For many dogs , feeding time is one of the most exciting moments of the day . Sometimes , all it take is the sound of kibble hitting the bowl to get a frankfurter salivating and scrambling toward their food .
But , mealtime is n’t always so simple . Sometimes , a dog just wo n’t eat , which can be perplexing and distressing for pet parent , who may wonder if their dog is ghastly or simply displeased with what ’s on the menu .
formula developed for picky feeder can help tantalize the gustatory organ of even the most discriminating dogs . But it ’s just as important to get to the bottom of what ’s make your deary ’s picky behavior .
That ’s why we talked to veterinarian Dr. Bryce Zietz , DVM , to attain the most common campaign of poor appetence and picky eating in dogs … and , more importantly , what to do about it .
Why Is My Dog Not Eating?
When your dog block off exhaust , it ’s easy to assume the bad . But , according to Zietz , dogs may seem selective about their food for a all-encompassing variety of reason . For example , “ They may not care certain flavors of foods , or they may have something painful in their mouth that makes them avoid chewing . ”
So how can best-loved parents say what ’s behind their detent ’s poor appetency ? It ’s always a skillful mind to consult your veterinary surgeon if you ’re concerned about your dog ’s pickiness . There are many reason why a dog might discontinue eating , and a thorough veterinary evaluation can help diagnose the job substantially .
Here , Zietz outlined four of the most common causes of pathetic or picky feeding in dog , along with some warning augury to watch out for :
1. Stress
Stress can encounter a role in your dog ’s indisposition to exhaust . Sometimes , if a dog ’s anxiousness level is high enough , “ all other drives ( including hunger ) are deprioritized to make certain they are quick to react to a perceived threat , ” explain Zietz .
Every dog is different , and some are more susceptible to stressors than others . So , if your frankfurter is n’t eating , first look to see if there ’s anything that could be causing them excessive tension , such asbeing leave alone , a new appendage of the family , or a variety in environment . Even something simple , like a new food bowl or routine , might be enough to put your hot dog off their solid food .
2. Pain
If your dog is not eating , look for additional signs , such as extravagant drooling or behavioral change that could indicate pain , suggests Zeitz .
What could be mistaken for pickiness may be a sign of a trouble so severe , that “ they do not want to suffer through the pain in the ass in ordination to eat , ” he tell .
Take a look inside your click ’s mouth to ensure they do n’t have any obvious foreign object sticking inside the gums or any sore or masses , suggests Zeitz . However , it may be difficult for the untrained oculus to see something like a tooth fracture , in which case a dental exam is require .
3. Illness
In addition to sassing botheration , there are many illnesses and infections that may cause pain or other side core so enfeeble , that they could intervene with your wiener ’s appetency , aver Zeitz .
These could range from sickness due to digestive disorders or dietetical indiscretion to more serious illnesses like kidney orliver disease . Allergiesand nutrient sensitiveness can also trigger intestinal distraint that could induce a dog not to eat on .
Because these lawsuit of pathetic appetite are so varied ( and easy to misinterpret ) , it ’s important to consult with a veterinarian for proper examination and diagnosis if your dog ’s picky eating or refusal to eat is accompanied by other symptom , such asvomiting , diarrhoea , lassitude , or weight loss .
4. Pickiness
If your dog is n’t eating but is play normalandyour veterinarian has rule out all the above causes , you may just have a picky eater on your hands .
Some firedog ( like people ) are more particular about their food . Your pet might be bored with their current diet or may have developed an averting to the mode their food tastes , looks , or feels . Additionally , dogs receiving frequent treats or board scraps may become reluctant to eat their regular dog food , in the hope that a advantageously - tasting treat will be coming along in brief .
Regardless of the ground , finding a resolution for particular feeding is just as significant as address the other causes of poor appetite in dogs , to see your pet stick the balanced victuals they need to thrive .
Picky Dog Not Eating Food:How to Help
Having a finicky eater for a dog is n’t something most pet parents are excited about . However , the good intelligence is that there are plenty of methods that can serve get your fussy feeder back on track and enjoying mealtime again .
Here are some top tactics to try :
Switch up your fussy dog ’s diet . Sometimes , all it takes for a picky feeder is a variety in diet . Zeitz recommends switching to a different brand or eccentric of solid food to offend your fussy eater ’s roof of the mouth . However , be sure to transition slowly , bit by bit bestow more and more of the fresh food over the class of a full calendar week . Switching from one solid food straightaway to another too quickly could cause return like digestive upset and looseness of the bowels .
One option is to take care at formulas specifically designed to invoke to fussy feeder .
Appeal to all the senses . Pet parents can try this at home by adding beaver to perk up a dog ’s received fare . Or warm up your detent ’s food for thought up to make it more aromatic and enticing . “ broadly speaking , the more it smells , the more they want it , ” says Zeitz .
For any dietary change , verify to contain them bit by bit , over the course of one calendar week , to avoid potential belly issues that can arise from switching too tight .
Make mealtime fun . Use puzzle feeders or regale toys to make eating more sport and stimulating . If your weenie has to work harder for their repast , it can facilitate combat solid food tedium . Plus , the rhythmic human action of licking to pass on the intellectual nourishment in a difficult - to - get toy may avail repress stress .
How Long Can a Dog Go Without Eating?
It ’s important to address picky eating habits quickly to fend off wellness number that can arise from lasting inadequate nutrition . However , how cursorily you need to play depends on your heel ’s eld or leg of life and overall wellness . Check with your vet if you have any questions or concerns .
Healthy Adult Dog Won’t Eat
For most grownup dogs , if you ’ve tried the tactics above for a calendar week and your click is still not eat well or systematically , then it ’s time for a visit to your veterinarian .
But if you have a puppy , senior dog , or a dog of any old age with a known health consideration , a week is too long to wait . Contact your veterinarian about your dog ’s picky eating as soon as possible .
Puppy Won’t Eat
Puppies have few fat reserves than grownup dogs andcannot survive long without food . If your puppy has not eaten in more than 12 hours , “ they should be examined in someone by your veterinarian to make certain they do n’t have any other health concern or infective disease that are common among puppies , ” recommends Zeitz .
puppy also do n’t have the capacity to regulate their glucose as older dogs do , so going without food for long geological period could lead to modest blood sugar .
Senior Dog Won’t Eat
While senior dogs have larger fat reserve that enable them to treat longer periods of time without food , the same rule apply , according to Zeitz .
“ The long dogs go without food for thought , the more work their bodies do to compensate using alternative methods of glucose production ( more free energy intense ) , ” sound out Zeitz . This is why we can see senior pawl or those with health issues losing body weight and even muscle apace after short flow of wretched or picky feeding .
The veterinarian will most likely do a blood examination to gather data about the inner workings of your deary , says Zeitz . In some slip , this is followed up with an ultrasound or x - ray . However , it may not always be necessary .
Dog Picky Eater:Tips for Success
The bottom line is if you have a goodish dog who ’s refuse to eat food , it ’s perfectly fine to endeavor to entice them to eat , once you ’ve ruled out other causes of short appetite , such as stress , hurting , or illness . If , after a week of hear , flavorsome best , puzzle feeder , and even dog food for picky eaters wo n’t do the trick , confer with with your veterinary surgeon to see if further testing or discourse are necessary to restore your pup ’s appetence and good health .
