“Why is my puppy not eating?” The answer could be many different things. Your puppy might not be eating much because she is not used to the new food you’re giving her. If she’s not eating as much as before, it could be an anxiety issue. Listed below are some signs of anorexia and how to recognize them. Stress, low blood sugar, and diet can also be culprits.
Signs of anorexia
When your puppy refuses to eat, this could signify anorexia. Thankfully, there are treatment options available for anorexia. Treatment may include fluids, assisted feeding through a feeding tube, or medications for ulcers and pain. If your puppy is severely dehydrated, the vet may recommend intravenous fluids and a drip to encourage appetite. While there is no cure for anorexia in dogs, the early detection and treatment of the disease are vital for the recovery of your puppy or dog.
The most common causes of anorexia in dogs and puppies include stress, lack of physical activity, and mental illness. Sometimes, dogs are simply picky eaters and refuse to eat. In some cases, a puppy may be eating faeces. This behaviour can be dangerous and requires an IV for some time.
Stress
A decreased appetite in your dog can have many causes. Your pet could be feeling depressed or in pain or even have an illness. Your puppy may not be in the mood for meals, or it may be feeling too nervous to try. A change in routine could also trigger anxiety in your dogs, such as travelling or loud noises. Your puppy might also be avoiding meals or sleeping more than usual. Whatever the cause, stress can be a big factor in your dog’s appetite.
To make your puppy feel better:
- Try to identify what’s causing the stress.
- Try cuddles and exercise. You can also make the environment less stressful by avoiding a noisy place or a large group of people.
- Remember, a healthy dog will still eat regularly, but refusing to eat indicates stress. You can reduce stress by waiting until new things have worn off and become old news before introducing new foods to your puppy.
Low blood sugar
Low blood sugar in a dog or puppy can have serious consequences. It can cause collapse, weakness, and tremors. Ultimately, this condition can be fatal. To ensure your pet’s health, it is vital to promptly identify and treat low blood sugar. Listed below are the symptoms of low blood sugar in a dog or puppy. If any of these symptoms sound familiar, contact your veterinarian immediately.
First, a dog with low blood sugar may be anaemic, which means his blood has too little haemoglobin or red blood cells. Anaemia can be caused by many conditions, including hypoglycemia, liver disease, and a portosystemic shunt. A high proportion of white blood cells in a hypoglycemic dog or puppy may also indicate an infection.
Anorexia
If the loss of appetite is temporary, supportive care will help, but the longer the anorexia continues, the greater the risks of developing serious complications. Your veterinarian will first perform a thorough medical examination, including checking for any changes in diet or routine. Your veterinarian will then determine the exact cause of the loss of appetite and how to treat it.
Sometimes the cause of your dog’s anorexia is not obvious, and you might have to go beyond a quick treatment. Sometimes a dog is a hypochondriac, which can cause your puppy to lose weight. Fortunately, your puppy can develop anorexia from exposure to some substances, including chemicals. There are also some natural cures for anorexia, including herbal remedies, vitamin and mineral supplements, and regular exercise.
Depression
If your puppy isn’t eating for no apparent reason, the first thing you should do is to identify the cause. Follow these steps to identify and treat the problem. Ultimately, your goal is to get your puppy back to eating normally and playing with you again.
The first step in diagnosing depression in your dog is identifying the triggers and causes. Although this condition can be easily treated, some causes are more difficult to detect and treat. For example, your puppy may not be interested in playing with you, or he may not be happy with you. Changing these triggers could improve your dog’s emotional state. Or, you could try adopting a new puppy. But make sure it’s a good match for your dog and you!
Overfeeding
Besides excessive weight gain, overfeeding can also cause digestive issues. Excessive feeding will cause your dog’s digestive system to work harder than normal, resulting in flatulence. Overfeeding may also result in frequent bowel movements and flatulence.
It is best to avoid overfeeding your puppy, but if your dog has a history of refusing to eat, it may simply be due to overfeeding. The recommended amount of calories for your dog is often too much. Ensure to measure out the proper portions at mealtimes and limit the number of treats to about 10 per cent of the diet.