What is Loss of Appetite?
Loss of appetite, or “anorexia”, in dogs is a sign that can be indicative of a variety of possible underlying problems. The underlying cause could range from a minor stressor to a life-threatening illness. A pet choosing to eat little or no food as the result of an upset stomach or stress may begin eating again within 24 hours. However, loss of appetite for longer than 1-2 days can be a sign of medical emergency and should not go untreated.
Refusing to eat more than two meals is uncommon for most dogs. Loss of appetite is a serious indicator of an underlying illness, which can vary from depression to cancer. if you notice a change in your dog's eating habits, schedule an appointment with a veterinarian immediately. It is especially important to respond quickly to a refusal to eat in dogs that are usually "chow hounds", and normally have good appetites.
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Symptoms of Loss of Appetite in Dogs
Signs of loss of appetite in dogs include:
- Eating less food than normal
- Refusing to eat food
- Refusing to eat treats
- Lack of interest in food
- Trying to eat but unable
- Weight loss
- Weakness/lethargy
- Vomiting
Types
- Pseudo-anorexia – The pet wants to eat, however cannot due to a physical problem.
- True anorexia – The pet has no desire to eat.
Causes of Loss of Appetite in Dogs
A variety of issues can cause loss of appetite in dogs:
Psychological Causes of Anorexia
- Depression
- Stress
- Undesirable food
- Environmental change
- Dietary change
- Change in daily routine
Physical Causes of Anorexia
- Medication
- Infection (bacterial, viral, parasitic)
- Cancer
- Pain
- Toxin exposure
- Dental problems
- Cardiovascular disease
- Gastrointestinal disease or blockage
- Endocrine disorder
- Autoimmune disease
- Respiratory illness
- Neurological disease
Diagnosis of Loss of Appetite in Dogs
It is important to note whether any environmental or dietary changes have occurred that may be causing the loss of appetite in your pet. Possible stressors could include moving to a new home, having house guests for a visit, a family member leaving for a period of time, getting a new pet, loud noises (fireworks, gunshots, thunder) or change in diet.
If your pet is demonstrating loss of appetite, you may want to try feeding a bland diet (boiled chicken breast and white rice) and see if the appetite returns. If you have changed diets recently, try going back to the old diet or add a bit of low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth to stimulate appetite. Monitor your pet for 24 hours and if low appetite continues or if you notice the pet is not having bowel movements or is having diarrhea and/or vomiting, visit the veterinarian for an examination.
The veterinarian will want to know when the loss of appetite began, and whether your pet tries to eat but can’t or doesn’t try at all. Any recent changes to the diet or environment can be important information.
The physical examination will include an examination of the mouth, teeth and throat and abdominal palpitation for possible pain or masses. Laboratory diagnostics may include blood testing to detect any abnormalities in liver, kidney, and other organ function. A fecal exam can detect the presence of intestinal parasites. Radiographs will aid in visualization of any abdominal or chest abnormalities. Endoscopy can be used to help visualize the condition of the throat, stomach lining and upper small intestine.
Treatment of Loss of Appetite in Dogs
You can attempt to stimulate appetite at home by warming the pet’s food slightly or adding warm water to kibble (increasing smell and palatability). Be very certain that the food is not too hot and stir microwaved food well to distribute heat evenly after warming. You may also try adding canned food or low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth) to kibble. A pet may respond to hand feeding with fingers or a spoon better than eating from a bowl.
If the pet refuses to eat after a 24-hour period, veterinary treatment will be necessary.
Supportive Care
If the pet has not eaten in a few days, intravenous or subcutaneous fluid therapy will rehydrate the pet and provide electrolytes. Syringe feeding or a feeding tube may be required for pets who haven’t eaten in 2-3 days. An appetite stimulant such as mirtazapine or cyproheptadine can aid in boosting appetite.
Treatment of the Underlying Issue
Once the condition that is causing the loss of appetite is identified, proper treatment of the condition will be initiated. This may involve oral medications, dental procedure and/or surgery.
Refeeding
Once the pet is stabilized, a refeeding plan will be put into place. Normally, a bland diet will be offered for 2-3 days with small portions given frequently throughout the day. The diet will then transition to a regular diet gradually over one week
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Recovery of Loss of Appetite in Dogs
Be sure to follow your veterinarian’s instructions on refeeding and diet management carefully. The gastrointestinal tract is often sensitive after periods of not eating and your veterinarian’s dietary instructions will address this. Let your veterinarian know if appetite is not considerably improved within 1-2 days after release and monitor bowel movements and behavior carefully.
Recovery from anorexia depends on the ability to detect and treat the underlying cause quickly. Prognosis may be good with early detection and pets can regain appetite in a day or two after the underlying cause is addressed.
A high-quality diet is essential for keeping your dog happy and healthy. Digestive problems and food allergies can be expensive to treat. Compare pet health insurance plans to save more than $270 a year on vet care.
Loss of Appetite Average Cost
From 11 quotes ranging from $500 - $8,000
Average Cost
$1,000
Top
Loss of Appetite Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Indian street dog
Two Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Noisy Breathing
A street dog who comes to my house in search of food suddenly fell ill and stopped consumption of food. She is having breathing problems due to congested nose and little amount of nasal discharge. She looks depressed, tries to hide in a corner and drinking lots of water. What can I do in such a situation or what kind of food can I give her because she is fasting for two days continuously.
Sept. 27, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them and see what might be going on, and get treatment if needed.
Oct. 12, 2020
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Shih Tzu
Eight Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Diarrhea
Sep21- vomiting
Sep22- vomiting
Sep23- vomiting
Sep24- FEVER, sleeping all day, eating a little bit
Sep25- FEVER, not eating
Sep26- Fever gone, only ate a small portion, a drink a little bit of water
Sep27- Diarrhea 3 times in 3 hours, not eating or drinking
Sept. 27, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. .
Since I cannot see her or determine what the cause of her vomiting and fever is, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and help get treatment if it is appropriate.
Oct. 13, 2020
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Dachshund
6months
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Reduced Eating
Started Eating less food
Sept. 27, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. .
He may not be hungry, or he may have a problem with his intestines, or parasites. Since I cannot see him, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any treatment that they might need.
Oct. 13, 2020
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Mixed
Six Months
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Loss Of Appetite, Vomiting, Diarrhea
My dog recently got hit by a car and he’s walking fine now and has a open would on his leg can his leg being infected cause him to feel ill
Sept. 26, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
Wounds can become septic and cause illness, yes. It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get treatment for them.
Oct. 15, 2020
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German Shepherd
Three Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lathergy
Dog is lathergic from last 1.5 months . After doing blood test we found haemoglobin has decreased from 14 .7 to 8.9 . Moreover she is breathing problem . Doctor has given Clavam for breathing problem and Folvit and Feronia XT for haemoglobin but still she is lathergic . Doesn’t want to eat or drink but thank god we are feeding her and stool and urine is normal
Sept. 26, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
It is difficult to say what might be going on without being able to see her. If she is still having problems, It would be best to have your pet seen for a recheck by a veterinarian, as they can examine your pet, see what might be going on, and get treatment for them if needed.
Oct. 17, 2020
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Pug
Ginger
12 Days
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting,
My dog Ginger, is a 12 year old pug although everyone thinks she is quite a bit younger because she is very energetic and happy. 2 nights ago she vomited about 5 times over an 8 hour time period. She has become listless, will. Drink water but won’t eat - won’t even eat her treats. Yesterday she just layed in her bed and would walk with her tail between her legs. Today, her tail is up and wags a bit but she still isn’t eating. Her energy level still is not where it was and she just seems tired. Our vet is booked out for 2 weeks. Should we take her to an emergency clinic?
Border Terrier
scruffy
13 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Weight Loss
Not Eating
Tired
My 13 year old border terrier had to have surgery on Monday for pyometra (now Friday)
She seems to be taking much longer to recover than expected. She drank by herself the Monday night when we got her home and was walking around a little. Tuesday she wouldn't eat or drink anything so we couldn't give her her meds and she was just laying down until we had to take her back to the vets. They gave her injections and said to use the syringe to give her a little water every 4 hours which we did.
She has been at the vets every day for a check up apart from today. She has to go back Monday. Yesterday was the first day she drank some water on her since Monday night on own but hasn't again since. Yesterday was the first day we managed to give her her meds in the food as we ready crushing her tablets in to food was a good idea. We have been having to give her baby food and cream cheese. She won't eat it unless we rub some on to her mouth and she then licks it.
She has lost a lot of weight as she wasn't really eating for a few days before the surgery. She did receive IV fluids when int he vets on Monday but other than us giving her small amounts of baby food which she is reluctant to eat that's all shes had so we are very worried she's not wanting to eat.
She has been acting a little more herself as the days go on though. Yesterday she went up to the window to look out for a while, she's laid down at my mums feet while shes at her desk working, laid over for me to rub her belly.
The vet has only said that there may still be traces of infection so the antibiotics are still doing their thing. Her temp has been low so we have been laying blankets over her. She's on pain killers, antibiotics and was on anti sickness injections but not sure if we have tablets for that at the moment.
Is there anything else we can do to help her eat?
Loss of Appetite Average Cost
From 11 quotes ranging from $500 - $8,000
Average Cost
$1,000
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.
