Reasons Why Dogs Refuse to Eat
Like humans, a dog’s lifespan is partially dependent on the food they eat. As such, different companies have come up with ways to ensure that dog food is not just appealing to the canine but also benefits their body health-wise. Even with this realisation, some dog owners still have to deal with their pets refusing to eat. The following are some of the reasons why your furry friend doesn’t want to eat and remedies to solve this problem.
Your Dog’s Age
As a puppy gets older, their feeding habits change. The fact that older dogs have a decreased sense of smell and taste has a lot to do with it. This behaviour is common and has nothing to do with the dog’s state of health. Due to the decreased sense of smell and taste, the dog tends to be less excited about food, hence, the loss of appetite. Additionally, older dogs tend to be less active and thus spend less energy, which in turn means they require less food.
Change in Food Preference
While refusal to eat may indicate the need for attention or general tiredness, it is also important to note that it could be a sign of the dog being bored with the food you are offering. Dogs are known to be less picky than other animals in terms of food. Therefore, a slight change in diet may be beneficial for your pup.
With time, companies are embracing organic pet food, giving dog owners choices to choose from. Such example is the pug dog food, which provides a healthier organic option for pugs.
Maybe They’re Just Not Hungry
Any dog owner would recall being worried about their pet’s eating habits but then realise that there was nothing wrong with them health-wise. Before jumping to conclusions and worrying about your furry friend endlessly, consider that maybe they’re just not hungry. Eventually, once they do get hungry, they are going to eat just as normally as they would.
Do Not Switch Your Dog's Food Abruptly
Although adding dietary nutrients to dog food is well and good, note that your four-legged friend may refuse to eat food if you completely switch their food abruptly. They may end up suffering from gastrointestinal upset, which can include vomiting and decreased appetite. Whenever you decide to change your dog’s food, the switch should be gradual (ideally over a 7-10 day period gradually increasing the new food fed every 2-3 days) to allow the seamless transition onto a new diet.
Visit Your Local Veterinarian for Advice
While there may be nothing wrong with your canine refusing to eat their food, it is advisable to visit a veterinarian just to be sure. Like humans, refusing to eat among dogs may be an indication of an underlying issue, one that may be life-threatening. It is, therefore, safer to have your buddy checked before coming to any conclusions. This will help address any health problems.
Final Thoughts
Every dog breed is different. The approach to your pup's feeding habits should depend on how well you know them and their breed in general. You have to make sure that your canine friend gets all the necessary nutrients to be healthy. Although it may not always be possible to have your dog eat as you may like, make sure that any signs of appetite changes are addressed and solved. It may be nothing serious, but it is always best to be safe rather than sorry.
*Collaborative post
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