Author: Evie Van Hove
My dog won't eat: understanding, causes and solutions.
A dog that won't eat can be worrying for many owners. Eating behaviour is an important indicator of your pet's health, and changes in it can indicate various problems. In this blog, we look at the behaviour of a dog who won't eat, the possible causes, and what you can do if this problem persists.
What does it mean when your dog won't eat?
When a dog refuses its food, it can manifest itself in different ways:
Complete refusal: The dog does not eat at all, not even his favourite treats.
Selective eating: The dog eats only certain types of food and refuses others.
Reduced appetite: The dog does eat, but much less than normal.
Slow eating: The dog takes much longer to eat its meal than normal.
"A dog that refuses its food can express this in different ways"
Possible causes of not eating
There are several reasons why a dog may not want to eat, ranging from medical to behavioural causes. Here are some of the most common ones:
1. Medical problems
Medical conditions are often the first suspect when a dog won't eat. Some possible medical causes include:
- Dental problems: Dental problems, such as gum disease or broken teeth, can make eating painful.
- Gastrointestinal problems: Stomach problems, intestinal problems, or infections can reduce a dog's appetite.
- Infections: Viral or bacterial infections can lead to loss of appetite.
- Chronic Diseases: Conditions such as kidney disease, liver disease, or cancer can affect appetite.
- Medication: Some medications may have side effects that suppress appetite.
2. Behavioural and environmental factors
Not only medical problems can be the cause of reduced appetite. Behavioural and environmental factors also play a role:
- Stress and anxiety: Changes in the environment, such as moving house or new housemates, can cause stress, which affects appetite.
- Change of food: Suddenly switching to a different food can make a dog not want to eat. Dogs are creatures of habit and may need time to get used to new
food. - Separation anxiety: Dogs with separation anxiety may stop eating when their owner is not at home.
- Food shyness: Negative experiences with food, such as getting sick of certain food once, can lead to shyness towards that food.
What can you do?
If you notice that your dog does not want to eat, there are several steps you can take to identify and solve the problem:
1. Observe and take notes
Keep a diary of your dog's eating behaviour. Record when and what your dog eats or refuses to eat. This can provide useful information for a vet or behavioural therapist.
2. Visit the vet
The first step for persistent eating problems is always a visit to the vet. The vet can rule out or diagnose medical causes and suggest appropriate treatments.
3. Create a calm eating environment
Make sure your dog's eating area is calm and stress-free. Avoid crowds and noise during meals and make sure the food bowl is in a safe, quiet place.
4. Try different food
If you suspect the current food is the problem, try gradually switching to other food. Slowly mix the new food with the old one to get your dog used to it.
5. Use positive reinforcement
Use positive reinforcement to encourage your dog to eat. Reward him with praise or a treat when he eats.
6. Consult a behavioural therapist
If medical causes have been ruled out and the problem persists, a dog behaviourist can help identify and address behavioural problems.
Conclusion
A dog that won't eat can be related to a wide range of problems, from medical conditions to stress and behavioural issues. It is crucial to identify the cause of the problem and take appropriate action. Always consult a vet in case of persistent eating problems and consider a behavioural therapist if behavioural causes are suspected. With proper care and attention, you can ensure that your dog eats healthily and happily again.
Evie Van Hove is PgD Clinical Animal Behaviour, certified puppy coach, dog trainer and behaviour coach. She has been business manager of Pettherapy.be since 2021.
