Dog won't eat

It's not uncommon for dogs to completely or partially refuse their food. A distinction is made between anorexia (a complete lack of appetite) and inappetence (the dog eats significantly less than usual or only particularly palatable food).

Both forms are very nonspecific, however, which is why many reasons for such behavior in dogs must be considered. It is important to try to determine these reasons. If a dog refuses food for an extended period, this can lead to significant weight loss and even serious metabolic disorders.

If there seems to be no logical explanation for why the dog is not eating as usual or if further symptoms of illness appear, the animal should be taken to a veterinary practice immediately.

If the dog refuses the bowl – possible reasons

It's important to know the possible reasons why a dog might refuse food. However, keep in mind that only a veterinarian can make an accurate diagnosis. They will examine the dog thoroughly and ask relevant questions about its behavior to determine the underlying cause.

The 3 most common reasons why dogs don't eat

If a dog stops eating or eats poorly, one of the following reasons is often the cause:

• Psychological factors: Sensitive dogs, in particular, suffer more frequently from anxiety and stress than others. Hormonal changes in a dog's body can also have a direct impact on its mental state.

• Food: While some dogs will eat anything you put in front of them, others are very picky. This can lead to them completely refusing a particular food.

• Illness: If a dog has always eaten well and suddenly refuses all food and treats, illness must be considered as a possible cause. Only a veterinarian can help in this case.

When the mind affects appetite

Sensitive dogs are more prone to stress and anxiety . Even seemingly minor events, such as encounters with other dogs or changes in the interior design, can lead to anorexia or loss of appetite in such a dog.

If such a reason is likely, dog owners should identify the stressors for their dog and minimize them as much as possible. The dog may be suffering from the following situations:

• Particularly severe stress/anxiety: Some dogs don't cope well with being left alone frequently during the day. However, a new addition to the family, frequently changing family dynamics, or the death of their primary caregiver can also sometimes trigger psychological distress in sensitive animals. If there is a high level of noise, for example from tradespeople working in the house, the dog should be fed outside of working hours.

• Puberty in dogs: Just like humans, dogs often struggle with hormonal fluctuations and their effects during puberty. Eating is often temporarily neglected during this time.

• Moving: Moving to a new home or an animal shelter is very stressful for most dogs. During this time, you should feed them food they enjoyed before the stressful situation to avoid problems.

• Medications: In addition to their desired effects, these often unfortunately have one or more side effects. If your dog is regularly taking medication, you should check the package insert. It can also be helpful to ask your veterinarian for advice.

Feed quality and choice – a crucial factor

Some dogs will eat anything you put in front of them. However, this can also become a problem if the dog is unable to recognize food that is bad for him.

Some dogs simply refuse new food or immediately notice if it's not good for their health . If there was no urgent reason for the change in diet, it may be necessary to switch back to the old food .

In any case, it is important to make the change in food gradually . A change that is too rapid and doesn't allow the animal to get used to it often leads to health problems or even refusal to eat.

Some dogs are naturally picky eaters and simply refuse many types of food. We explain what can help in these cases further down in the article.

Physical complaints: Illnesses as a possible cause

Many canine illnesses begin with anorexia or loss of appetite. Often , no other symptoms are present. Only a qualified veterinarian can diagnose the underlying cause. Both mild and serious illnesses can sometimes manifest with this behavior. Therefore, it is crucial that the affected dog is examined at a veterinary clinic .

Vaccinations can protect dogs from various diseases . A veterinarian is best placed to assess which vaccinations a dog needs. It is crucial that these vaccinations are then boosted at regular intervals.

Health problems: how illnesses affect appetite

Is your dog no longer eating? This can be a sign of viral or bacterial infections , as well as urinary tract infections . Other possible illnesses include kidney failure or cancer . It's perfectly understandable that a dog might suffer from a loss of appetite during these and similar illnesses. However, as already explained, a lack of appetite or complete refusal to eat are ambiguous symptoms .

It's important not to panic or get stressed , but instead to proceed calmly so as not to further burden the dog. A veterinarian is the best place to see the dog if it has these or other symptoms. To make a diagnosis, the veterinarian can, for example, take thedog's body temperature to detect any abnormalities .

The dog's age – an underestimated influencing factor

As dogs get older, they generally become less active. Many older dogs also sleep during the day and are harder to motivate to be active than their younger counterparts. This behavior is not necessarily a cause for concern, as long as the dog hasn't completely stopped eating.

Furthermore, there are things you can do to stimulate the appetite of older dogs. It can be helpful to purchase food that is tailored to the changed living conditions and needs of the older dog. Many manufacturers offer special food formulations for this purpose, which can be purchased at pet stores.

Because many older dogs have altered nutritional needs , it can also be beneficial to add selected supplements to their daily food. However, this should always be discussed with a veterinarian and never decided alone . One reason for this is that an oversupply of nutrients can lead to further health problems .

Nutrition tips and tricks

If there are no underlying health issues causing the poor food intake, improvements can be achieved by changing the feeding routine . We have therefore compiled a few helpful tips and tricks :

1. Trying a new food: This is the best way to find out if the dog generally doesn't want to eat or if it's due to the food he has always received.

2. Feeding schedule: If a dog has a fixed feeding routine, it can adjust to it. Some dogs need this to be able to eat well and regularly.

3. Remove the food bowl: If the dog hasn't touched the food after 10 minutes, it's important to remove it. This is the only way a dog learns that food isn't available 24/7. The more he does this, the more likely he is to take the opportunity to eat it when it's offered.

4. No treats: As long as the dog is poorly eating its main food, giving it treats in between meals is counterproductive. While the dog might find them more palatable, they don't contain all the necessary nutrients. The negative consequence is that the dog may gain weight, but it still won't be getting enough nutrients.

5. Gently warm the food: Warm food smells more intense and is therefore more tempting to eat. You can gently warm the dog food either in a water bath or in the microwave. However, it shouldn't be too hot, so the dog doesn't burn itself.

6. Try a new feeding location: The problem might not be the food itself, but rather the place where it's served. Most dogs prefer to eat in peace and quiet. Small rooms that aren't thoroughfares are ideal for this. Avoid loud noises, stress, and the presence of strangers while feeding your dog.

7. Training sessions before feeding: Short training sessions can stimulate a dog's metabolism before feeding. Exercise also promotes appetite.

8. Provide variety in feeding: Some dogs don't like being served the same type of food repeatedly. In this case, you should try varying the types of food from time to time. However, this shouldn't be done too often, as the dog could then get into the habit of waiting for a particularly tasty food while listlessly leaving the rest.

9. Try a new bowl: It might seem trivial, but some dogs prefer eating from certain bowls. Aluminum bowls, for example, are often unpopular because they reflect light and can be distracting. Dogs also sometimes find the noise made while eating in a bowl bothersome. Glass or ceramic bowls are particularly suitable. Plastic bowls, on the other hand, usually contain plasticizers that have a distinct odor or affect the taste of the food – a situation that can lead to the dog refusing to eat.

These tips are merely suggestions . Unfortunately, there's no guarantee they'll work. Furthermore, one approach might work better for your dog than another. It's best to try several options to achieve results as quickly as possible.

If the dog's eating habits do not improve, you should contact a veterinarian again.

Loss of appetite: when you should really worry

There are many things you can do if your dog has no appetite or has stopped eating. Sometimes this problem resolves itself quickly. In other cases, however, the dog needs help, for example, if an underlying psychological or physical problem is causing the behavior. Then it's important to observe the dog closely to notice any further abnormalities .

If your dog is eating significantly less than usual and this behavior persists for three days , you should always consult a trusted veterinarian. In cases of acute food refusal in dogs, however, you must react immediately so that the cause can be determined.

As the owner, you automatically bear the responsibility for your pet and must therefore ensure as quickly as possible that loss of appetite and reluctance to eat subside.

FAQ

That dogs occasionally refuse to eat isn't always a cause for concern. However, it's important to know the possible causes and have them ruled out by a veterinarian. Below, we answer frequently asked questions on the topic: Dog not eating.

How long is it normal for a dog not to eat?

It's not always a problem if dogs temporarily suffer from a loss of appetite. If a dog eats poorly for a day because it doesn't like or tolerate the food offered, it's not necessarily an emergency. However, if this condition persists into the next day, you should always assume something is wrong and contact your veterinarian.

What do I do if my dog ​​doesn't want to eat?

If a dog suddenly refuses food, the first step is to rule out any underlying health problems. Is the dog not eating even though there's no apparent illness? Then measures such as establishing regular feeding times and creating a quiet feeding area in the house might help.

Why is my dog ​​not eating and sleeping a lot?

It is noticeable if a dog not only refuses food but also sleeps more than before. Various causes must be considered for this, which only a veterinarian can determine.

How long can I let my dog ​​go hungry?

Healthy adult dogs can survive for up to 5 days without food. However, this only applies if they also have access to sufficient fluids. You should never risk it. A dog that completely refuses food always needs to see a veterinarian!

Conclusion

Dogs need specific nutrients throughout the day, most of which they obtain through a complete and balanced diet. If a dog suddenly refuses food or eats less than usual, this is often a warning sign. In such cases, you shouldn't hesitate to have your dog examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible. If illnesses, gastrointestinal problems, or psychological causes can be ruled out, there are a few things dog owners can do to encourage their dog to eat.

In many cases, simply warming the food slightly to make it smell stronger is enough. A quiet feeding area, not a high-traffic area in the house, is also important. Persistent loss of appetite can also be due to the food itself. Ideally, the dog should be fed not only dry food but also wet food with a high meat content.