Understanding Dog Loss of Appetite: Causes and Solutions

This pet health content was written by a veterinarian, Dr. Pippa Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS, with contributions from Dr. Debora Lichtenberg, VMD. It was last reviewed on July 11, 2024

It’s a pretty common happening.

When the Labrador Retriever who lives to eat ignores tempting treats he’d normally raid your pocket for, then you know something is wrong.

But if this happens to your pet, what can you do?

If your pet has stopped eating food and is experiencing dog loss of appetite, you may be wondering what to do. This article is for you.

Terminology for Dog Loss of Appetite

First, did you know veterinarians have different words to describe loss of appetite in dogs? There’s actually a spectrum of inappetence, and it’s important that we address any change in a dog’s appetite quickly and with action:

• Hyporexia means the dog has a decreased appetite.
• Dysrexia means a change in the dog’s eating patterns or preferences.
• Anorexia means the dog has no appetite.

Weight Changes in Dogs

Often, one of my clients is aware of a change in their dog’s appetite and makes a vet appointment just for that reason — but not always. At an annual checkup, for instance, many people are surprised to learn their dog has lost weight.

After checking the dog’s age, the vet looks at the weight:

• Has there been any change in the dog’s weight?
• If so, how much weight has the dog lost or gained in what period of time?

That may be one of the biggest clues in how we begin our exam. If a dog exhibits weight loss, it’s important for the vet or veterinary technician to ask many questions about changes in appetite in the dog.

Do we have a case of hyporexia (decreased appetite), or does the client actually say this: “You know, my dog hasn’t been eating at all for about 10 days. I thought it was the heat.”

Sure, it might be the heat, but most dogs want to eat even in 90-degree weather.

Think About the Obvious First

When addressing dog loss of appetite, it’s essential to consider simple factors first. For example, if a dog typically eats dry food and is suddenly given soft food, it might not find the new food appealing. Ensure the food is fresh and offer meals at regular intervals, removing uneaten food after 15 minutes to prevent it from becoming unappetizing. This approach can help manage dog loss of appetite effectively.

Don’t Wait Too Long When Your Dog’s Appetite Changes

Dog loss of appetite is a crucial issue. Many people wait too long when their dog changes eating behaviors or has a decreased appetite. The take-home message is:

• If your dog has a change in eating behavior or dog loss of appetite, identify the cause. There are many reasons why a dog might not be eating normally.
• The longer your dog isn’t eating normally or is truly anorexic, the harder it is to get them back to health. Starvation on any level makes everything worse, and prolonged inappetence can be devastating to the body.

The “Out of Character” Dog

Dog loss of appetite can sometimes occur in fussy eaters, and not eating for a day can be normal. For these dogs, monitor them without making a fuss. They’ll likely come back to the food when they’re hungry enough.

However, a normally enthusiastic eater refusing food is concerning as appetite loss can be an important clue that the dog is unwell. Monitor your dog closely and consider the following:

• Check their pee and poop.
• Are they vomiting?
• Observe their thirst levels.

Schedule a vet check if your dog shows any signs of illness. Remember, dog loss of appetite is a symptom that almost certainly requires veterinary diagnosis and treatment of the underlying condition.

Emotional and Environmental Factors Affecting Dog Appetite

Dogs are highly sensitive to changes in their environment and emotional state, which can significantly impact their appetite. Emotional distress and environmental changes are common causes of dog loss of appetite. Here are some factors to consider:

• Changes in Environment: Moving to a new house, introducing a new pet, or even rearranging furniture can stress a dog and lead to a decreased appetite. Dogs thrive on routine, and any disruption can affect their eating habits.
• Loss of a Family Member: The loss of a family member, whether human or another pet, can lead to depression and loss of appetite in dogs. They might mourn just as humans do, showing signs of lethargy and disinterest in food.
• Separation Anxiety: Dogs with separation anxiety may refuse to eat when left alone. They may show signs of distress such as whining, pacing, and destructive behavior. Addressing separation anxiety with behavioral training and creating a safe space can help.
• Stressful Events: Hectic events, such as loud parties, fireworks, or thunderstorms, can cause temporary loss of appetite in dogs. Creating a calm environment and using anxiety-reducing techniques can help them feel secure.

When a Dog Slowly Starving

If your pet is eating poorly, eating selectively or eating a completely imbalanced diet because of a poor appetite, this puts them in a catabolic state, meaning their body is slowly breaking down.

Poor nutrition leads to:

• Weakness
• Loss of muscle
• Inability to metabolize medications
• Decreased ability to heal if the pet is fighting other diseases or syndromes

It also makes them a poor candidate for surgery if surgery is indicated to address the primary problem.

Simply stated, if your vet is going to succeed at diagnosing and treating the reason for the lack of appetite or anorexia, the length of time they have been in this “breaking down” state gives us less chance of success all around.

The Impact of Aging on Dog Appetite

As dogs age, their appetite can naturally decrease due to various factors related to aging. Understanding these factors can help manage dog loss of appetite in older dogs:

• Metabolic Changes: Aging can slow down a dog’s metabolism, reducing their energy needs and appetite. This is a normal part of aging, but it’s essential to ensure they still receive a balanced diet to maintain health.
• Decreased Activity Levels: Older dogs may become less active, leading to a lower caloric requirement and decreased interest in food. Encouraging gentle exercise can help stimulate their appetite.
• Dental Issues: Dental problems are common in older dogs and can make eating painful. Regular dental check-ups and providing softer food can alleviate discomfort and encourage eating.
• Chronic Health Conditions: Conditions like arthritis, kidney disease, or heart disease can affect an older dog’s appetite. Managing these conditions with veterinary care and appropriate diets is crucial.
• Sensory Decline: Aging can affect a dog’s sense of smell and taste, making food less appealing. Enhancing the aroma and flavor of their meals by warming food or adding tasty, safe toppings can help.

Strategies to Encourage Eating in Dogs

When dealing with dog loss of appetite, it’s crucial to try various strategies to encourage eating:

• Offer Tasty and Nutritious Food: Experiment with different types of high-quality dog food. Adding a small amount of low-sodium chicken broth or plain boiled chicken can make meals more enticing.
• Warm the Food: Warming the food to room temperature or slightly above can enhance its aroma and make it more appealing to your dog.
• Establish a Routine: Maintaining a regular feeding schedule can help regulate your dog’s appetite and reduce anxiety.
• Create a Peaceful Environment: Minimize stress factors in your dog’s environment. Provide a calm and comfortable space for them to eat without distractions.
• Add Palatable Toppings: A pinch of low-sodium chicken broth, plain yogurt, or a spoonful of canned dog food on top of your dog’s regular kibble can improve the flavor and make it more tempting.
• Hand-Feed or Use Interactive Toys: Some dogs respond well to being fed by hand or using interactive food-dispensing toys, making mealtime more engaging and rewarding.
• Minimize Distractions: Ensure a peaceful and tranquil environment during mealtimes by removing potential distractions.
• Exercise Before Meals: Physical activity can increase a dog’s appetite and make them more eager to eat afterward.
• Consult with a Veterinarian: If your dog’s loss of appetite persists, consult with a veterinarian. They can assess your dog’s health, provide further guidance, and potentially recommend appetite-stimulating medications or supplements.

Eating Something in Place of Nothing

When a dog doesn’t eat for more than a couple of days, it may not suffer as severely as a cat, but prolonged loss of appetite can still cause serious health issues. If your dog has a poor appetite, it’s crucial to ensure they consume something to maintain their energy levels and prevent further complications.

• Offer Bland Food: If your vet advises bland food, do not tempt the dog with rich foods like liver or sausages. Let the gut rest to avoid diarrhea.
• Temporary Compromise: Depending on the diagnosis, some foods might be off the menu, but ensuring the dog eats something is often better than nothing. Consult your vet for specific advice.

Why Your Dog Isn’t Eating

Let’s say your dog was unwell and spent several days hospitalized at the vet. They’re now well enough to come home — but your dog refuses to eat. Why might this be?

Food Aversion

Food aversion occurs when a dog associates a particular food with feeling ill. To overcome food aversion:

• Offer New Food: Try offering a new food that the dog hasn’t eaten before, which doesn’t have any “bad memories.”
• Change Feeding Environment: Try a different feeding bowl or place the bowl in a different location to break the negative association.

Medical Reasons

If your dog is recovering but still feels nauseous or has pain, they may not want to eat. It’s important to:

• Consult the Vet: Inform the vet that your dog is still not eating. They might prescribe anti-nausea drugs or pain relief to help improve the appetite.

Sick Dog Doesn’t Feel Like Eating

Sometimes a sick dog simply doesn’t feel like eating. However, eating is crucial for recovery because it provides the raw materials to strengthen the immune system and for tissue repair.

• Hand-Feeding: Try hand-feeding your dog to encourage eating.
• Enhance Food Appeal: Warm the food or add scrumptious flavorings like a bit of fish gravy, parmesan cheese, or a sprinkling of garlic oil (use small quantities only, as large quantities can be harmful).

Persistently Rejecting Meals

If your dog continues to reject meals despite all efforts, it’s important to let the vet know. They have several options to help:

• Appetite-Stimulating Drugs: These include diazepam, cyproheptadine, mirtazapine, and steroids. A new drug, carpromorelin, is on the horizon (learn more).
• Syringe-Feeding: Calorie-dense liquid diets can be slowly syringed into the dog’s mouth to provide nutrition.
• Feeding Tubes: If syringe-feeding is too stressful for the dog, the vet may consider placing a feeding tube in the nose, throat, or stomach for direct access to the stomach for force-feeding without distress.

Diagnosing Changes in Dog Appetite

When diagnosing dog loss of appetite, it’s essential for vets to ask detailed questions. If they don’t, significant changes in appetite or food preferences might go undetected because the owner considers these variations as normal.

Let’s face it: vague answers can frustrate the vet. Here are some typical inadequate responses veterinarians hear:

• “I buy her that stuff in the red bag. I don’t think she likes it.”
• “I got that food from you in the big black bag, but then my dog stopped eating the food, so I bought her something else.”
• “She’s always been picky, but now she’s pickier.”
• “She’s eating every other day, but only if I put organic chicken and some sweet potato in it. Oh, and salmon once. Without the skin. Wild-caught. From Whole Foods.”

What vets need to figure out is:

• If the dog loss of appetite is real or unreal.
• If it’s significant or insignificant.
• If it’s hyporexia, dysrexia, or true anorexia and for how long.
• The person’s perceptions of their dog’s appetite.
• An accurate account of what exactly the dog is eating.

Vets will also ask you to bring in labels from pet food bags or cans, as well as accurate measurements of each food item.

Pet Nutrition Is a Science

Food is to the body what gas is to a car. Here’s why proper nutrition is crucial for dogs, especially when dealing with dog loss of appetite:

• Fuel for Repair: Food is the fuel that powers the repair of body tissue. Without that fuel, recovery from injury or illness is slower, and complications are more likely.
• Importance of Nutrition: Veterinarians take a dog’s appetite, diet, and changes in weight very seriously. Proper nutrition is essential for maintaining overall health.

Veterinarians strive to be as scientific as possible about your dog’s nutritional needs and if they are being adequately met. Here’s why:

• Full Nutritional Assessment: Veterinary nutritionists recommend a full nutritional assessment during exams. This can be challenging when it’s difficult to determine what and how much the dog is actually eating.
• Detailed Questions: Vets ask detailed questions about diet to understand the nutritional status of your dog. This is to intervene earlier, not later, if there’s a problem.

Remember, the aim is not to make you feel inadequate or careless but to ensure your dog’s nutritional needs are being met to maintain optimal health.

Has Your Dog Stopped Eating Food Normally? Don’t Wait

A dog not eating normally or showing signs of dog loss of appetite should never be ignored. Early intervention is key to resolving the issue and preventing further complications. Here’s a scenario highlighting the importance of timely action:

I have a client who loves her dog dearly. Unfortunately, the dog hadn’t been eating well and was anorexic for too long. The woman was terrified that something was seriously wrong but delayed seeking help to avoid bad news. This only worsened the dog’s condition.

Remember:

• Early Intervention is Crucial: A poor appetite or anorexia in a dog is not a death sentence. It might be serious and require diagnostics, but early intervention significantly increases the chances of resolving the issue.
• Act Quickly: Don’t wait until your dog has stopped eating food completely. Seek veterinary help as soon as you notice any changes in your dog’s eating habits to get them back to their normal selves as quickly as possible.

By addressing dog loss of appetite early, you can help your pet recover faster and prevent the condition from worsening.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

References

• “Dog Not Eating: Possible Causes and Appetite Solutions.” WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/dog-not-eating-possible-causes-and-appetite-solutions
• “When Your Dog Won’t Eat: Understanding Loss of Appetite in Dogs.” Caring Hearts Animal Hospital. https://caringheartsanimalhospital.com/dog-wont-eat/
• “Dog Not Eating: Causes and Solutions.” GoodRx. https://www.goodrx.com/pet-health/dog/not-eating