Dealing with a Sick Dog: What to Feed & How to Encourag
1. What to Do When Your Dog Has a Cold and Refuses to Eat?
When a dog catches a cold or experiences other respiratory infections, symptoms like sneezing and runny nose can occur. These issues often affect a dog's sense of smell, leading to a decreased sensitivity to odors and subsequently, a loss of appetite. Dogs, like cats, have poor taste buds, which means they are more likely to be interested in food when it smells appealing.
Solutions: Pet owners can heat up their dog's favorite canned food in the microwave. The warmth releases a stronger aroma, which may help stimulate their appetite. Experiment with different palatable foods, such as minced meat porridge or bone broth, as your dog might take a liking to one of these options.
If your dog's runny nose is severe, it's advisable to use an antibacterial nasal drops in addition to cold medication to clear up the nasal passages. This can help alleviate breathing difficulties and improve appetite.
2. How to Handle a Dog That Refuses to Eat Due to Gastrointestinal Discomfort?
It's common for dogs with gastrointestinal discomfort to experience a decrease in appetite. Often, this isn't because they don't want to eat, but because eating can exacerbate their abdominal pain, making them appear as if they want to eat but can't.
Solutions: If your dog is vomiting, it's best to withhold food and water temporarily. If vomiting persists or if you notice diarrhea, listlessness, or other symptoms, it's crucial to take your dog to a veterinarian immediately. In cases of vomiting and diarrhea, it's important not to let your dog go without eating for too long, as dehydration and acidosis can occur. While treating with medication, it's essential to replenish fluids through subcutaneous or intravenous injections.
3. How to Cope with a Dog's Loss of Appetite After a Major Illness or Surgery?
After a serious illness or surgery, dogs may also experience a loss of appetite. Some may suddenly become picky, refusing their usual dog food and opting for highprotein snacks like canned food or nutritional paste instead.
Solutions: It's recommended to switch your dog to a more palatable canned food for a period while they recover. Once their health improves, you can gradually reintroduce their regular dog food.
When a dog refuses to eat for an extended period, becomes weak, and you can't immediately take them to a vet, you may need to forcefeed glucose to prevent dehydration. Generally, if a dog's appetite is completely absent for over two days, it's important to seek veterinary care promptly. Only after a thorough examination and appropriate treatment can you expect to see a fundamental improvement in their appetite.
