Why is My Senior Dog Always Hungry?
Does your dog appear to have an insatiable appetite? Some canines keep following you around the house (right after finishing their meal) in hope of getting crumbs and snacks. It doesn’t always imply that they aren’t receiving enough food. Several other reasons could also be responsible for this behavior. Let’s discuss some of the most common causes.
Experts believe that wolves gained the unique ability to trick humans into giving them scraps of food. Dogs have also developed this feature over the years to obtain food and treats from their owners. This is why it becomes difficult for some owners to ignore their pup when he/she gives you “the look”. However, falling in this trap will encourage your dog to make it a habit as it increases their odds of getting more food.
In a way, our dogs have taught us to give them food when they beg for it. That does not necessarily imply that your dog is hungry; they may want a taste of those yummy human treats.
Some dogs adore eating and will always eat when given a snack or meal, but if your dog is constantly hungry, it might be a sign of an underlying health problem. Several frequent diseases might cause your dog’s appetite to become excessive. If your dog is suddenly behaving hungrier than usual, consult your veterinarian to make sure it isn’t a sign of a significant health problem.
According to this study on dog portions and meal intake, certain occurrences of overeating and obesity in domesticated dogs relate to their owners’ feeding habits. Many dogs, probably due to their wild origin, have a “eat when food is available” mindset, and they may take food merely because they get rather than because they are hungry.
The grey wolf is the closest wild relative of a domesticated dog and has a feast-or-famine diet. They eat a lot while food is available since their next meal might be days away. This canine instinct might be one of the reasons why your dog always feels hungry.
Why is My Senior Dog Hungry All the Time?
If your canine partner is constantly hungry, the situation might be concerning. It can frequently lead to negative behavior on your dog’s side (such as begging). You should take your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible to get him back to his usual level of health. There are several reasons for a senior dog’s increased appetite and some of them are as follows.
This is one of the leading reasons why your senior dog is hungry all the time. Although exercise is good for mental and physical health, the energy levels of your pup must be considered. Older canines don’t have the same zeal and their exercise routine needs to be updated. Otherwise, your dog will need more food than usual.
Several gastrointestinal problems can also cause increased appetite in senior dogs. They increase the metabolism of your pooch and he/she will feel hungry all the time. For example, an increased rate of gastric emptying can lead to increased appetite.
Lack of nutrients can keep your older pup hungry even after eating their food. The dietary needs of senior dogs are different from young pups and you must have balanced meal plan for them. A senior dog lacks essential nutrients and therefore demands a nutritious diet. Consult your vet and discuss the specific dietary requirements to come up with a suitable diet for your old friend.
Diabetes is very common in senior dogs and can be responsible for their increased diet. It affects the body’s capacity to generate or respond to insulin. This increases the level of sugars in the blood and will result in frequent urination. The extra glucose in the body can’t be absorbed and is excreted out. Hence, your dog will experience increased appetite because the needs of the body are not fulfilled.
The overproduction of the hormone cortisol causes Cushing’s Disease in dogs. It is one of the most prevalent endocrine abnormalities in dogs and is also known as hyperadrenocorticism. Cushing’s disease can cause an increase in hunger due to an excess of glucocorticoid, a hormone that helps canines cope with stress.
When is a dog considered to be mature or senior?
Dogs are mature when they reach half of their anticipated life expectancy and senior when they are in the last 25% of their expected lifespan. Small breed dogs tend to live longer than large and giant breeds, so large and giant breed dogs are considered to be senior between 5 and 8 years of age while small breed dogs are considered to be senior at 8-10 years of age. The term geriatric is used when a dog has lived beyond the average lifespan for their breed and size.
At these approximate mid-life points, it is common for dogs to gain some weight and exhibit age-related physical and behavior changes. But before you consider switching to a senior dog food formula, it is important to first consult with your dogs veterinarian for a thorough physical and metabolic evaluation. Since many of the diseases commonly found in older dogs can be detected early on, your dogs veterinarian may recommend a nutrient profile to deal specifically with any current medical concerns.
A nutrient profile is a specific and unique combination of protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamins, and minerals. The nutrient profile of a senior dog will differ from that of a puppy. It will also differ based on your dogs size and health – the nutrient profile of a healthy senior dog will be quite different than the nutrient profile for a senior dog with kidney disease.
Senior Dogs Habitual Behavior Problems
Every dog has different nutritional needs, and senior dogs are no exception. Once your beloved pup reaches his golden years, it can be even tougher to understand his shifting dietary requirements. This can often leave pet parents with a lot of questions: Is “senior dog food” necessary? What is the best senior dog food on the market? What do you do if your senior dog refuses to eat? While youre here, check out our success story on how our fresh dog food helped to improve Bailey, a 13-year-old lab mixs life.
Check out the answers from our pet nutrition experts to some of the most common questions we receive about senior dogs below.