Why Won’t My Dog Eat?
Most dogs are incredibly enthusiastic about dinner times. However, there are a few who show little interest in food and tend to pick at their meals. Some dogs may have a temporary lapse in appetite while, others, may have a long-term lack of interest in food. If you are wondering, why won’t my dog eat? – read our Holidays4Dogs article for tips and advice.
There are many different reasons why a dog may refuse to eat, or have a reduced appetite. While we cover some potential reasons for a dog’s lack of appetite, it’s always essential to seek professional veterinary advice for all matters relating to your dog’s health.
Health.
If your dog, or puppy, has suddenly gone off their food, it could be they are feeling unwell, or in pain. To rule this out a veterinary consultation is crucial. If your dog has other symptoms such, as loose bowels, lethargy, vomiting, or trembling, the situation should be considered urgent.
Mouth problems can also cause a dog to be off their food. This can happen, even though the dog is hungry. Issues with teeth, or gums, will cause them to lose interest in their dinner.
For a dog that was previously enthusiastic about eating, check the mouth and gums for signs of teeth problems, or gum disease.
If you suspect this is causing your dog to be off their food – a trip to the vet is essential.
Occasionally, a change in routine or, a sudden change in diet itself, may be enough to cause your dog to temporarily show a reluctance to eat.
Behaviour
Sometimes, dogs can learn to be picky with their food. If a dog becomes accustomed to being fed titbits throughout the day, especially if they are more appealing than their usual food, this can encourage the dog to become finicky.
Although it may be tempting to carry on feeding the dog treats to compensate for their lack of interest in main meals, this can lead
to obesity.
Often, it can become a battle of wills with a finicky eater. Some owners will go to great lengths to encourage their dog to eat their dinner.
This may even involve feeding by hand, or even pretending to eat the dog’s dinner themselves!
Unfortunately, this can sometimes compound the problem. Put the food down and leave it for half an hour. If the dog won’t eat it, or only picks at it, take the food away.
Repeat the process a couple of hours later. If the dog refuses to eat all day – a vet visit is advised.
What’s on the menu?
Check the dog’s food hasn’t been spoiled in any way and has been stored appropriately. Many dogs, with their intense sense of smell, won’t eat food they think is contaminated. Dried food particularly – if not stored correctly (in direct sunlight, for example) – can go stale. Ideally, keep dried food in an air-tight container and out of direct light.
Always make sure your dog doesn’t eat human food that might make them ill. Some foods can cause serious health issues.
Avoid changing your dog’s diet suddenly, as this may cause tummy upsets – always gradually introduce a new brand, or type of food, over a few days.
Environment
Make sure your dog is provided with a ‘safe’ environment to eat their dinner. The reluctant eater may be being bullied by another dog in the household, for instance.
On the other hand, if you always feed more than one dog separately, you may find the reluctant eater – in the company of another dog – might be more inclined to eat. This may also work with another pet, such as a cat – but only as long as both animals normally get along.
Rescue dogs, recently re-homed, may have a temporary lapse in appetite. Stress is another factor that can discourage a dog from eating. Firework night, for instance, may be enough to put a normally happy eater off their food for the evening.
Conclusion
Always look out for any signs of illness, or distress, which may have caused your dog to go off their food. More than a day or two of not eating requires a veterinary examination to rule out underlying health condition.
If you are concerned in any way about your dog’s eating habits or worried about his dietary health – always consult your veterinary surgeon for advice.
If your dog is the opposite and tends to bolt his, or her food, read our other Holidays4Dogs article on slow-feeders.
