There are different types of anorexia.
True anorexia is when your dog simply refuses to eat – this is often associated with serious illnesses. Pseudo-anorexia is another type which is when your dog is hungry and really wants to eat, goes to the food bowl, but can’t eat due to a difficulty chewing or swallowing.
If your dog stops eating for a day or two, but is otherwise active and alert, then it’s ok to keep a close eye on them initially. You could offer them some bland home cooked food like boiled chicken and rice, which is a tasty but easily digestible diet. Try warming it up a little in the microwave, as this sometimes will entice them to eat. You could offer smaller meals more frequently. Take away any leftovers that they haven’t eaten within 15 minutes and offering again a few hours later. Avoid chopping and changing the diet and offering too many different types of food. Sometimes a quick change in food can cause an upset tummy, which may complicate matters. Be careful to avoid any toxic foods such as onions and garlic.
If your dog is quiet, not themselves, or displaying any other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness or lethargy; or has not eaten at all for 2 days then you should seek veterinary attention.
Possible Reasons your dog is Lethargic & has a Lack of Appetite in Diamond Bar
Parasitic, Bacterial and Viral Infections – Infections causing lethargy and lack of appetite range from a simple case of a kennel cough; a respiratory disease treated with antibiotics, to more serious infections such as distemper, parvovirus or heartworm disease. Following initial symptoms of extreme tiredness and lack of appetite, dogs suffering distemper and parvovirus will also have diarrhea, eye and nose discharge and fever. Lethargy, food avoidance, and fever are also classic symptoms of a heartworm infection that demand immediate attention from our pet emergency clinic veterinarian.
Organic/Metabolic Diseases -Liver disease, heart disease, hypoglycemia, and diabetes will make your dog stop eating and sleep excessively. Early symptoms of possible heart problems include shunning exercise, rapid breathing, and loss of appetite. In addition to lethargy and refusing to eat, signs of liver disease are abdominal bloating, depression and jaundice of the eyes. Dogs with diabetes may not eat much but will drink larger than normal amounts of water. They may lose weight, seem withdrawn and have little energy to do any of their favorite play activities. While weakness and lethargy are the first signs of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in dogs, hypoglycemia may not affect their appetite as much as diabetes or liver/heart disease.
Infections That May be a Pet Emergency
Most dogs coming to our veterinary hospital in Diamond Bar with skin staph infections just need antibiotic cream to eliminate the infection. In a few cases, staph infections that are internally based may require pet emergency surgery involving insertion of a stent to drain fluid and surgical removal of tissue infected by staph bacteria.
What to do when your dog not eating food or drinking water l Tips on LOSS OF APPETITE l
Today, our Los Angeles veterinarians talk about some common reasons why your dog might skip a meal, what to do if your dog isnt eating, and the signs that it might be an emergency.
When your dog refuses to eat, it can be a stressful situation. Is it a simple upset stomach or something more serious? If your dog misses one meal but otherwise appears healthy, a trip to the vet is probably unnecessary. If you have any concerns, you can always consult your veterinarian.
If your dog hasnt eaten in over 12 hours with no obvious cause or is exhibiting any other symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy this may be an emergency and you should call or bring your dog in for emergency care as soon as possible.
