Why is my dog refusing to eat?
How to identify the problem?
What to do if your dog won’t eat?
When should you see a vet?
Loss of appetite in dogs is a common issue, and the causes can range from hot weather to serious illnesses. However, it is crucial to identify and resolve the issue, as a dog cannot survive without proper nutrition.
Possible causes of appetite loss
Heat. Dogs often refuse to eat during the summer when it’s too hot outside.
Illness. If the cause is poisoning or a disease, appetite loss is usually accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea.
Depression, stress. In such a state, dogs often refuse food, become lethargic, exhibit passive behavior, and lose interest in things they used to enjoy.
Unappealing food.
Age.
How to identify the problem
To determine why your dog refuses to eat, observe their overall condition and behavior. If there are no severe symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or breathing difficulties, you can consult a groomer or veterinarian for advice on how to proceed. Sometimes, the cause may not be serious.
For example, seasonal appetite fluctuations – during hot weather, dogs may eat less but drink more water. Activity level also plays a role: the less energy your pet expends, the less frequently they need to eat. Consider your dog’s age—older dogs are less active and require fewer calories.
Stress can also lead to appetite loss, such as moving to a new home, changes in their environment (missing favorite toys, being left alone for extended periods), or a fright. If you’ve switched their diet, they may refuse unfamiliar food.
These reasons are usually not critical, so there’s no need to panic. Most of the time, it’s best to wait it out and observe. However, if you want to be cautious, consult a specialist.
Ways to stimulate appetite
Methods to improve a dog’s appetite are directly related to the underlying cause of its loss. Analyze what changes led to reduced eating behavior.
If the issue is caused by environmental changes (loud noises, moving to a new home, unfamiliar people or animals, or even a shift in routine), stress is likely the reason. In this case, try to keep your pet calm or distract them with something engaging, such as more frequent walks, increased physical activity, or interactive games. Remember that dogs sense their owner’s emotions, so improving your mood can also help your pet.
If the appetite loss is due to a diet change, try offering different food or gradually transitioning your pet to the new diet to prevent stress.
In hot weather, you can’t change the climate, but you can reduce its effects on your pet. Keep the room cool, walk your dog during cooler parts of the day, provide plenty of water, and encourage interaction with it. Avoid excessive physical exertion during hot periods.
Elderly dogs often lose their appetite due to weakened organs (kidney, liver, or digestive issues). In such cases, avoid heavy and hard foods. Instead, opt for wet food, broths, and small portions. Regular vet check-ups will help monitor the condition of internal organs, teeth, and gums.
In cases of poisoning, veterinary intervention and prescribed medication are necessary. After overcoming the acute phase, follow a strict diet with small portions of easily digestible food, making it more appealing—vet-approved wet food, broth, boiled skinless chicken fillet, mashed potatoes without spices or oil, steamed or boiled apple, and boiled rice. If your dog shows improvement after a few days, gradually transition back to its regular diet.
When to see a veterinarian
It’s not always easy to determine why your dog has lost its appetite, especially when no other symptoms are present. If your dog refuses to eat for several days, it’s best to consult a specialist.
If your dog experiences vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or breathing difficulties, do not wait—seek veterinary care immediately. The underlying issue could be serious, and delaying treatment might lead to irreversible consequences.
In general, we recommend regular vet check-ups. Some hidden symptoms only become noticeable when it’s too late, making treatment difficult or even impossible.
We hope these tips will be helpful to you. Our V.O.G DOG SALON grooming salons are always here to support you in any challenging situations. Wishing good health to you and your pets!
