Dealing with a Depressed Dog: Loss of Appetite & Energy

When a dog stops eating, a condition commonly referred to as anorexia, it's a symptom shared by a multitude of diseases and issues. It often comes with additional peculiarities, such as vomiting or appearing listless. Regardless, the refusal to eat is a common sign of various ailments, some of which can be quite severe, prompting worried dog owners to rush their pets to the emergency room.

Since anorexia is quite prevalent in dogs, it's likely to affect your furry friend from time to time. This article aims to guide you through how to tackle this issue effectively.

What to Do When Your Dog Stops Eating

1. First and foremost, it's crucial to know where the nearest emergency vet clinic is, 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 they've been taking recently. Emergency veterinarians will ask when your dog last ate and whether their lack of appetite is linked to other symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, weakness, collapse, difficulty breathing, or any other signs. Keep a close eye on your dog during this time, and use a leash to take them outside to observe their urination and defecation. Check the trash to ensure they haven't ingested any toxins or foreign objects. Pay attention to any changes in their diet. Is your dog getting older? Have their medications been changed recently? These are some of the details your vet will inquire about.

3. Here are some tips on how to help a dog that's not eating:

You can try offering fresh food and fresh water. Some dogs may have an appetite for "new food" from bags. If your dog is sick or you're extremely concerned, I recommend taking them to the clinic for a thorough examination. However, if the situation doesn't seem too severe, I suggest using a gentle diet to treat their condition.

Prepare a bland diet 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 their regular diet, increasing the bland food until they're 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 lack of appetite unless you address the underlying cause. To keep your pet safe, avoid letting them come into contact with garbage, table scraps, and other foreign objects. Also, ensure you only buy safe toys to redirect their attention, so they don't chew on anything in the house that could be dangerous and hard to digest.

What Are the Costs of a Dog Not Eating?

How much does it cost to take a dog to the vet for not eating? With numerous potential causes, most veterinarians will recommend basic checks, such as blood and urine tests, to help pinpoint possible causes. Some may also suggest Xrays. Prices vary by location, with emergency visits, blood tests, and Xrays ranging from $325 to $500. This doesn't include any treatment costs. If there's a significant underlying cause, additional treatment expenses 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 their diet. Also, never give your dog any medication unless your vet has given you explicit instructions.