Does the food look and smell okay?
With the tainted food issues hopefully behind us, some owners confessed that their dogs categorically refused foods that were on the tainted food list but their owners fussed them to eat until they eventually did. Give your dog the benefit of doubt, and check if the dog food smells and looks okay. Also, search for any recent recalls and call your dog food dealer to check if anybody reported anything unusual.
How to Get Your Dog’s Appetite Back
Your dog has always been an avid eater. As a matter of fact, he has always gulped down his meal in seconds, and he has always made daily trips under your kitchen table just looking for a few crumbs. Yet, a day comes where he categorically refuses his food. Concerned, you start wondering if he may be sick or if he has suddenly become a fussy eater.
Some dogs can be extremely finicky. They may turn their nose away from foods they dislike. Dealing with such dogs may be annoying as owners find themselves continuously rotating between different dog food brands to satisfy their dogs special cravings.
However, in many cases, a loss of appetite may suggest a health ailment. This is why before considering your dog finicky, it is a good idea to have your vet rule out some conditions such as tooth problems, kidney or liver problems, or cancer.
Of course, there are many other health disorders that cause loss of appetite in dogs; this is why it is vital to rule out these conditions prior to simply considering your dog a finicky eater. Consider if there is a female dog in heat nearby—your male dog may no longer be interested in food. Below you may find some helpful tips that may shed some light on this mysterious case of “empty stomach syndrome.”
Are Dogs Supposed To Eat All Their Food At Once?
There’s no rule that says dogs should eat all their food straight away. But it may become a concern if they end up eating little only a small amount of food. While It’s not uncommon for dogs to eat halfway or skip meals some days, eating little to no food for longer than 3 days may warrant that you get them checked.
There is no reason to be worried if your pooch leaves behind a handful of kibble in his bowl. All you may need to do is just cut down on the amount of food you serve them.
Although some dog owners believe free feeding is a great way to minimize leftovers and ensure your dog finishes his food, you could be putting your pooch at the risk of being overweight besides the practice being unsanitary. Your furry friend should have a feeding schedule and it should last for about 15 to 20 minutes before the food bowl is removed. Make your dog understand that once he misses any food session he can never get the meal back.
Common Reasons Why A Dog Stops Eating
Whether youâve had pet dogs for years or youâve just adopted your first puppy, it can be very distressing when your dog wonât eat. There are a variety of reasons for loss of appetite in dogs. Its important to determine the cause in order to design the best treatment plan.
The first thing to keep in mind is how youâre judging your dogâs appetite. If youâre concerned because your dog isnât eating as much as the guidelines state on the food you purchase, remember that these are only averages. Many perfectly healthy dogs eat only 60% to 70% of the amount stated on the packaging.
Because loss of appetite in dogs can indicate illness, it is important to seek veterinary care if you notice changes in your dogâs eating habits. It is especially important to respond promptly to a refusal to eat in dogs that usually eat well.
Even though most dogs can go a couple of days without food with no significant bad effects, it is best to address the problem as early as possible.
Just like in people, there are a variety of reasons dogs might refuse to eat. These include: