Dog doesn't eat anymore
When a dog no longer wants to eat, the concern is of course great. This is understandable, especially if he used to empty his bowl. In this article you will learn what causes a loss of appetite and how to react correctly. Even if the concerns for dog owners are only too understandable, it doesn't always have to be something bad. After reading this article, you won't feel quite so powerless and will know how to react.
The dog does not eat - that can be behind it
The reasons for this behavior can be very diverse. Age, gender, environmental influences such as extreme heat or health problems can all be explanations. If the dog not only has no appetite, but is also in a limp general condition with a fever, listlessness or nausea/vomiting, the four-legged friend must be examined by a veterinarian in any case become. The following other reasons are possible if the dog no longer wants to eat:
- If the dog is older, is his sense of taste fading?
- If it's a bitch, could it be that she's in heat?
- Is it about a male dog: Is there a female dog in heat in the neighborhood? In both cases, it may be that the dog's hormones are partly responsible for its loss of appetite.
- Has there been any stress or major changes in your living environment lately? (Change of owner, location, third-party care, loss of a human or conspecific?)
- Or is the dog possibly sick?
If you have a bitch that is neither spayed nor spayed, then the animal will be twice...
Recognize the cause of loss of appetite and react appropriately
The senior and his failing sense of taste
In older dogs it may well be that it is because of this lining no longer tastes good. However, it is also possible that he has changed energy requirements. As activity decreases, he may need fewer calories and burn his food more slowly. In this case, switching to senior food is worth considering. To increase taste acceptance, you can mix the feed with beef or chicken broth you have cooked yourself without salt and bones infuse Boiled and cooked bones in particular represent dogs pose a risk because they can splinter. Some dogs also like the taste of cottage cheese, which you can also add to their food.
If none of this works, you should take your pensioner to the vet and ask for an examination. Also have the dog's teeth checked. There may be problems with this, which can also lead to food refusal.
The heat in the bitch as a possible cause
When hormones are the only reason for loss of appetite, it is usually temporary. The appetite should return within a short time. The heat puts a great strain on the bitch. So it's perfectly fine to offer her something extra tasty that you know she'll enjoy eating. This can also be pasta, potatoes or rice, for example. You know your housemate best and you know what the biggest feast is for her.
Since hormones also influence a lot in bitches, the bitch may be more clingy than usual and often seeks your closeness. It's not overindulging if you indulge whenever you have the time.
Caution is advised if you notice an unusual and foul-smelling discharge from the bitch during heat and the associated loss of appetite. In this case, a visit to the vet is strongly recommended, because it could be an inflamed uterus. You should have this clarified as soon as possible because it can quickly become life-threatening.
If the loss of appetite during heat does not go away within 1-2 days, a veterinarian examination should also be carried out.
The hormones again: Is there a dog in heat in the neighborhood?
If your male dog, in the best of health, stops eating out of the blue, he may smell a bitch in heat in the neighborhood. This can have a strong hormonal effect, which can also lead to loss of appetite. In addition, when a male dog smells a bitch in heat, it is difficult to calm him down. In this case it has proven useful to keep a special eye on the utilization of the male dog. Tire him out by taking time out for long walks, nose and track work can also help.
For his own safety, the male dog should stay on a leash during this phase and wear an escape-proof harness. It often happens that a male dog leaves no stone unturned to reach the bitch in heat. Great care must therefore be taken to ensure that this does not happen.
After the male has been sufficiently tired and occupied, the appetite will often return. If not, it's perfectly fine to offer him something extra tasty. You know your dog best and you know what he would drop everything for.
If exercise and a special feast for the male do not lead to success, the veterinarian knows what to do. There are ways and means to influence the hormonal balance, but this belongs in expert hands.
Changes in the living environment of the dog
Dogs, just like us, have emotional and psychological emotions. This can also upset their stomachs and spoil their appetite. The possible causes are extremely diverse:
- Was there a second dog or other four-legged friend that recently moved away or passed away?
- Has the dog lost an important person, whether through separation or a long absence?
- Is he in external care?
- Have you moved with the dog, have its living conditions changed massively?
- Did you adopt someone else's dog?
These are some possible causes of a dog temporarily losing its appetite. If everything can be ruled out physically and health-wise, love and patience will help in these cases. However, avoid introducing the dog to one new food after the other, as this too can be an added burden of change.
If the loss of appetite is one of the reasons mentioned, it can also help if you offer the dog its food out of your hand. In this way, you show him a gesture of affection that he may respond to positively. Exercise and exercise can also be supportive and stimulate appetite.
Possible diseases of the dog
If the loss of appetite is accompanied by nausea/vomiting, diarrhea and general fatigue, you should definitely consult a veterinarian very quickly. This also applies if the condition persists for more than two days without you noticing anything else. Many illnesses are not recognizable to the layperson at first glance.
If there are already obvious symptoms, it can mean many things. Clarity and improvement can only bring the fastest possible treatment by the veterinarian.
Whatever may be behind the fact that your dog or dog does not want to eat: I wish yours Four-legged friends and you too, that you can quickly get to the bottom of the cause and rise to the occasion feel.
