Could Your Dog Have Anorexia?
Dogs can not talk; that’s why it’s challenging for fur parents to recognize when their pet isn’t feeling well. This was the same when dogs stopped eating or showing interest in their food. Therefore, it’s helpful to know the culprits causing this behavior in dogs to understand the treatment or remedy that will efficiently combat this condition. So let’s discuss the common causes of true anorexia or loss of appetite in dogs.
5 Causes of Anorexia in Dogs
Mealtime is often a pet’s favorite part of the day. It’s common for fur parents to feel alarmed when they notice their canines are not eating or have lost their appetite. Thankfully, some factors are treatable, especially if your pet seems alright, even with reduced appetite. If you’re worried sick about your dog who’s not been showing enthusiasm during mealtime, below are the five common causes.
1. Dental problems
Did you know that only 2% of pet parents brush their canine’s teeth frequently? This might explain why pets develop oral problems. If you see your canine swallowing their kibble or not consuming hard foods, this might show a dental problem. If you see broken or missing teeth in their mouth, bleeding, or swollen gums, they could benefit from a trip to the veterinary dentist. Routine dental cleaning and checkups help tackle any oral problems affecting your dog’s health and appetite.
2. Pain and injuries
Dogs that don’t eat can mean they’re in pain. Injuries and pain often impair a dog’s appetite, particularly dental pain. They may avoid eating when they feel something in their mouth is hurting. Some of the bodily injuries, illnesses, or painful conditions that might be causing your dog to lose appetite are:
- poisoning
- problems with teeth, tongue, gums
- infection
- parasites
- autoimmune or neurological diseases
- allergic reactions
- organ issues
- anxiety
- tumors
- broken bones
Do you suspect bone fracture in your pet’s actions? Take them to a veterinary surgeon to correct their joints so they can play and move normally again. Does your pet need surgery? You may check it out on the web to see the common pet conditions requiring a surgical operation.
3. Health problems
One of the first things that suffer the most when your canine is sick is its appetite. Like people, dogs are prone to illnesses and infections, especially when they come into contact with their fellows at the kennel, veterinarian, or park.
If your furry buddy’s lack of appetite is followed by lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, or other worrying signs, make an appointment with facilities like Echo Park Veterinary Hospital to determine the condition affecting your pet and ensure they receive prompt treatment.
4. Vaccine shots
Vaccinations can occasionally cause mild discomfort, lethargy, or adverse effects, which causes your pet’s appetite to dip temporarily. This might last an entire day. If your canine doesn’t show interest in eating following a vaccination, offer them the next regular meal.
Are you keeping up with your pet’s vaccinations? Maintaining this is necessary to guarantee they’re well protected from widespread pet conditions and boost your pet’s immune response. If you’re looking for places that offer pet vaccinations, you may browse the web for “pet vaccinations near me” to see specific results.
5. Stress
Like humans, dogs can get stressed due to unfamiliar conditions like environmental changes, which may affect their appetite. Adding a new four-legged buddy or family member to the household, a new environment, or other changes can trigger stress and anxiety in canines. Severe separation anxiety, worry, and other similar reasons that may cause stress in dogs may lead to loss of appetite. Their appetite may dip until they’re relaxed enough to eat again.
