Appetite Change in
Dogs
The causes and treatments of a dog’s increased or
decreased appetite
Cause of increases appetite:
Illness: Diabetes or other diseases.
What to do: Take the dog to a veterinarian to diagnose
and treat.
Internal parasites: Hookworms, roundworms,
tapeworms, among others.
What to do: Take the dog to a veterinarian for diagnosis
and treatment of internal parasites. Take along a fresh stool sample (in a
small container or plastic bag), so your veterinarian can examine it for
parasite eggs.
Behavioral problems: Boredom or
“competitive eating” (dogs in multi-dog households).
What to do: For boredom-related eating, increase
companionship, family interactions, and exercise. If eating is related to
competition, feed dogs in separate locations.
Weather: Cold weather.
What to do: Increase amount fed, bring the dog inside, or
provide a warm doghouse if the dog must stay outside. Note: Always
provide plenty of fresh water, regardless of weather conditions.
Activity level: Increased activity.
What to do: Increase amount fed if no signs of illness
are present. Check with your veterinarian if you’re not sure
Causes of Decrease Appetite:
Illness: Heart disease, kidney
disease, liver disease, cancer, dental problems, gastrointestinal disease,
viral or bacterial diseases (distemper, parvo-virus, leptospirosis, and
others).
What to do: Take the dog to a veterinarian to diagnose
and treat.
Weather: Hot weather.
What to do: Bring the dog inside, or provide ample shade
and a wading pool for water play if the dog must stay outside. Note:
Always provide plenty of fresh water, regardless of weather conditions.
Activity level: Decreased activity.
What to do: No action is necessary if no signs of illness
are present. Check with your veterinarian if you’re not sure.
Advanced age: Older dogs may have decreased
appetite due to health problems, changes in senses of smell and/or taste,
or cognitive dysfunction.
What to do: Check with a veterinarian to diagnose and
treat age-related health problems. Change diet to one that is higher in
fat, or switch flavors to increase palatability. Alter the dog’s feeding
schedule by feeding smaller meals more frequently. Add canned food to dry
food to increase palatability.
Causes of Pica (eating unusual things such as dirt, rocks,
fabric
Behavioral: Boredom, obsessive
disorder.
What to do: Increase companionship, family interactions,
and exercise. Restrict the dog’s access to preferred objects. Consult
your veterinarian or an animal behaviorist if the problem continues.
Nutritional: Dogs with nutritional
deficiencies may eat dirt or unusual objects in an effort to satisfy their
nutritional needs.
What to do: Feed a high-quality, complete and balanced
diet. Restrict the dog’s access to preferred objects. Consult your
veterinarian or an animal behaviorist if the problem continues.
|
Milo
Zoe