Mary Allen
It is not uncommon for dogs not to eat. But what is it that causes the lost appetite?
Dogs that have just eaten all their food with joy, suddenly decide not to eat. That’s not how it works. A dog does not “decide” not to eat. There are reasons why it disapproves of the food on offer. But what reason is the question? There are many causes that can be the root cause of altered appetite in your dog.
6 Suggestions for Changing the Appetite of Your Dog
Disease. If you suspect that your dog may be ill, contact a veterinarian and check. Decreased or altered appetite can be a sign of illness.
Age. Older dogs do not consume the same amounts of energy as young dogs and consequently often do not have the same need for food. But it can also be the case that with age comes a deteriorating smell and taste, so the food is not as attractive simply. Each dog is unique, so take care of your dog’s needs.
Have you changed the feed? Maybe the new one does not taste as good as the previous one? Dogs can be sensitive to food changes.
Concern. Maybe your family’s normal habits have changed. Someone moves away from home, times and rhythms change. Has a family member died? Of course, a dog can react with a reduced appetite to this.
Has your dog been given “luxury” food for a while? Have you, for any reason, offered your dog liver pie and meat leftovers for a period, and then returned to dry food. Maybe not an appreciated change.
Medications. Does your dog eat any type of medicine? It can affect appetite. Read the packaging of the medicine carefully and consult a veterinarian, preferably before starting treatment. Then you are prepared for any side effects of the medicine.
Dental and oral health is poor. Checking the dog’s teeth can be one of the first steps if the dog does not want to eat. Pain in one or more teeth or any other problem with the teeth or mouth can definitely cause the dog not to want to eat. Visit the vet.
