Dogs cannot talk; that’s why it’s challenging for fur parents to know when their pet isn’t feeling well. This was the same when dogs stopped eating or showing interest in their food. For this reason, it’s helpful to know the culprits causing this behavior to dogs to understand the treatment or remedy that will effectively combat this condition. So let’s discuss the common causes of true anorexia or loss of appetite in dogs.
Causes of Anorexia in Dogs
Mealtime is always a dog’s favorite part of the day. It’s common for fur parents to feel concerned when they notice their dogs are not eating or have lost their appetite. Fortunately, some factors are treatable, especially if your dog seems alright, even with decreased appetite. If you’re worried sick about your dog who’s not been showing enthusiasm during mealtime, below are the five common causes.
1. Illnesses
One of the first things that suffer the most when your dog is sick is its appetite. Like humans, dogs are prone to illnesses and viruses, especially when they come into contact with their fellows at the kennel, vet, or park.
If your furry companion’s lack of appetite is accompanied by lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, or other alarming symptoms, make an appointment with a vet diagnostic lab to identify the condition affecting your pet and ensure they receive immediate treatment. You may visit their website for more info about their diagnostic services.
2. Vaccine shots
Vaccinations can sometimes cause mild soreness, lethargy, or adverse effects, which causes your pet’s appetite to dip temporarily. This may last an entire day. If your dog doesn’t show interest in eating following a vaccination, offer them the next regular meal.
Are you keeping up with your dog’s vaccinations in a pet clinic in Los Angeles? Maintaining this is important to ensure they’re well protected from prevalent pet diseases and enhance your pet’s immune response.
3. Pain and injuries
Dogs that don’t eat can mean they’re in pain. Injuries and pain often impair a dog’s appetite, especially dental pain. They may avoid eating when they feel something in their mouth is hurting. Some of the bodily injuries, illnesses, or painful conditions that may be causing your dog to lose appetite are:
- poisoning
- problems with teeth, tongue, gums
- infection
- parasites
- autoimmune or neurological diseases
- allergies
- organ issues
- depression
- tumors
- broken bones
Do you suspect bone fracture in your pet’s movements? Take them to a veterinary surgeon immediately to fix their joints so they can play and move normally again. If you’re looking for vet surgery professionals to treat your dog, you may browse the web for “veterinary surgeon near me” for accurate results.
4. Stress
Like humans, dogs can get stressed due to unfamiliar situations like environmental changes, affecting their appetite. Adding a new furry companion or family member to the household, a new environment, or other changes can cause stress and nervousness to dogs. Severe separation anxiety, fear, and other similar reasons that may cause stress to dogs may lead to loss of appetite. Their appetite may dip until they’re relaxed enough to eat again.
5. Dental problems
Did you know that only 2% of fur parents brush their dog’s teeth regularly? This could explain why dogs develop dental problems. If you notice your dog swallowing their kibble or not eating hard foods, this might indicate a dental problem. If you see broken or missing teeth in their mouth, bleeding, or swollen gums, they could benefit from a trip to the vet dentist. Regular dental cleaning and checkups help tackle any oral issues affecting your dog’s appetite and health.
