Dog Won’t Eat? 6 Common Reasons Explained

If your dog won’t eat or has a loss of appetite, you’re not alone and there are many reasons for the issue’s occurrence. Whether you’re a seasoned pet owner or a new puppy owner, changes in your dog’s eating habits can cause a fearful diagnosis and an intimidating veterinary bill.

Loss of appetite in dogs is a known symptom of many serious conditions and diseases. However, there could be other explanations for why your dog won’t eat. Read on, hopefully, this article will help you narrow down your dog’s symptoms.

Reasons why your dog won’t eat

Sickness is only one of a few reasons for your dog’s appetite loss. Changes in environment, dental disease, drug reaction, nausea, and pain are all causes as well.

1. Sickness

Though sickness is just one of a few reasons why your dog won’t eat, it is still a serious concern. Sickness is a common symptom for an array of disorders, from kidney failure to cancer. If your dog is experiencing sickness, contact your veterinarian and pay attention to any additional symptoms.

2. Dental Disease

Toothaches aren’t fun for anyone, including dogs. Dental disease may lead to your dog experiencing pain while he/she eats. Foreign bodies that reside in your dog’s mouth inhibit your dog’s ability to chew comfortably. Periodontal disease and broken teeth are also causes for your dog not eating. Furthermore, if your dog has thick saliva and can’t stop pawing at his/her mouth, call your veterinarian.

3. Drug Reactions

Vaccinations can cause moderate side effects. Though vaccinations are essential for your dog’s well-being, one of the side effects is a loss of appetite. If your dog received vaccinations lately, contact your veterinarian and inquire whether a loss of appetite is a potentially harmful reaction. Adverse effects from vaccines shouldn’t extend beyond 24 hours, so if you notice the symptoms are persistent, contact your veterinarian.

4. Changes in Environment

Dogs, like humans, react to new environments and stressful situations with a loss of appetite. Some dogs won’t eat when under the care of a dog sitter. Other dogs might stop eating because your family has relocated or traveled to a foreign destination.

5. Pain

Whether it’s from an injury or a hidden condition, such as arthritis or hip dysplasia, pain can cause a loss of appetite. Dogs can’t communicate the way we can, so it’s difficult to pick up on the subtle clues.

6. Food Aversion

If you’re lucky, your dog won’t eat because they’re just being picky. Changing diets may cause a loss of appetite in some dogs. Other dogs simply won’t eat when in stressful situations. For example, eating out of the same bowl as an aggressive dog. To be on the safe side, be sure to consult your veterinarian in order to rule out any other causes.

Your dog not eating can be a worry-filled episode. If your dog isn’t eating, consult your veterinarian and note additional symptoms appropriately. Your information on your dog’s behavior around the food dish helps with the diagnosis and overall treatment process.