Is Your Dog Not Eating? Learn Why This Happens

Is Your Dog Not Eating?

It’s normal to worry about a dog not eating food. Sometimes, the situation arises simply because the dog dislikes the food. Other times, the situation signals a health issue that needs attention. If you have a dog not eating food, assess the situation. Make sure the food you offer you pet is fresh. Old, stale food is not appetizing. If you have other pets, verify the dog not eating food is not snacking from other pet bowls or the garbage. Ask neighbors or other family members if they are giving out snacks to your pet. Your dog may simply be full from treats. Like humans, dogs like variety in their diet. A dog not eating might be bored. Try a different food. This easy solution often leads to immediate positive results. If the dog still does not eat, you’ll need to investigate more. If you find yourself asking “why is my dog not eating,” start by answering the following questions. • Are other health issues apparent? Vomiting? Diarrhea? • How long has the dog gone without food? • How old is the dog? • Is the dog drinking? • What breed of dog do you own? • What has changed in the dog’s lifestyle? • What have you been feeding him/her? Pugs are susceptible to obesity, heart disease, mange and “reverse sneezing.” While reverse sneezing is not dangerous, the lining of the throat becomes irritated. A sore throat makes it uncomfortable when a pug is eating. Canned foods make it easier for a pug not eating to ingest food. Dogs are susceptible to stress. Moving to a new location, the arrival of a new baby and a new pet cause some dogs to stop eating. If you suspect stress, spend additional time with your pet. Try hand feeding the pet and see how the dog responds. While a dog can live for a day without eating, don’t let the situation go on for days without seeing your vet. Dogs not eating food might have a stomach bug that will pass and the dog’s appetite will return. Dogs with a stomach bug tend to act just like humans. There may be vomiting and diarrhea. Monitor the dog closely. If the vomiting and diarrhea last more than a day, see a vet. Many health issues cause a dog to stop eating. They include: • Bowel obstructions • Cancer • Dog pancreatitis • Heart disease • Hormonal disorders • Kidney disease • Liver disease • Tooth decay The age of the dog is a key factor. Is your old dog not eating or do you have a puppy not eating? Puppies cause mischief. Puppies have a babyish urge to put things in their mouth. Socks, ropes and other non-digestible items can cause intestinal blockages that prevent a puppy from eating. If your puppy has eating something it shouldn’t have, surgery may be required to remove the blockage. An older dog might simply have sore teeth or an underlying disease. Again, vet care is necessary.

 

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