Is It Normal For Dogs To Skip Meals?
It is actually quite common for dogs to skip meals occasionally. According to experts, dogs evolved as scavengers which means they are used to going periods of time between finding food sources (https://www.reddit.com/r/dogs/comments/5kbdcs/discussion_does_anyone_elses_dog_just_skip_a_meal/). Dogs can go days without eating and be perfectly fine.
There are a variety of reasons why your dog may skip a meal or two (https://www.nomnomnow.com/learn/article/why-is-my-dog-refusing-dinner):
- Stress or anxiety
- Change in environment or routine
- Decreased appetite due to weather changes
- Illness or medical issue
- Picky eating habits
- Aging
While it’s not unusual for dogs to skip eating occasionally, it’s important to monitor the situation. If your dog is refusing all meals for over a day or two, it could be a sign of a more serious underlying health issue that requires veterinary attention.
When To Worry About Lack Of Appetite
It’s not unusual for dogs to skip a meal or two, especially if they’re being picky eaters or got distracted and forgot to eat. A day or two of decreased appetite generally isn’t a cause for concern. According to the AKC, dogs can go 24-48 hours without eating without experiencing any major health consequences (source).
However, you should become more alert if your dog goes 2-3 days without eating. Prolonged periods of appetite loss, lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhea are signs that something more serious may be going on. Contact your vet immediately if your dog hasn’t eaten for over 48 hours and is displaying concerning symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, or obvious discomfort. A complete loss of appetite for multiple days likely indicates an underlying health issue that requires veterinary attention.
According to PetMD, take your dog to the vet right away if they are a puppy or toy breed and haven’t eaten for over 12 hours. Smaller dogs can become hypoglycemic faster than larger breeds when not eating (source). Don’t wait days to contact your vet if your small dog shows little to no interest in food.
Common Reasons Dogs May Skip Meals
There are several common reasons why dogs may skip meals or show a decreased appetite, even if they are otherwise healthy. Some of the most frequent causes include:
Stress, anxiety, or nervousness from situations like moving to a new home, changes in routine, or introductions to new people or pets. Dogs are sensitive to environmental changes, which can temporarily suppress their appetite (https://www.nomnomnow.com/learn/article/why-is-my-dog-refusing-dinner).
Mild illness like an upset stomach from eating something disagreeable. This may cause a dog to skip a meal or two until they are feeling better.
Weather changes, especially from winter to summer. Some dogs eat less when the weather gets hotter (https://www.veterinarians.org/dog-not-eating/).
Decreased appetite as dogs age, often due to deteriorating senses of smell and taste. Senior dogs may skip meals more frequently.
How to Encourage Your Dog to Eat
There are several tactics you can try to encourage your dog to eat if they are skipping meals:
Try warming up your dog’s food to release more aroma and make it more appetizing. Just microwave wet food for 10-15 seconds or warm up kibble with some warm water or low-sodium chicken broth.[1]
Mix in some of your dog’s favorite food mix-ins to make the meal more tempting. A little shredded chicken, cheese, pumpkin, or wet food mixed into their kibble can make it more enticing.[2]
Try hand feeding your dog and making the meal a more social experience. The extra attention when being hand fed can encourage reluctant eaters.
Experiment with switching up your dog’s proteins, or trying wet or raw food if your dog is bored with kibble. The change may persuade them to eat.[3]
When To Call The Vet
If your dog skips more than one or two meals in a row, it’s time to call the vet. According to the AKC, you should contact your vet if your dog hasn’t eaten for more than 24 hours1. A day or two of missed meals may not be cause for alarm. But if your dog goes longer than that without eating, it can lead to potentially dangerous health complications.
You should also call your vet promptly if your dog is refusing to eat and is showing concerning symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, or obvious signs of pain or discomfort. According to 7 Hills Vet, these symptoms in combination with lack of appetite warrant a vet visit within 8-12 hours2. Your vet can examine your dog, run tests if needed, and get to the bottom of what’s causing the appetite loss.
Skipping meals alongside other symptoms may indicate an underlying health issue requiring treatment. It’s best to get veterinary advice sooner rather than later, as prolonged lack of eating and drinking can quickly become dangerous.
Underlying Health Issues
There are various health issues that could lead to a loss of appetite in dogs. Some of the most common illnesses that may cause a dog to skip meals include:
Kidney Disease – Kidney failure is a common cause of appetite loss in dogs. As toxins build up in a dog’s bloodstream from faulty kidneys, it can make them feel nauseous and unwilling to eat. Symptoms may include increased thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue (Source).
Dental Problems – Dental diseases like gum disease, infections, or broken teeth can cause pain and discomfort when a dog chews. This may make them reluctant to eat their normal food. Bad breath and excessive drooling can be signs of dental issues.
Cancer – Lack of appetite is a common symptom in dogs with cancer. Tumors can disrupt normal metabolic processes and hormones that regulate hunger. The location of the cancer can also cause nausea, pain, or difficulty swallowing.
There are many other possible illnesses that may lead to appetite changes in dogs, like gastrointestinal disorders, pancreatitis, infections, and more. If an underlying condition is suspected, a vet should evaluate the dog’s symptoms and run appropriate diagnostic tests.
Changing Your Dog’s Diet
If you want to transition your dog to a new food, it’s important to do so gradually to avoid gastrointestinal issues. Abruptly changing your dog’s diet can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and decreased appetite. According to WebMD, these symptoms are a result of the digestive tract struggling to adapt to different nutrients and ingredients in the new food.
Before switching foods, consult your veterinarian, especially if your dog has any underlying health conditions. Get their recommendation on an appropriate new diet. When transitioning to the new food, mix a small amount (25% or less) of the new food in with your dog’s current food. Gradually increase the ratio of new food over the course of 5-7 days or more until your dog is eating 100% new food.
Take the transition slowly, watching for any digestive upset. If your dog experiences vomiting or diarrhea, you may need to extend the transition period or temporary go back to a higher ratio of old food. Patience is key, as abruptly switching foods can do more harm than good. Get your vet’s guidance to ensure your dog’s needs are met during this dietary change.
Feeding Schedule Tips
It is generally recommended to feed your dog on a consistent schedule. Feeding at the same times each day can help create a predictable routine that your dog will come to expect.
For adult dogs, most experts suggest feeding twice a day – once in the morning and once in the evening, about 12 hours apart. Puppies may need to be fed 3-4 small meals throughout the day. Check with your veterinarian for recommendations based on your dog’s age, size, and breed.
When establishing a feeding schedule, set down your dog’s food for 10-15 minutes, then promptly pick up any uneaten portion. This can help reinforce that your dog has a limited window to eat their meal. It also prevents grazing throughout the day which can lead to obesity.
Of course, adjustments to the schedule may be needed based on your own schedule. Just try to keep your dog’s mealtimes as consistent as possible day to day.
Having a predictable feeding routine can help promote your dog’s digestion and regulate their bathroom needs. It’s one important part of maintaining your dog’s health and happiness!
Exercising Your Dog
Getting your dog regular physical activity is one of the best ways to stimulate their appetite. Exercise helps increase metabolism and burn calories, which makes dogs hungrier and more likely to eat. According to sources like https://www.wikihow.com/Increase-Appetite-in-Dogs, the appetite-boosting effects of exercise can be significant.
How much and what type of exercise depends on your dog’s age, breed, and health status. Puppies and younger dogs typically need more activity and play. Take puppies on short, frequent walks and have play sessions throughout the day. Adult dogs should get 30-60 minutes of walking per day, depending on breed size and energy level. Senior dogs and dogs with health issues may need shorter, slower paced walks. Retrieve games and swimming are lower impact activities for them.
In addition to physical exercise, mental stimulation through training, games, and toys can help increase your dog’s appetite. Work on basic commands, go on sniff walks, use food puzzle toys. These mentally engaging activities can make your dog hungrier. Just be sure not to overtire your dog.
Check with your vet if you are unsure what exercise is appropriate for your dog. Increasing activity levels gradually is best. Monitor your dog during and after exercise for signs of improved appetite and interest in food.
When To Seek A Vet’s Advice
If your dog is showing concerning symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, or other signs of illness along with loss of appetite, it’s important to seek a vet’s advice. Loss of appetite that persists for more than 1-2 days could indicate an underlying health issue that requires veterinary attention.
According to WebMD, vomiting and diarrhea in conjunction with lack of appetite are key indicators of a medical problem and warrant a call to the vet (WebMD). PetMD also states that any symptoms accompanying loss of appetite should be evaluated by a veterinarian, as they likely point to an illness or condition requiring treatment (PetMD).
Make an appointment with your vet if your dog’s lack of appetite persists more than a day or two, seems associated with other symptoms, or causes significant lethargy. The vet can run tests to determine if there’s an underlying condition, and recommend proper treatment to get your dog eating again.