Your dog will turn up her nose at her kibble if she’s not feeling completely on top of her game. The trick is to determine whether the appetite loss is temporary and harmless or if it indicates a more serious problem.
Causes
Appetite loss can be a sign of many different illnesses, from a mild gastrointestinal upset to such life-threatening conditions as cancer or kidney failure.
On the other hand, a dog who refuses to eat may not be sick at all. For example, dogs often express their resistance to new foods by staging short hunger strikes. Or your four-legged companion may feel the heat during the dog days of summer and lay off the chow.
What you can do at home
To figure out if your dog has truly lost her appetite or simply dislikes what you’ve offered, try making the food more appealing. For example, add a little water or canned food to moisten up a dry food. Or if you feed your dog canned food and it’s been refrigerated, warm it slightly in the microwave.
If that doesn’t work, offer your finicky friend her favorite tasty treats. Most dogs like chicken- or beef-flavored baby food. If your pet eats with gusto, it probably wasn’t her appetite, but check with your veterinarian. He or she can examine your pet for medical problems and help you reevaluate your dog’s diet.
When to call the veterinarian
Call the doctor immediately if your dog has additional symptoms, including lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhea, or if your pet refuses to eat for more than a day.
Puppies have low energy reserves and need to eat frequently and can develop low blood sugar if they go very long without a meal.
What the veterinarian will do
Your veterinarian will weigh your dog to see if she has lost weight. The doctor also will ask you a series of questions and examine your pet carefully to pinpoint the source of the trouble. Depending on what the exam shows, diagnostic tests such as blood tests and X-rays may be necessary.
Literally hundreds of conditions can cause appetite loss, so remember to be patient. It may take your veterinarian some time to make a diagnosis, but once the underlying problem is remedied, your dog’s appetite should return. And you can go back to worrying about what you’re having for dinner.
