- Home
- Dog Conditions
- Increased Appetite in Dogs
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).
Increased Appetite Average Cost
From 121 quotes ranging from $500 - $3,000
Average Cost
$1,600
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
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.
Worried about the cost of treating your pet's symptoms?
Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers.
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
Top
Increased Appetite Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Beagle
Max
15 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Increased Thirst
Frequent Urination
Deaf
Increased Hunger
Frequent Diahrea
Occasional Blood In Stools
Max is a rescue I ve had since he was 9 1/2 years old. He was found on the streets so nothing is known about his past. More and more for the last 2 years he has been wanting to drink and eat constantly. I ve had to take eater away and I only feed twice a day at the same time as my other dogs. I feed him a bit more than the recommended amount. He always is asking to go out to pee and everytime he is in his crate, he pees or poops in it. Even if it s been less than 5 min since he s been in his crate. He also eats poop. He sleeps a lot because of his age but still full of energy enough to play a bit with our other dogs from time to time. He has never been an affectionate dog either. We re contemplating euthanasia because we re worried he is suffering and being 15 years old
Jan. 29, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. You seem to have given Max many years that he may not have had otherwise, and it is always difficult when our pets get to the point where they aren't enjoying their lives anymore. Without examining Max, I can't comment on his health status or whether he may be suffering, but it would be a good idea to book an appointment with your veterinarian and have a quality of life examination for Max. Your veterinarian will be able to examine him and let you know their opinion on what might be going on with him and whether euthanasia is the best thing for him at this point. I hope that you are able to keep him comfortable a while longer.
Jan. 29, 2018
Was this question and answer helpful?
pit bull terrier
BAILEY
12 Weeks
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Excessive Hunger
My puppy just turned 12 weeks old. She seems to never be full and acts like she is starving. We feed hiqh quality food. Three times a day. She gulps her food and swallows it without chewing. We've tried hand feeding, softening her food, feeding her on a cookie sheet, a slow feeder bowl and nothing helps. Her wait is ok. But her excessive hunger worries me.
Jan. 17, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. It would be a good idea to have her examined by your veterinarian, and discuss how much you feed her, what the brand and calorie content of the food is, and how often she defecates. If she is getting adequate nutrition, that may be her behavior, but if there is something that you can change or treat, your veterinarian may be able to shed some light on whether she has parasites, a food intolerance, or just needs different nutrition. I hope that she does well.
Jan. 17, 2018
Was this question and answer helpful?
Cockapoo
Miley
11 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Itchy, Hungry, Smells
My dog Miley constantly scratches and smells even after I bathe her. She is s 11 year old cockapoo. She is also constantly wanting food. Its like she is never full. Between her constantly getting in the trash to get her packets of wet food out to lick them clean and the constant scratching all night long....she sleeps in my bed to the corn chip smell, it is driving me crazy! I know it has got to be bothering her!! This has just happened since October 2017.
Jan. 17, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. Since I can't examine Miley, it would be best to have her seen by your veterinarian, as they can examine her, determine what might be causing this problem with her skin. She may have a bacterial or fungal infection, parasites, or allergies, among other things. They'll be able to assess her, treat her problem, and give you both some relief.
Jan. 17, 2018
Was this question and answer helpful?
MalteseShitzu
Baxter
12 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Excessive Hunger
Possible Weight Loss
Hi, we recently adopted my neighbor's dog (she passed a few months ago). She had adopted him 2 years, when his previous owner passed away,so he's been through a lot in a couple of years. He and I were already bonded, so that helped this transition, however, it was still difficult for him. We think he is a maltese/shitzu mix. He weighs around 14 lbs. He has a heart condition and takes Enalapril and Lasix. He seems to constantly be hungry or wanting to eat. He looks like he's lost some weight in the last couple of months, but I've taken him to the vet to weight him and he only lost .4oz. He drinks a lot of water and urinates frequently due to the medications. I just seem to be able to feel his spine more than usual. I can't tell if it is b/c of all he's been through or b/c of his heart disease (I've read about Cardiac Cachexia) or if it's something else...and I'm wondering if this is why he always seems so hungry. Or maybe he's not getting the proper nutrients he needs? I would love any wisdom on the constant hunger and weight loss. I've mentioned this to our vet and he doesn't seem concerned but I just want to make sure all is ok. He's seems happy and still gets very excited! Thank you!
Jan. 5, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. If he is being managed by you veterinarian, is on medications and is stable, but is losing weight and always hungry, he may need to eat more food. You could try increasing how much he eats and see if things improve - if not, be sure to check with his veteirnarian to make sure that he is okay.
Jan. 5, 2018
Was this question and answer helpful?
Shih Tzu
Melia
9 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Panting Most Of Time When Insid
Panting A Lot Inside
Soft Stools, Maybe Due To Diet
Soft Stools, Maybe Due To Diet,
Increased appetite over the last 18 months or so. Liver enzymes are elevated. Walks almost every day about 2/3 of a mile. Somewhat lethargic in the house. Pants almost all of the time, except when sleeping. Soft stools, but eats 1/4 cup of dry dog food and a 20 oz bowl filled to the brim with boiled chicken twice a day. The only treat she has is a CET chew. My husband is definitely over feeding her, but she never used to clean the bowl. Sometimes, she would not eat anything for a day or two. Then, my husband would beg her to eat by tempting her with cheddar cheese and roast beef on top. Even then, she did not clean her bowl.
Jan. 2, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. I'm not sure what your question is regarding? If Melia is overweight, that might explain the panting, and the lethargy. If her liver enzymes are elevated, and her appetite is more than normal, that might be a good thing, and you may need to worry about controlling her calories - there are prescription low calorie dog foods available but i can' t comment on whether those diets are appropriate with her current conditions. It would be best to contact your veterinarian and discuss if her increased appetite is related to anything going on with her health status. I hope that she does well!
Jan. 3, 2018
Was this question and answer helpful?
Increased Appetite Average Cost
From 121 quotes ranging from $500 - $3,000
Average Cost
$1,600
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
