Pet Eating Problems: Why Won't My Dog Eat?

Is your dog not eating their food, even though it's usually gone in seconds? There are quite a few reasons why a dog may stop eating out of nowhere. Our Thornton vets discuss some of the most common reasons, as well as how to respond when your dog won't eat.

Is Your Dog Not Eating?

Dogs who are not eating, usually do so because of environmental or behavioral reasons, or because of an underlying medical condition that could require urgent care and even surgery.

But that doesn't mean you need to freak out because your dog misses one meal. 

As humans, sometimes we aren't hungry when mealtime comes either. It's okay if your dog misses a meal or two, but anything more than that, especially if you notice changes in their stool, you should consult a veterinarian.

We will discuss some of the more common examples of each, and provide information on how your doggy's issues can best be resolved.

Behavioral & Environmental

There are many reasons why your dog won't eat anymore. Some minor causes can be environmental or behavioral issues such as separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods of time (this would likely cause the dog to refrain from eating only when left alone). Even the absence of a family member/owner can result in a loss of appetite. Inconsistently feeding your dog, or inconsistent sleeping hours could also be a quick and easy solution. Dogs are creatures of habit, so often, any change in routine can affect what they will or won't eat.

If your pup has stopped eating, changes in their typical environment could be the issue. You may notice a loss of appetite if your family introduces a new pet to their environment, drastic changes in weather, and other stressors that take your doggy out of their comfort zone.  

Medical Conditions

Medical conditions that could lead to a loss of appetite can range from minor concerns that could go away on their own, to possibly fatal conditions that need to be taken seriously immediately. Even if you assume your dog's lack of appetite is due to a behavioral/environmental reason or a minor medical condition, do not take the risk of letting your pet go untreated. 

Some medical conditions that would lead to your dog's lack of appetite include:

Another good way to tell if there is a medical reason why your dog may not be eating is to pay close attention to your pet's feces. Is it normal? Is it too hard? Do they have diarrhea? These can indicate something is medically wrong with your pup.

If you notice any of these symptoms present in your dog, please contact a veterinarian.

A rare medical condition that can be present is dog anorexia. Anorexia in dogs is not the same level of a medical condition as it is in humans. Doggy anorexia can be either partial or complete. Partial Anorexia is when a dog will only eat certain types of food, but not enough that can keep them healthy. If your dog won’t eat anything at all, you may be looking at complete dog anorexia. Pseudo-anorexia in dogs is another condition in which a dog wants to eat, but is unable to due to another ongoing issue.

What You Can Do

If your dog has, or you expect they have a medical condition, contacting a veterinarian is crucial as it will give your pet the best chance at a strong and speedy recovery.

Here are some general tips that could help get your dog's eating habits back on track if their appetite is not a medical condition:

• Be sure that your dog is getting the necessary amount of attention and exercise that they deserve
• Be patient and supportive with your dog and do not force-feed them
• Try to avoid feeding your pet table scraps
• Keep them on a consistent routine that is easy for you to maintain
• Cut back on the number of treats you give your dog
• Mix up the food you give your dog (switch from dry to wet food or vice versa, add dressing or sauce to dry food, etc.)

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.