Introduction
It’s always worrisome when our canine companions stop eating normally. A dog refusing food but still interested in drinking water is often a sign of an underlying issue. While appetite changes are common in dogs, an extended decrease in food intake coupled with normal water consumption can indicate certain health problems. Knowing when to be concerned and how to get your dog eating again is key to their wellbeing.
Appetite Loss in Dogs
It’s not unusual for dogs to go through periods of decreased appetite or refuse food altogether, but ongoing appetite loss can indicate an underlying health issue. There are many potential reasons for appetite loss in dogs, including:
– Illness or pain – Dogs often lose interest in food when feeling sick or sore. Conditions like gum disease, viral infections, kidney disease, cancer and other chronic illnesses can lead to inappetence.
– Stress or anxiety – Changes to their environment, routine, family members, a new pet in the home, or loud noises like fireworks can cause stress that diminishes appetite.
– Effects of aging – An older dog’s sense of taste and smell can decline, making food less appealing. Dental issues or difficulty chewing can also develop.
– Medication side effects – Drugs like antibiotics, steroids or NSAIDs may reduce appetite as a side effect.
– Picky eating – Some dogs are just finicky and may go through phases of reduced eating.
– Weather changes – Hot temperatures can lower appetite in dogs. Dehydration may also be a factor.
While appetite fluctuations are normal at times, ongoing refusal to eat is a cause for concern. Monitoring the duration of appetite loss and any other symptoms can help determine if veterinary attention is needed.
When to Worry
There are certain signs that indicate a potentially serious underlying issue if your dog is not eating. According to PetMD, you should contact your veterinarian if your dog shows any of the following concerning symptoms along with loss of appetite:
- Lethargy or weakness
- Repeated vomiting
- Diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of coordination or trouble standing up
- Weight loss
- Dehydration
- Pale gums
- Fever
As per WagWalking, if your dog is refusing to eat for more than 24 hours, it could lead to potentially dangerous health complications [1]. You should monitor your dog closely and contact your vet if any of these signs arise along with loss of appetite.
Dietary Changes
One of the most common reasons for appetite loss in dogs is a change in diet. When transitioning to a new dog food, it is important to do so gradually over the course of 5-7 days. As noted in How to Switch Dog Foods: Transitioning Your Dog’s Diet, you should slowly incorporate more of the new food while decreasing the old food. A gradual transition gives your dog’s digestive system time to adapt to the new food.
According to How to Switch Your Dog’s Food, start by mixing a ratio of 75% old food and 25% new food. Over the course of a week, decrease the old food while increasing the new food in increments of 25%. Changing foods too quickly can result in gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, and vomiting. A gradual transition helps avoid these negative side effects that may further suppress your dog’s appetite.
Food Presentation
One simple way to make dry dog food more enticing is to moisten it with warm water. The heat and moisture help release aromas from the kibble that make it more appealing to your dog. Allow the food to sit for a few minutes after adding warm water so the kibble can soak it up. Just make sure not to add so much that the food becomes soggy or loses its texture.
You can also mix in some plain yogurt, cottage cheese, broth, or canned food into the kibble. The change in texture and flavor can make the food more interesting. Start with just a tablespoon or two mixed in. You don’t need much to coat the kibble and provide a flavor boost.
Try scheduling meals instead of leaving food out all day. Feed your dog at regular times and pick up uneaten food after 15-20 minutes. This creates a sense of routine while limiting food boredom from having it available 24/7. It can also help motivate your dog to eat within that window while the food is fresh.
Reference: https://avodermnatural.com/blog/hhow-to-make-dry-dog-food-more-appealing-to-finicky-eaters/
Exercise
Regular exercise is extremely important for stimulating your dog’s appetite and encouraging him to eat more. Physical activity helps burn calories, leaving your dog feeling hungry and eager to refuel. According to WikiHow, exercise can really boost the appetite-improving effects for your dog. Try taking your dog for a long walk, run, or swimming session to get his appetite going. The American Kennel Club also recommends playing fetch or engaging your dog in other rigorous activities. Make sure your dog gets at least 30-60 minutes of activity per day. Just be careful not to overexercise your dog if he is elderly or has medical issues. The goal is to stimulate his appetite, not exhaust him completely.
As noted on HolistaPet, when dogs exercise more, their bodies will crave food to use as energy. Physical activity causes their metabolism to speed up as their muscles work harder. This leads to increased hunger after exercise. So don’t be surprised if your dog seems extra hungry after a good workout session. Take advantage of your dog’s post-exercise appetite boost to encourage him to eat. Try feeding your dog shortly after exercising when his appetite will be elevated.
Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety are common causes for a loss of appetite in dogs. Things in a dog’s environment can trigger anxiety that leads to appetite issues. Some environmental factors that may cause stress and anxiety include:
- Changes in routine – Dogs are creatures of habit and changes like moving homes, introducing new pets, or schedule disruptions can cause anxiety.
- Loud noises – Noises from thunderstorms, fireworks, or construction can stress dogs.
- Being left alone – Separation anxiety from being left home alone for long periods is common.
- Travel – Car rides or other travel situations are stressful for some dogs.
- New people – Some dogs are anxious around strangers or guests in the home.
Stress hormones released when a dog is anxious can suppress appetite. Creating a calm environment and providing enrichment activities when left alone can help relieve anxiety. Consult a veterinarian or animal behaviorist if anxiety is severe.
Medical Causes
There are several medical conditions that can cause appetite loss in dogs. Some common diseases include:
- Kidney disease – Kidneys help filter waste from the blood. As they fail, toxins build up and cause a loss of appetite.
- Liver disease – The liver helps digest food and remove toxins. Liver problems lead to a lack of nutrients and appetite loss.
- Diabetes – Uncontrolled diabetes inhibits proper digestion and causes excessive thirst and urination, reducing appetite.
- Dental disease – Bad teeth and gum infections cause mouth pain, making eating uncomfortable.
- Cancer – Tumors disrupt normal body processes like digestion and suppress hunger signals.
Certain medications can also reduce appetite as a side effect, such as:
- Antibiotics – Antibiotics like chloramphenicol can cause nausea and vomiting.
- Steroids – Drugs like prednisone may initially stimulate appetite but can decrease it long-term.
- Chemotherapy – Cancer medications damage healthy cells along with tumors, hampering digestion.
If your dog is on any medications, speak to your vet about possible side effects. Never discontinue prescribed medications without medical supervision.
When to See a Vet
If your dog is not eating for more than a day or two, it’s time to call the vet. Loss of appetite is one of the first signs that your dog may be ill. According to the AKC, you should take your dog to the vet if they haven’t eaten for more than 24 hours and are lethargic or vomiting (AKC).
There are several red flags that signal an urgent vet visit is needed. These include:
- Not eating or drinking for over 24 hours
- Vomiting or diarrhea in addition to not eating
- Lethargy, weakness, or inability to stand
- Bloated or distended abdomen
- Difficulty breathing
- Yellowing of the gums, skin, or eyes (jaundice)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Oral bleeding or abnormal gum color
If your dog is displaying any of these symptoms along with loss of appetite, take them to the emergency vet right away. Prompt veterinary care can help diagnose the underlying cause and get your dog back to eating normal again.
Conclusion
In summary, there are several potential reasons why your dog may have lost interest in eating but is still drinking water. Some simple things to try at home include switching up their diet, making their food more enticing, ensuring they get enough exercise, and minimizing stress. However, persistent appetite loss or any other concerning symptoms warrant a visit to the veterinarian, as it could indicate an underlying health issue requiring treatment. Don’t hesitate to seek professional advice if your dog’s loss of appetite does not resolve on its own within a day or two.
The most important takeaways are to monitor your dog closely, look for any other signs of illness, try simple diet and lifestyle changes first, but don’t delay contacting your vet if your dog seems unwell. With attentive care from pet owners and vets, most cases of appetite loss can be managed successfully.