6 Possible Causes of Loss of Appetite in Dogs - Tool Boo - From Tools to Business Talk With Boo

Many dogs become excited about treats and go crazy during mealtime. But when this suddenly stops, dog owners are left feeling confused and concerned.

A loss of appetite in dogs isn’t something to become panicked about right away.

Dogs are a lot like us when it comes to appetite; sometimes they just aren’t hungry, and other times, having a stressful day can cause some disinterest in eating.

Regardless, we know how distressing it can be if you’re consistently wondering how to get your dog to eat.

If you’ve been stuck Googling, “why won’t my dog eat,” we’ve got you covered. Here, we’ll be discussing three common possibilities for a loss of appetite in dogs.

Loss of Appetite in Dogs: What to Look For

Whether your dog has just stopped eating today or you’ve noticed a pattern over the past few days, there are some specific symptoms to look for.

Here are common symptoms of a lost appetite in dogs:

Eating less than they typically do
Refusing to eat no matter what you put in their bowl
Weight loss
Attempting to finish their meal, but being unable to
Major disinterest in treats
Vomiting
Excessive energy loss

These key signs will help you stay informed about the lost appetite of your dog. Should it continue, keep reading to discover three possibilities as to why your dog has lost its appetite.

1. Illness

If your dog is eating less than usual or refusing to eat at all, it might have an illness. This is especially significant to keep an eye on if your dog is exhibiting additional symptoms.

Although a decreased appetite is not a sure sign that your dog has an illness, taking swift veterinary action is important to ensure your furry friend’s health.

Common illnesses in dogs include:

Cancer
Heartworm
Diabetes
Parvovirus
Kennel cough
Rabies
Ringworm

Additionally, any medical conditions or infections could cause pain when your dog tries eating, which is why their appetite could be slim to none. Pay attention to what your dog is telling you through its behavior.

2. Behavior Issues

Behavioral issues in dogs range from constantly digging up the backyard to not coming when you call their name. But did you know that even these behavior problems can cause a loss of appetite in dogs?

That’s right. Here are some additional behavior issues in dogs that can contribute to a decreased appetite:

Chewing on everything
Begging for human food all the time (and you giving into it)
Separation anxiety
Aggression
Biting
Constant barking

Even small things like bowls placed at uncomfortable heights and pickiness in food can be huge contributors to your dog’s decreased appetite.

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3. Dental Disease

This one may seem simple when reading, but more difficult to look for on your own. Your dog could be suffering from a dental disease that causes pain when biting or chewing anything, which would turn them away from eating.

Here are more signs that your dog may be dealing with a dental disease:

Unusual drooling
Bad breath
Chewing on one side of their mouth
Sneezing and/or nasal discharge
Visible changes in their mouth
Sudden shyness or fear

Definitely keep an eye out for any changes in your dog’s behavior and consider making a trip to the vet for proper treatment.

Monitor Your Dog’s Appetite Habits

While there are even more reasons for a loss of appetite in dogs, these three are quite common – and some can be an easy fix!

Remember to keep an eye out for their eating habits in the future, observe their behaviors, check the food your dog is eating, and check their body/mouth.

The most important thing is to show your dog love and care during this process. Making adjustments to their appetite is a huge change, and all they need is some support from you.

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