is what causes an eating problem in your dog, try to find out the root cause of it. Provide extra care and comfort to your dogs, and set up a nice, cosy dog bed for them. A separate space for your dogs can give them the privacy they need and help them to relax.
- Consult Your Veterinarian
Above all, showing your dog to the vet at least once is a must if they are losing their appetite. This is because a vet can thoroughly examine your dogs and address any underlying health issues.
In Brief,
A dog which is not eating is indeed bothersome, but it’s possible to approach this situation with a lot of calmness and tactfulness. By understanding the underlying causes and also with the help of these 6 useful tips, you can help your beloved dog regain their appetite. Remember, when in doubt, always consult with your veterinarian, as they will give you effective guidance on your dog’s overall health.
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