Most dogs love eating, so it’s definitely a cause for concern for pet parents if your precious pooch has suddenly lost his appetite. If your dog is usually the kind to go scavenging through your leftovers to find a tasty treat and is suddenly turning up her nose at mealtimes, you are probably wondering what could be wrong. The good news is that as long as your dog stays hydrated, he will usually be fine. Some dogs will lose their appetite temporarily, so keep your eye on him for twenty-four hours, and if he doesn’t start eating again, call the vet. Here are some potential reasons why your dog has lost her appetite.
Stress:
If there have been some big changes in your dog’s environment recently, it might be that she is feeling too stressed out to eat. Just like humans who might lose some of their appetite when feeling stressed and anxious, dogs can do the same. A move to a new house, a new pet coming into the family, or the birth of a new baby can all be massive changes to a dog’s routine and your dog might temporarily lose his appetite as he adjusts to the situation. The best thing that you can do is be calm and supportive and help your dog get used to the new normal.
Digestive Issues:
In most cases of a dog who has gone off his food, it’s because they’re dealing with an upset stomach. This often happens because your dog has gone and eaten something that they shouldn’t, and it’s made them feel sick. If your dog is vomiting or has diarrhoea, this is a sign that they’ve probably eaten something dodgy that’s put them off their food. Encourage your dog to drink plenty of water and offer them something plain to eat that will help to settle their stomach.
Dietary Changes:
If you have recently switched your dog to a new diet and you have noticed a difference in their appetite, it could be down to the different food. Keep a close eye on your dog to see if you may need to return to the old food and gradually make the switch to the different diet to help them adjust to it, rather than making a straight swap. Bella and Duke’s raw dog food feeding guide provides you with information on how to switch your dog over to a raw food diet safely and minimise the risk of stomach upset. Along with a feeding guide for raw dog food, you can also order pre-packaged tasty raw food meals that your dog will love.
Other Illnesses:
Sometimes a dog might go off his food due to an underlying infection or health condition. Upper respiratory diseases can often put a dog off their food, or an infection that has caused your dog to develop a fever might leave her not wanting to eat. If you suspect that your dog might have stopped eating due to illness, your vet can help.
Most dogs love food, so if your dog refuses to eat it can be worrying. These are just some of the common reasons for a loss of appetite in dogs. It’s worth speaking to your vet if you are concerned for your dog’s health.
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