Coping with a dog that refuses to eat, or only eats occasionally, can be very worrying for dog owners. As dogs cannot tell us what is troubling them or why they are acting the way they are, it is up to us to try to identify what is wrong. What are some common reasons why a dog refuses to eat?
Stale Food Can Be Off-putting to Dogs
Dogs can be picky eaters, just the same as humans. The key is to address the issue and try to tackle it, rather than ignore it. A common reason why dogs refuse to eat is because their food has turned stale. Would you eat food that had been left out all week? It is highly unlikely, and yet many pet owners leave dog food out for days on end and then wonder why their dog refuses to eat.
Make sure to replace the dog’s food each day. Throw out food that has become stale, rather than mixing it in with fresh food in the hope that the dog will eat it. Start off by washing the food bowl before each feed, so that it will be clean, along with fresh food.
Illness Can Affect a Dog’s Appetite
If the dog is ill, he may refuse to eat altogether, or just pick at his food. This cannot be ignored, as a dog that refuses to eat for days on end will grow weaker and require medical intervention to deal with the root cause of the problem. Rather than wait a week or more to take your dog to the veterinarian, make an appointment early on to determine why your dog has stopped eating. If the dog is unwell, the veterinarian will prescribe the best course of treatment so that your furry friend will be back to his old self again.
The Dog Could Be Pregnant
Has your dog been spayed? If not, there is a possibility that your dog became pregnant when she got out recently. One of the symptoms of pregnancy in dogs is morning sickness, and a loss of appetite, just as it is during a human pregnancy. If there is a possibility that your dog could be pregnant, this can be confirmed by a veterinarian, who will then advise you on how best to care for your pregnant dog.
Coping with a dog that won’t eat can be challenging and worrying. Try to work out what is wrong before jumping to conclusions. Some common reasons why dogs refuse to eat include stale food, illness and pregnancy. Speak to your veterinarian if your dog’s symptoms persist, so that the dog can be examined to determine what is wrong.