Most dogs thoroughly enjoy feeding time, although some are pickier eaters than others. But when your dog starts turning up his nose every time you serve up his dinner or seems to be refusing to eat altogether, it’s time to take action. Below a Darien vet answers the question of why dogs sometimes stop eating and how you can help get things back on track.
Common Causes of Eating Problems
It’s actually quite common for dogs to sometimes refuse a meal from time to time. Just like us, our canine companions can experience stomach aches or they simply may just not be very hungry at the time. The real concern arises when a dog is turning down meals more frequently. The first step in determining the cause of the problem is to pay a visit to your Darien vet. You want to make sure there aren’t any underlying medical issues causing your dog’s lack of appetite.
Picky Eaters
Simply put, some dogs are just picky eaters. While they may drool over one type of food, they may launch into a full-blown hunger strike if something else is placed in their bowl. Try different foods until you find a few that your dog likes and then stick with them. Your Darien vet can provide some recommendations as well.
Stress
Dogs can experience stress just like humans, and one of the symptoms can be a loss of appetite. If you notice your pup suddenly seems disinterested in dinner, consider whether there have been any major changes recently. Sometimes even just having other people or animals in the home can make a dog feel uncomfortable about eating. Address the cause of the stress and you’ll likely resolve your dog’s eating issues.
Medications
Some of the medications that we give our pets can have side effects that include loss of appetite. If your dog is on any type of medication, talk to your Darien vet to see if that could be what’s causing the problem and to discuss possible alternatives.
As loving dog owners, we want our four-legged family members to be happy and healthy. Eating a nutritious and regular diet is part of keeping your pet in optimum health. If you’ve noticed that your pooch hasn’t been himself lately when it comes to eating, consider the things mentioned here and discuss it with your Darien vet so you can help your pet overcome the problem and regain a healthy appetite once again.