Delicious roasted chicken paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Delicious roasted chicken paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
An Orange cat eating from a bowl filled with mixed food
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Your dog hasn't been eating his food lately, and you don't know what to do. You're wondering how to get a dog to eat, but more importantly, how to figure out why he stopped eating in the first place. Take time to learn why your dog won't eat and how you can help.
Stressful situations and changes in your dog's environment might be the cause for his temporary refusal to eat. Has anything changed in your pet's life recently? It could be something major, like a move to a new home or starting doggy day care, or minor, like a family member leaving for a weekend trip. These changes in your pet's life might upset his eating habits. While this is certainly alarming, stressful situations and environmental changes tend to be temporary issues. If they last much longer or your dog shows other signs of stress and anxiety (like soiling in the house or destroying furniture), contact your veterinarian.
A change in cuisine could also be to blame. Just like humans, dogs have opinions on what food they do or do not enjoy. Your pet may be simply snubbing his nose at his kibble, especially if you've recently changed flavors or brands. Don't rule out the possibility that the food you're serving your pet might have spoiled; make sure to check the expiration on the packaging. You can follow these helpful tips if your dog is a picky eater.
Loss of appetite may be a major sign that something is physically wrong with your pet. Your dog may be suffering from dental problems, making it difficult to chew and swallow. Other medical issues could range from an infection to even cancer or liver failure. If you suspect an illness as the cause of your pet's sudden decision to stop eating, make an appointment with your vet to run some tests immediately.
Look for other signs beyond not eating that might be pointing to a health related reason. For instance, if your dog has been having diarrhea or even hasn't pooped in a couple of days, he might be having some GI upset. Is he acting particularly lethargic or withdrawn? A dog that is still active and excited typically means he feels fine, so it might just be him being picky, but not eating combined with other signs can be a good indication of a health concern and you should take him to the vet to get checked.
Also, be sure to check his water intake. If he is not eating, but is drinking water he could potentially just be a picky eater. Monitor him for a day or two and see if his appetite changes. If not, and he still only continues to drink water, you should consult your vet. If he is not eating or drinking, you need to call your vet immediately. Dogs should not go a single day without drinking water.
Medication can be another potential reason your dog is eating less. While medicines and vaccinations help keep your dog healthy, sometimes an animal experiences side effects. You should monitor your dog after he is given medication and call your vet if his poor appetite lasts longer than 24 hours.
If you can identify why your dog won't eat, you're one step ahead of the game. Treating the underlying issue may get your pet to resume a healthy eating schedule. If issues linger, there are some things you can do to get your pet eating again. First, are you feeding your dog table scraps or overfeeding treats? If so, stop right away. Healthy eating starts with regular mealtimes, not off-the-clock snacking.
Adjusting how you feed your dog may help, too. For example, if your furry friend is suffering from anxiety, you might want to consider feeding him away from other animals. If he's bored with eating, make dinner time more fun by using a puzzle or toy that dispenses his food.
Finally, it's best to make an appointment with your vet if you can't get your dog to eat healthy, normal meals again. Going without food for too long can lead to malnutrition or dehydration. Your vet will help you determine why your dog is experiencing a loss of appetite and give you tips on how to get him eating again.
Erin Ollila believes in the power of words and how a message can inform—and even transform—its intended audience. Her writing can be found all over the internet and in print, and includes interviews, ghostwriting, blog posts, and creative nonfiction. Erin is a geek for SEO and all things social media. She graduated from Fairfield University with an M.F.A. in Creative Writing. Reach out to her on Twitter @ReinventingErin or learn more about her at http://erinollila.com.
Supports lean muscle, for dogs who prefer smaller kibble
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Delicious roasted chicken paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Delicious roasted chicken paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
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Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.