Is Your Cat or Dog Not Eating? What to do When Your Pets Lose Their Appetites

BY | July 18 | COMMENTS PUBLISHED BY
Is Your Cat or Dog Not Eating?
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When a pet stops eating, that can be a sign that something is wrong. Learn how to spot--and take care of--appetite problems.

Whether your friend is big or small, canine or feline, loss of appetite is a big concern. If your cat or dog is not eating, what can you do? When your little one turns away from a meal or is barely eating, it's time to do a little investigative work and get your veterinarian involved. Some common causes for lack of appetite include a change in environment, dental problems, or parasites. Getting help quickly can mean avoiding serious complications--cats, for instance, can develop severe liver problems that can lead to death if they stop eating.

The Stress of Moving 

If you've ever moved from one home to another, you know how stressful it can be. Imagine how the process can affect your pet. Cats, in particular, become extremely attached to their domains, so a move can just about turn their world upside down. And we all know dogs are very territorial. Would you feel like eating if everything was "taken" away from you? Pets experiencing anxiety can lose their appetites.

When settling in after a major move, there are some steps you can take to help your pet adjust. It's important to get them back on track with their eating, so they can feel right at home. Dogs can be creatures of habit, so try to set out their food and water in the "same place" as the old house. If you live in a place where temperature drops below zero, invest in a thermal bowl to keep the temperature of the water in the comfortable range. That means if they ate in the kitchen before, be sure to place their bowls in the kitchen at the new house. For cats, you can provide small, frequent meals. Also, consider hiding pieces of dry food around the house to encourage their natural predatory instincts. Talk to your vet about your pet's habits and see if a visit might be needed.

Dental Issues

If you've ever experienced a toothache, you know what a pain it can be. You don't feel like doing much of anything, let alone eat, and you just want the pain to go away! If your pet is having dental issues, there are a few things you might notice. With dogs, they may drop the food they are trying to eat, or they'll eat slowly, or on one side of their mouth. They might also have bad breath (beyond normal doggie breath, that is)! Likewise, check for drooling, bleeding, or swelling deep under the gums or high up under the lips. With cats, the symptoms of dental problems and gum disease are mostly the same. Your cat may have difficulty closing his or her mouth and you might see yellow or brown spots on the teeth, down along the gumline. Get your pet to the vet for a checkup.

Parasites

Another explanation for appetite loss could be parasites. If your dog is infected with parasites, treatment is usually very effective, so talk to your vet about the appropriate medicine. With an intestinal parasitic infection like roundworm, hookworm, or whipworm, your dog will often lose his or her appetite. These pests also rob your dog of important nutrients, cause vomiting and diarrhea, and can result in anemia or even death. Make sure you get the right medications right away.

Cats can also lose their appetite from a parasitic infection. In addition to the worms mentioned above, cats can also be diagnosed with a rickettsia infection. These microscopic parasites can cause a cat to experience appetite loss, weight loss, and even depression. Sometimes, jaundice is associated with this condition. Your veterinarian can determine the presence of rickettsia through examination of a series of blood samples. Giardia, a parasitic inflection transmittable through cat feces, also causes a cat to lose their appetite.

So, whenever man's best friend won't eat, or your feline sidekick suddenly turns their nose up at dinner, you'll want to investigate. Getting your little one to the vet for prompt medical treatment should have Fido or Fluffy healthy and eating again. 

Some more reasons that can possibly affect your pet's eating habits are listed below.

Why is My Dog Not Eating?

Pet owners get anxious when they notice their dogs showing a reduced appetite. If your dog has always been a poor eater, then you probably have nothing to worry about. Donโ€™t go merely by the numbers on food packets that claim how much pets should eat, as this is an average number based on many pets.Of course, you want to confirm if your pet eats a little less than the recommended amount or maybe anorexic. Meanwhile, here are some causes that could be causing your pet to lose his appetite.

Medical issues

Your first step when you notice a reduced appetite in your pet is to find out what caused it. You also want to estimate how long your dog has been showing a lack of appetite. Usually, you have nothing to worry about so long as it is within a 24-48 hour window. If the problem persists after, then you want to take your pet to the vet.Watch out for other signs like diarrhea or vomiting in your pet. Sometimes, dogs lose their appetite temporarily after they get vaccinated, which is not a cause of concern in most cases. Either way, you want to watch the clock and see how long your petโ€™s appetite issue persists, and call the vet if need be.You can even carry out a quick check on your pet, by examining his belly. Gently press your hands on it, and see if it feels soft and how your dog reacts to it. If he yelps out of pain, then you may have a problem. If his mucous membranes appear dry, then you want to call the vet.

Change of food/surroundings

Sometimes, minor changes in the

food

or the surroundings can cause your pet to lose his appetite. For instance, your dogโ€™s appetite may have taken a hit if you have started feeding him food along with another aggressive pet, or if you have changed the food bowl so it is wider or higher. Your pet simply does not feel comfortable eating in such a setting, and you may want to go back to how things were earlier, just as your pet liked it.If you have changed the flavor of the food, or switched to a different brand, then switch back to the previous food that your pet liked. Keep those treats in check. If you have been overdoing the treats, there is a good chance that your dog does not find his regular food so appetizing any more. Give your dog treats sparingly during training sessions.If your dog refrains from eating just certain foods, then he might be a picky eater. However, you want to rule out other serious issues rather than just jumping to conclusions.

More on Pet Care

Signs Your Cat Might Be Sick
The Benefits of an Active Dog
Diets to Treat Cat and Dog Stress

This information is for informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for the professional advice of, or diagnosis or treatment by, your veterinarian with respect to your pet. It has, however, been verified by a licensed veterinarian for accuracy.

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