Dog Not Eating: Possible Causes and Solutions

When a dog stops eating, a condition commonly referred to as anorexia, it's a symptom shared by a variety of illnesses and issues. It often comes with other unusual signs, too. For instance, a dog might not only refuse to eat but also vomit or appear listless. Regardless, the refusal to eat is a common symptom across a range of diseases, some of which can be quite serious, prompting worried dog owners to rush their pets to the emergency vet.

Given how prevalent anorexia is in dogs, it's quite possible that your furry friend will experience it at some point. This article aims to guide you through how to tackle this issue effectively.

What Can You Do?

1. First and foremost, it's crucial to know where the nearest emergency vet clinic is located, or have your vet's contact information on hand. Keep this information—phone numbers, hours, address, and directions—stored in your contacts for emergencies.

2. Next, familiarize yourself with your dog's medical history and current concerns. Make sure you're aware of any medications it's been taking recently. Emergency veterinarians will want to know when your dog last ate and whether its lack of appetite is related to other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, weakness, collapse, difficulty breathing... or any other signs. Keep a close eye on your dog during this time. Also, use a leash to take it outside to observe its urination and defecation patterns. Check the trash to ensure it hasn't come into contact with any toxins or foreign objects. Pay attention to any changes in your dog's diet. Is your dog getting older? Has its medication been changed recently? These are the kinds of details your vet will inquire about.

3. Here are some suggestions on how to help a dog that's not eating. Try offering fresh food and clean water. Some dogs may have a particular appetite for "new food" from bags. If your dog is sick or you're extremely concerned, it's best to take it to the clinic for a proper examination. However, if the situation doesn't seem severe, a gentle diet might be recommended.

You can prepare a light meal by mixing equal parts of cooked lean meat (chicken, hamburger, or turkey) with cooked white rice. Avoid adding any seasonings, such as butter, salt, garlic, or spices. After a few days, you can gradually reintroduce your dog's regular diet while reducing the light meal until it's back to normal eating.

As always, if you're worried, the best advice is to bring your dog to the vet for an assessment.

4. There's no foolproof way to "cure" a dog's loss of appetite unless you can address the underlying cause. To keep your pet safe, avoid letting it come into contact with garbage, table scraps, and other foreign objects. Additionally, only purchase safe toys to redirect your dog's attention, preventing it from chewing on potentially hazardous items that could lead to digestion issues.

What Are the Costs of a Dog Not Eating?

How much does it cost to take a dog to the vet for anorexia? With so many potential causes, most veterinarians will recommend a series of basic tests, such as blood and urine tests, to help pinpoint possible causes. Some may also suggest an xray. Prices vary by location, with emergency visits, blood tests, and xrays ranging from $325 to $500. This does not include any treatment costs. If there's a significant underlying issue, additional treatment fees will apply.

Lastly, many of these emergency situations are caused by owners feeding their dogs table scraps and dogs coming into contact with garbage. To prevent this, protect your dog, especially regarding its diet. And remember, never give your dog any medication without explicit instructions from your vet.