A dog may refuse to eat for several reasons, and this doesn't always indicate illness. Often, this behavior is caused by fatigue or stress. It's important to understand what an owner should do if a dog isn't eating and when an immediate veterinary consultation is necessary.
Possible reasons
- Any changes that have become stressful for the dog (moving, loss or change of owner, the arrival of a new pet).
- Changing your diet or changing your usual dishes.
- Taking certain medications.
- Dental diseases (broken tooth, gum inflammation).
- Painful sensations (in combination with prolonged sleep, decreased activity, hunched back, fever).
- Toxicosis (in pregnant dogs).
- Heat.
What to do
First of all, you should remember what could have caused the animal to refuse food. If psychological factors are the issue, patience, care, and affection are essential. If diet or food items are changed, reintroduce everything familiar to your pet.
In other cases, it's best to contact a veterinarian to rule out any possible underlying medical conditions. This should be done as soon as possible, as dogs often go to great lengths to hide their illnesses from their owners. Therefore, deciding to "wait a couple of days" could result in a significant deterioration in the pet's condition due to a failure to provide timely assistance.
There's no need to force-feed your pet, but it's essential to ensure adequate fluid intake, even using a syringe. This will help prevent dehydration before your dog gets to the veterinary clinic.
When should you consult a specialist?
Immediate veterinary attention is necessary if:
- the pet has missed two or more feedings, and more than 36 hours have passed since the last meal;
- fever appeared;
- constipation, diarrhea or vomiting occurs;
- the animal refuses water;
- manifestations of pain syndrome without apparent cause are obvious.
Only genuine love and attention to your pet will allow you to promptly detect behavioral issues and unravel the reasons for their refusal to eat. The key is to avoid self-medication and not miss the moment when professional help is needed.
