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.
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Loss of Appetite Average Cost
From 11 quotes ranging from $500 - $8,000
Average Cost
$1,000
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Loss of Appetite Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Husky
Six Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Loss Of Appetite
My 14 yr old golden didn’t eat and was listless for 3 days, now he is fine (day 5 and back to normal. now our Husky is showing the same symptoms. She had a small amount of loss stool, almost liquid tonight after her walk. She will usually run any chance she gets but would not run. She wags her tail and her stomach feels normal. Only thing she has eaten in 3 days is some rare meat and rice. Refused her favorite raw egg today, licked the liquid and left the yoke.
Aug. 1, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
It is possible that she ate something she wasn't supposed to, or may have a parasite. If it has been three days, and she is not improving, it would be best to have her seen by a veterinarian. They will be able to examine her, see what the cause might be, and get treatment for her.
I hope that she is okay.
Aug. 1, 2020
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Rottweiler
Eight Months
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Loss Of Appetite
Our puppy ate 1/4 of a rubber tire chew toy while in her day kennel. She began to have a loss of appetite (she normally inhales her food). She didn’t eat all of her breakfast, ate her lunch and refused dinner. Her stool was normal last night although I didn’t see signs of rubber in it.
I expected she would inhale breakfast but she was slow to eat it. She was slow to eat lunch, but did. She didn’t want dinner until I put 2 tbsp puréed pumpkin in it.
Since then she had 1 normal movement and then 1 diarrhea. They were her first movements since this morning.
July 31, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. There's a very distinct possibility that the rubber toy is in her stomach or GI tract and is causing problems. If she continues to show signs of a decreased appetite, or starts to vomit or has diarrhea, it would be best to have her seen by your veterinarian. They may want to take an x-ray to see what sort of irritation is going on in the GI tract, that they will be able to help treat her. I hope that all goes well for her and she is back to her healthy self soon.
July 31, 2020
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Rottweiler
Two Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Don'T Eat Food, Tired, Heartbeat Is High
My dog won't eat her food and she is tired and her heartbeat is high.
July 30, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
0 Recommendations
Hello,
So sorry to hear about your dog. It sounds like your dog may be in pain. It may be best to have your dog seen by your vet. You can try to offer boiled chicken and rice or scrambled eggs. If he continues to not eat, it would be best to see your vet. I hope your dog starts to feel better soon.
July 30, 2020
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No breed
Two Months
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Loss Apetite, Vomiting, Coughing
My dog had parvovaccine last july 21, starting that until now she is lossing her apetite. Coughing, feeling weak , always sleeping and vomiting. We dont have idea but were thinking that maybe she is depressed bcoz i left her since i need to go back abroad. please help me why things happen it changes a lot. She is a normal askal but energetic, smart and sweet puppy.
July 30, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Puppies an be affected by parasites, other infectious diseases, and intestinal infections. Without seeing her, I can't say what might be going on with her, but at that age, puppies don't tend to get depressed. It would be best to have her seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine her and see what might be going on, and get treatment for her.
I hope that she is okay.
July 30, 2020
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Loss of Appetite Average Cost
From 11 quotes ranging from $500 - $8,000
Average Cost
$1,000
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