Thursday, July 28, 2011

My Dog Has Stopped Eating

By Wayne Harley


Afraid because your dog isn't gobbling down his favorite chow like he usually does? I know if my dog ever quit eating, it would be a sure sign something could be not quite right. As of now she tap dances on her hind legs with excitement as we take her cup of chow from its container to her dish. Then she inhales it like its about to run away then immediately starts asking for more.

While a loss of appetite can be a sign of something wrong, it doesn't always. It is an area for concern. Below are some possible causes why your dog isn't eating.

Illness. If your dog isn't eating the amount it usually does it is often a sign of sickness. Appetite loss in dogs is typically accompanied by other symptoms simultaneously. Early veterinary attention is important because it could be a sign of major sickness, possibly including cancer, infections, dental disease, pain, liver problems, and kidney failure. If you're worried your dog's loss of appetite may be due to illness, read up on some of our additional articles on the possible illnesses connected with your dogs loss of appetite.

Recent vaccination. Dog vaccinations can sometimes have bad side effects. This can consist of a passing failure of appetite in dogs.

Travel and strange environment. If your dog's hunger level was normal until you took him on a trip or moved to a new house, it could be that your dog won't eat because of traveling or the unusual settings. This is actually pretty common. Our dog is quite opposed to any routine change such as this, and it can take her quite a bit of time to get settled when visiting a new place. A few animals may get motion sickness, and others get nervous or unsettled in new places.

Pickiness or conduct issues. Our dog loves to eat, but there is a certain flavor of food she just won't eat. It was quite hilarious observing her eat it then spit it back out considering some of the other strange objects shes consumed that she wasn't supposed to. Some dogs are just picky eaters, so you may just need to try a different food. Another explanation for why they may have stopped eating is because they're being fed in situations where they aren't comfortable, such as near an aggressive dog or from a bowl at too low or too high of height level.

Due to the fact that your dog's loss of appetite may be due to an illness, don't wait to have it checked out. If you don't think any of the above seem like it could be the issue, and your dog is in anguish or getting sicker or weaker from lack of food, see your vet as soon as possible.




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