It is estimated that about 44% of all households in the United States own a dog. And, most of these people would consider themselves the expert when it comes to their own dogs. However, there will inevitably be times when something goes wrong with your furry friend, and you just don't know what to do.
One problem that all dog owners are bound to encounter at one point or another in their dog's life is a time period in which their dog refuses to eat. Your dog can't tell you what is upsetting their stomach, or causing them to have no desire for food, so it can be hard to know what to do next. However, there are a few simple steps you can take to get your dog back into a regular eating pattern.
Check the Ingredients
If your dog stops eating, one of the first things you should do is check the ingredients in everything they've consumed. It is possible that your dog may have developed an allergy to something listed. If you think this might be the case, opt for all-natural dog foods with simple ingredients that you can recognize. Make a meal plan specifically for your dog, rather than just buying whatever you find on the shelf. Look at this for a more specific food.
Cut Back on Treats
If your dog isn't eating, but nothing else seems to be wrong with them, you should consider cutting back on the treats. While dogs love treats, giving them too many may have adverse effects. Too many treats can make a dog either too picky to eat their regular food, or they can actually upset your dog's stomach, as they are only meant to be consumed in moderation.
Play with your Pup
Just like any human, dogs need constant interaction and exercise to stay healthy and happy. It is quite common for dogs to stop eating when they get bored, depressed, anxious, or are feeling some level of stress. If you aren't already, make special time for your dog every day to prevent boredom and remind them of how they loved they are. Hopefully this will help your dog be happy and get it back to its bowl.
Visit the Vet
When in doubt, always go to an expert. You should be taking your dog in for regular check-ups already; but, if you've tried everything and still can't figure out a way to make your dog eat again, consult your vet. They will be able to perform an x-ray to see if there are any foreign items or glaring health problems that may be affecting your pup. Your vet will also be able to prescribe your dog with some form of medication that will hopefully get them back to normal.
Most importantly, listen to your pet and pay attention to the signs. If there are any other symptoms accompanying your dog's loss of appetite, such as vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, swelling of the abdomen, or lethargy, don't hesitate to take your dog in to the vet, as these could be signs of a more serious health issue.
