Is your dog not eating? Dogs usually love mealtime, so it can be distressing to see them leave their bowl untouched. There are many potential reasons your dog could have stopped eating, but some reasons are more common than others.
Read on to discover eight possible reasons why your dog has suddenly lost her appetite.
Your Dog Doesn’t Like Her Food
Some reasons why dogs refuse to eat are easy to fix, like their food has gone bad or they don’t like the flavor of their kibble anymore. In those situations, you can make sure the food is fresh (not expired) or swap it out with a different brand.
Your Dog is Adjusting to New Food
Some dogs are divas in that they are picky eaters. It happens! If you recently made a switch to your pup’s food, it may take her a few days to get on board, simply because she may be caught off-guard by its new smell or texture. After all, it’s not like she can complain to the chef.
Wet vs. Dry Dog Food: Which Should You Feed Your Dog?
Your Dog is Experiencing Medication Side Effects
New medications can also make dogs lose their appetites. Some drugs have nausea as a side effect. A new prescription diet might be to blame, too. They aren’t always the tastiest. If you think that’s the case for your dog, consult with your vet about next steps. Maybe you can switch to another medication or prescribed diet or use a tempting treat to get your pup to eat.
Your Dog is Feeling Anxious or Sad
Dogs are also emotional creatures. They may stop eating if they’re anxious or upset. Changes like a move to a new home, going to a boarding facility while you’re on vacation, a death in the family, or even kids returning to school can make a dog feel blue. It might also be that they can’t stand eating next to other dogs in the home, which you can solve by separating your dogs during meals.
Your Dog Ate a Foreign Object