Pets can not 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. Therefore, it’s beneficial to know the culprits causing this behavior to dogs to understand the treatment or solution that will efficiently 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 canine’s favorite part of the day. It’s common for fur parents to feel alarmed when they observe their dogs are not eating or have lost their appetite. Fortunately, some factors are treatable, especially if your dog looks alright, even with reduced appetite. If you’re worried sick about your dog who’s not been showing enthusiasm during mealtime, below are the five common causes.
1. Pain and injuries
Dogs that do not eat can mean they’re in pain. Injuries and pain often impair a dog’s appetite, particularly dental pain. They may avoid eating when they feel something in their mouth is aching. Some of the physical 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
- anxiety
- tumors
- broken bones
Do you suspect bone fractures in your pet’s movements? Take them to professionals that offer vet surgical procedures to repair their joints so they can play and move normally again.
2. Health problems
One of the first things that suffer the most when your pet is sick is its appetite. Like humans, canines are prone to diseases and infections, especially when they come into contact with their fellows at the kennel, vet, or park.
If your furry buddy’s lack of appetite is followed by lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, or other alarming signs, make an appointment with a full-service veterinary hospital in Los Angeles to determine their condition and ensure they receive urgent treatment.
3. Stress
Like humans, dogs can get stressed due to unfamiliar situations like environmental changes, which may affect 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 canines. Severe separation anxiety, fear, and other similar reasons that may trigger stress in dogs might cause loss of appetite. Their appetite might dip until they’re relaxed enough to eat again.
4. Vaccine shots
Vaccinations can sometimes trigger moderate discomfort, lethargy, or negative effects, which causes your pet’s appetite to dip momentarily. This might last a whole day. If your pet isn’t interested in eating following a vaccination, offer them the next regular meal.
Are you keeping up with your pet’s regular vaccinations? Maintaining this is essential to guarantee they’re well protected from common pet diseases and boost your pet’s immune response. You may browse the web for more details on the importance of regular pet vaccinations.
5. Dental problems
Did you know that only 2% of fur parents brush their dog’s teeth frequently? This could explain why pets develop dental issues. If you see 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 might benefit from a trip to the vet dentist. Regular dental cleaning and examinations help address any oral issues affecting your pet’s health and appetite.
