For dog owners, there is absolutely nothing as disturbing as a dog that won’t eat. Among all possible reasons, we trimmed down 3 reasons why your dog lacks appetite. Changes in your dog’s food cravings may make you worry, fear the unknown and of course the possible high veterinary bills. These factors can cause a dog owner anxiety. The lack of appetite can be a common symptom of many possible diseases or abnormal conditions. As a dog parent, your natural tendency is to ask Google first before consulting any veterinarian. In this article, we will discuss the three possible reasons why your dog may lack appetite.
Hunger is physical and appetite is mental. Lack of appetite in dogs may be caused by both physical and mental disturbances. Physically, your dog may actually want to eat. However, there may be physical constrictions that makes them have a hard time picking up food, chewing or swallowing. Mentally, there are many possible reasons including interactions with medications or other behavioral issues. Below are the three common reasons for your dog’s lack of appetite.
Reaction to Medications
Immunizations are paramount to your dog’s wellbeing, yet they can lead to some serious side effects. One of these side effects is a loss of appetite. If your dog was recently vaccinated or put on a new medication, call your veterinarian to inquire if this may have caused loss of appetite. Appetite disturbance from an antibody response often lasts only 24 hours, so make certain to speak with your veterinarian in case this condition persists.
Dental Problems
A tooth infection can also make it difficult for your dog to eat. Broken teeth, periodontal ailment, and foreign bodies lodged in your dog’s mouth all makes chewing difficult. This may require a visit to your veterinarian to determine the cause and remedy. If your dog is lying by his food and not eating, or has thick, rank spit and is pawing at his mouth, you should seek the attention of your veterinarian.
Environmental Changes
Dogs can react to environmental changes and stressful circumstance similarly to humans. All dogs show some level of response to unpleasant circumstances and new conditions with a decline in appetite. For example, some dogs don’t eat at all when their owners leave them with a pet sitter for a couple of days.
Dogs can react to environmental changes and stressful circumstance similarly to humans. All dogs show some level of response to unpleasant circumstances and new conditions with a decline in appetite. For example, some dogs don’t eat at all when their owners leave them with a pet sitter for a couple of days.
Dogs can react to environmental changes and stressful circumstance similarly to humans. All dogs show some level of response to unpleasant circumstances and new conditions with a decline in appetite. For example, some dogs don’t eat at all when their owners leave them with a pet sitter for a couple of days.
Dogs can endure a 1-2 days without eating, however, if your dog hasn’t eaten for 24 hours or longer you should contact your veterinarian.