Help, my dog is not eating

My dog is very picky and has stopped eating, do you have any tips? At Riverwood, we often get such questions. Usually, the main question is why my dog is not eating and what you as an owner can do. In this article, we answer the question of why a dog sometimes leaves its food untouched and what you can do if your dog stops eating.

Why is my dog not eating?

Your dog may have various reasons for not eating anymore, such as illness or stress. Below are the most common causes of your dog not eating.

• Your dog is sick. It may be that your dog is unwell, causing a loss of appetite. Often your dog will also have other symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, fever, or excessive drinking and/or urinating. If you suspect your dog is sick, or if in doubt, contact your veterinarian.
  
  
• Your dog is stressed. Stress affects every dog differently. For example, one dog may refuse to eat because it feels stressed when left alone at home, while another dog may be stressed by new housemates. Even a new arrangement in the area where your dog eats can cause stress.
  
  
• Your dog is in pain. Pain can cause your dog to refuse to finish its food bowl. This can happen if the animal has dental problems, such as a broken or rotten tooth.
  
  
• Your dog ate something bad. This could be spoiled food, which can cause your dog to have stomach pain and lose its appetite. When your dog starts feeling better, its appetite will return.
  
  
• Your dog is getting too much food. Your dog eats its kibble in the morning but leaves it in the afternoon and/or evening. In this case, the animal simply receives more energy than it needs.
  
  
• Your dog eats a lot of snacks. Too much food in the form of snacks or prey during walks can be a reason for your dog to leave its regular food. Your loyal companion simply isn’t hungry anymore.
  
  
• Your dog is in heat. A female dog in heat can be so unsettled the first time that she loses interest in food. Even females that go into heat regularly can experience this. A male dog can also be unsettled during this period and leave his food.
  
  
• Attention-seeking dog. Dogs are very smart animals and quickly learn how to ask for attention. If you give a lot of attention when your dog refuses to eat, the dog may leave its food more often to get attention. Try not to give your dog extra attention if it doesn’t eat sometimes.
  
  
• A spoiled dog. Owners often make the food extra appealing by adding canned food, snacks, frequently changing the food, or adding broth. If you then put down a bowl with only kibble, your dog may wait until you add something tasty again.