Why isn't my dog eating? What should I do?

Your dog normally devours their food in seconds but suddenly they won't eat. Are they sick, or do they suddenly not like their food? What's going on? Today our Stockton vets look at some of the reasons why dogs won't eat, and what you can do.

Dog's Not Eating?

The loss of appetite in dogs can be referred to as either inappetence or anorexia. Anorexia in dogs is not the same level of a medical condition as it is in humans. Doggy anorexia can be either partial or complete. Partial Anorexia is when a dog will only eat certain types of food, but not enough that can keep them healthy. If your dog won’t eat anything at all, you may be looking at complete dog anorexia. Pseudo-anorexia in dogs is another condition in which a dog wants to eat, but is unable to due to another ongoing issue.

Dogs who are not eating, usually do so because of environmental or behavioral reasons which are typically caused by stressors, or more seriously, an underlying medical condition that could require urgent care and even surgery. We will discuss some of the more common examples of each, and provide information on how your doggy's issues can best be resolved.

Possible Behavioral & Environmental Causes

There are many reasons why your dog won't eat anymore. Some minor causes can be environmental or behavioral issues such as separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods of time (this would likely cause the dog to refrain from eating only when left alone). Even the absence of a family member/owner can result in a loss of appetite. Inconsistently feeding your dog, or inconsistent sleeping hours could also be a quick and easy solution.

If your pup has stopped eating, changes in their typical environment could be the issue. You may notice a loss of appetite if your family introduces a new pet to their environment, drastic changes in weather, and other stressors that take your doggy out of their comfort zone.  

Medical Conditions That Can Lead to a Lack of Appetite in Dogs

Medical conditions that could lead to a loss of appetite can range from minor concerns that could go away on their own, to possibly fatal conditions that need to be taken seriously immediately. Even if you assume your dog's lack of appetite is due to a behavioral/environmental reason or a minor medical condition, do not take the risk of letting your pet go untreated. 

Some medical conditions that would lead to your dog's lack of appetite include:

If you notice any of these symptoms present in your dog, please contact a veterinarian.

What To Try If Your Dog Won't Eat

If your dog has, or you think they may have a medical condition, contacting a veterinarian is crucial as it will give your pet the best chance at a strong and speedy recovery.

Here are some general tips you may want to try if your dog's not eating:

• Be sure that your dog is getting the necessary amount of attention and exercise that they deserve
• Be patient and supportive with your dog and do not force-feed them
• Try to avoid feeding your pet table scraps
• Keep them on a consistent routine that is easy for you to maintain
• Cut back on the number of treats you give your dog
• Mix up the food you give your dog (switch from dry to wet food or vice versa, add dressing or sauce to dry food, etc.)

If none of the tips above coax your dog to begin eating again it's time to call the vet. Lack of appetite is a symptom associated with many health conditions seen in dogs and early diagnosis leads to best possible outcomes in most cases. So the sooner your dog's issue is diagnosed the better your pup's chances for a full and speedy recovery.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.

If your dog won't eat contact Bear Creek Veterinary Hospital to book an examination for your pup. Our Stockton vets can diagnose the issue and help to get your dog's appetite back to normal again.