What Causes Loss Of Appetite And Weight Loss In Dogs?
Just like humans, dogs may experience a drop in appetite from time to time. Mostly, this is just temporary and doesn’t require immediate attention from the vet. Dogs can undergo loss of appetite due to several reasons such as moving to a new home, a change in diet, etc.
However, if your canine does show disinterest at mealtime, keep a careful eye on its eating schedule for the next few days. If your pet continues to ignore its food more than two days in a row, this may be indicative of a health condition. Visitinghttps://dogstruggles.com/ is also a great option for dog parents looking for in-depth information about their pet’s health concerns.
Top Three Reasons Why Dogs May Lose Weight
Before beginning to list the top reasons for decreased appetite and weight loss in dogs, it’s important to note that if you feel your dog requires medical attention, even if its appetite has decreased only slightly – you shouldn’t ignore your instincts.
A good rule of thumb in such situations is to look for accompanying symptoms. For instance, if your pooch is exhibiting signs of lethargy along with inappetence, then a visit to the vet is in order.
Appropriate pet insurance can help you reduce the cost of vet bills, whether for a one-off visit or if your pet has ongoing health issues that need regular care and medication to address why your dog is losing weight. But overall, for your peace of mind, should your beloved pet become unwell, you can ensure they get treatment quickly.
Now, that you understand precaution is always better than cure when it comes to your pet’s health, let’s quickly go over the top three reasons behind doggy weight loss and reduced appetite.
1. Dental Problems
Believe it or not, sometimes a canine’s lack of interest in food has nothing to do with digestion-related problems. Your dog may be refusing to eat because eating is causing it pain.
Dental and oral problems are quite common among canines and can lead to issues like loose or cracked teeth, gingivitis, or even periodontal disease. You can try doing a quick oral check to see if your canine is suffering from an oral condition. Although, it’s probably best to let your vet do a thorough inspection. Also, if you haven’t already, you can invest in doggy dental treats to avoid oral problems in the future.
2. Change In Routine
Dogs can tend to exhibit a lack of appetite if their daily routine is disrupted in some way. So, moving to a new home, traveling, or the addition of a new pet may all be possible reasons behind your furball’s lack of appetite.
Moreover, you may want to investigate motion sickness as the possible culprit behind your furry companion’s reduced interest in food if it’s not used to car travel.
3. Health Conditions
If your canine has been off its food for a prolonged period, along with displaying symptoms such as vomiting – then it may be that it’s suffering from an illness.
Even the thought of your pet being ill in some way can be terrifying for pet parents and is not easy to cope with. Nonetheless, before getting too anxious, make an appointment for a visit to the vet at the earliest. It is also a good idea to note down any and all symptoms your pet has been experiencing.
