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Increased Appetite in Dogs
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 12/06/2015Updated: 04/21/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS
What is Increased Appetite?
Hunger and the feeling of being full after eating (satiety) are controlled by the central nervous system. Abnormalities in the CNS can cause increased appetite, as can several other factors such as stress, an underlying disease, or cancer. Because appetite changes are so common in many illnesses and situations, diagnosing the reason for it can be a complex process. Polyphagia can indicate serious disease. Any alteration in your pet’s eating behavior should be checked by the veterinarian.
Increased appetite is known as polyphagia in veterinary terms. If your dog seems to be continuously hungry and his behavior dictates that he requires food in excess of the norm, further investigation is warranted. This is especially true if the appetite has recently increased. A visit to the veterinarian is needed in order to diagnose an underlying cause, and to determine how the insatiable appetite is affecting his weight (another important marker of canine health).
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Symptoms of Increased Appetite in Dogs
Prompt action in dealing with an increased appetite is conducive to determining the exact cause. Polyphagia complications can range in severity. The following symptoms can indicate that your dog must be seen by the veterinarian without delay.
- Weight changes can include both loss or gain
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Exhibiting behavior indicating constant hunger
- Lethargy
- Abdominal bloating
If the polyphagia is due to an underlying disease, you may see symptoms such as those listed below. Symptoms will vary depending on the cause:
- Depression
- Neurological signs can include pacing, circling, blindness
- Lethargy
- Muscle weakness
- Panting
- Soft stool or diarrhea
- Trembling
- Vomiting or regurgitation
- Increased thirst
Types
Polyphagia can be classified as follows.
- Primary
- Caused by destruction of the satiety center, for example, trauma. This is rare.
- There will likely be additional neurological signs of a CNS disease
- Secondary
- More common than primary polyphagia
- Diseases, parasites and the improper diet can result in secondary polyphagia
- Drug Induced
- Corticosteroids and anti seizure medicine, for example, can increase food intake
Causes of Increased Appetite in Dogs
If your canine companion is showing signs of constant hunger, the situation can be worrisome, and can often lead to very unfavorable behavior on the part of your dog (such as begging). In order to return your pet to his normal state of well-being, you will want to take him to the veterinarian without delay. Causes for the increased appetite are great in number. Some are listed below.
- A lesion in the central nervous system
- Hypoglycemia
- Low-calorie or unbalanced diet
- Overfeeding
- Learned behavior of begging for food
- Stress can cause your dog to increase eating habits
- Infection
- Continual living in a low environmental temperature
- Pregnancy or lactation
- Increased exercise
- An endocrine or hormone related disease like diabetes mellitus or hyperadrenocorticism
- Malabsorption or maldigestion of food due to illness or parasites
- Pancreatic atrophy
- Increased rate of gastric emptying
- Cancer
- Medications like thyroid supplements, corticosteroids sedatives or anticonvulsants
Diagnosis of Increased Appetite in Dogs
The veterinarian will, under most normal circumstances, begin with a physical examination while discussing your observations and concerns. Possible findings may include muscle wasting, alopecia (hair loss), ataxia (loss of control of bodily movements), and abdominal or hepatic enlargement.
Laboratory tests can be great indicators of why your dog seems to have an insatiable appetite. The tests can reveal various results.
- Complete Blood Count
- Presence of anemia will be evaluated through red blood cell count
- An increase in white blood cells could point to intestinal parasitism or hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s Disease)
- Serum Biochemical Profile
- Changes to glucose, proteins and enzymes may be discovered
- Increase in alkaline phosphatase can mean Cushing’s Disease, recent corticosteroid administration or diabetes mellitus
- Urinalysis
- We will check for blood, protein and glucose
- Poorly concentrated urine can occur in e.g. diabetes and Cushing's Disease
- Fecal Flotation
- This procedure is done to check for parasites
Additional diagnostic imaging might be needed, in the form of a radiograph, ultrasound, endoscopy, CT scan or MRI scan.
Treatment of Increased Appetite in Dogs
The treatment protocol for your canine family member will vary depending on the underlying cause of the polyphagia. The veterinarian has the knowledge to help you deal with any sort of at home therapy required for successful resolution of the appetite changes.
For example, a drug-induced increase in appetite may be indeed temporary, and will wane with time, even with the continued use of the prescribed medication.
In the instance of an apparent insatiable appetite caused by stress or learned behavior, you will receive direct advice and best practices on how to deal with the problem. The veterinary caregiver may suggest behavioral therapy for a habitual eater. A dog suffering from a stress-induced neverending desire to eat may benefit from the simple removal or reduction of the stressor. No doubt, the veterinarian will ask you to feed your dog only as per the caloric requirements to maintain the good health of your pet. Don’t be discouraged; behavioral issues take time to resolve. Patience and kindness are the best remedies.
If there is a serious underlying disease, of course, it must be dealt with and in turn, the appetite problem should also resolve. For example, diabetes mellitus will require insulin injections and dietary adjustments. A parasitic infestation will be eradicated with medication. Diseases like cancer may involve treatment in the form of surgery, radiation or chemotherapy, and perhaps all three.
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Recovery of Increased Appetite in Dogs
The prognosis, by all means, is dependent on the cause of the polyphagia. Continual communication with the veterinary caregiver will be part of the home care and management. The veterinarian will advise on the need for repeat blood tests, imaging follow-up and dietary advice. Return visits to the clinic will depend upon the initial cause of the polyphagia. As always, working together with the veterinary specialist is best for the continued comfort and welfare of your dog.
Increased Appetite Average Cost
From 121 quotes ranging from $500 - $3,000
Average Cost
$1,600
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Increased Appetite Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Chihuahua
Max
5 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Eating More
Drinking More
Urinating More
My dog has been waking me up in the middle of the night to go use the bathroom it can be 1-3 times a night and there are times he doesn't. I have noticed that he has been drinking and eating more than the usual and also urinating more he is still the same energetic dog I'm just worried there is something wrong with him.
May 31, 2018
0 Recommendations
There are a few different causes for an increased appetite and an increase in urination and thirst; hormonal conditions like Cushing’s are common causes, however without an examination and a few tests I cannot say whether that is the cause or there is another cause. You should visit your Veterinarian for an examination and a discuss of possible causes, even if it is to put your mind at rest. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
June 1, 2018
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street dog
tuffy
11 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Peeing Alot
Eating To Much
Puffing Up Of Stomach
my dog is 11 year old and he is eating to much these day he is male, i have search online i think he is suffering from bloating he is peeing to much these day and we have consult local doctor he said that my dog having problem with liver is that right or something else is that he is counting his last day . what should i do ? i can share picture of his stomach i mean the puffing up of stomach but i dont found any link .
May 1, 2018
0 Recommendations
Without examining Tuffy it is difficult to say what the underlying cause is; the swollen abdomen may be due to gas, fluid or fat however if the liver is affected it may be due fluid in the abdomen (ascites). Your Veterinarian would be able to tell you more, but if the liver is failing it is important to manage the liver failure and any underlying condition. Again without examining Tuffy, I cannot confirm a diagnosis or recommend treatment. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
May 2, 2018
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Mixed breed
Foxy
4 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Excessive Hunger
My dog seems to be hungry all the time offlate. Its been 3-4 weeks after she gave birth. Is this normal? She always seems to be running to the kitchen (which she never used to do unless she was hungry) and she gets super excited when we feed her and eats as much as we give her. (Even if we provide excess)
April 8, 2018
0 Recommendations
It is not unusual for a dog to have an increased appetite during lactation and even during gestation since a dog will be eating for more than herself (herself and her pups), however the increased appetite will decrease over time especially when pups are weaned on to solid food. There are many other causes of increased appetite which may be associated with hormonal conditions, infections, parasites, malabsorption disorders among many other causes. Without an examination of Foxy, I cannot say what the specific cause is but would recommend visiting your Veterinarian if there are no changes in appetite especially if she is losing weight. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
April 8, 2018
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Boxer Mix
Lola
4 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Extreme Hunger
Excessive Saliva
Sensitive Stomach
Food Aggression
Normal Weight
Normal Energy Level
Sensitive To New Foods
I have a rescue boxer mix who had severe Giardia as a puppy. She had blood in her stool for 6 months. She is now 4 years old and her stool is normal, but she is ravenous when it comes to food. She is always hungry and can also be aggressive when it comes to food. Aggression is not in her nature under any other circumstances. She can only eat her dog food, any other food, or dog food will make her vomit, and have loose stool for several days. I am wondering if her ravenous appetite could be due to the intestinal issue/ Giardia she had as a puppy?
March 31, 2018
0 Recommendations
It is possible that Lola has a malabsorption disorder where the body cannot easily absorb nutrients or a digestive disorder where the body cannot break down the food so that it can be easily absorbed; but with both of these conditions we would expect weight loss and a reduced level of activity. It is possible that she enjoys food or is protective of food, which is something you can train her about; the guide in the link below is about controlling food aggression. However, you should have Lola checked over by your Veterinarian to check for any medical condition. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
https://wagwalking.com/training/stop-food-aggression
March 31, 2018
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Mixed breed
Lady
12 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Loose Stool
Constant Panting,
Excessive Hungar
I have a female mixed breed, the past 2-3 months her hunger has increased dramatically along with off and on heavy panting, this winter we had a spell of 0 degree weather and being outside she is panting while sitting still, (no exertion) the panting has gotten worse, my vet took blood, she also had a low grade fever, was told liver and pancreas enzymes were elevated, antibiotics for that, no avail after 2 weeks. another vet trip they checked her urine for markers that might lead them to crones? I rescued this dog at 11 months of age, now 12, great loyal dog and has always had loose stool, one day while in the car (this is what prompted my first vet visit) I notice slight trembling for about 30 seconds. is it a wise decision to bring them a stool sample? they have always asked for one but she doesn't go in public so to speak as she doesn't like being watched. she sometimes looks uncomfortable while panting and trying to poop, and then what really confuses me is that after a heavy bout of panting she will plop down on the couch looking totally content and fall asleep. I hate seeing her feeling uncomfortable. your thoughts?
thank you
March 9, 2018
0 Recommendations
A stool sample would be advisable to look for general things like parasites etc… but it may also be examined to determine the efficacy of digestion, checking for malabsorption disorders among other issues. The panting at rest is concerning and may be an indicator for pain or something else, I cannot think of anything to specifically link the symptoms together; however ask your Veterinarian for a collection jar for a stool sample or take an initial sample in a poop bag for examination (doesn’t need to be a sterile container unless microbiological analysis is required). Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
March 9, 2018
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Mixed
Marlow
4 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Never Seems To Be Full.
I have a 30lb mixed breed tri pawed. In the last 3 weeks to a month her appetite has sky rocketed. She eats so fast at times she has choked herself. Her energy level has not changed. She will actually bring me her dish when she finishes eating. Drinking water normally.
Increased Appetite Average Cost
From 121 quotes ranging from $500 - $3,000
Average Cost
$1,600
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