6 Reasons Why Your Dog Isn’t Eating in Lakeland, FL

Do you live in Lakeland, Florida? Do you have a dog who has stopped eating entirely or who has cut back a lot on how much they normally eat? If so, you might find yourself wondering what the cause of this issue could be.

A dog with appetite loss is usually a sick dog. However, there may be more factors at play than you realize, so it’s important to take the time to figure out what’s going on with your furry friend. Read through this list of six possible reasons your dog might stop eating to find out more. If you have any questions, call Lakeland Animal Clinic at (863) 688-3338.

Fever

Dogs, just like humans, may not feel much like eating if they have a fever. If your dog is running a fever, they may not have an appetite, and they are probably also sick. Both of these factors may cause the to stop eating and can even make them stop drinking if they’re very ill.

It can be difficult to tell if your dog has a fever. However, if they’ve stopped eating, are very lethargic, have warm ears, and have redness in their eyes, then these are all signs they’re dealing with a fever and need to see a vet.

Illness

If your dog is sick, they may not feel like eating. Almost any illness can potentially cause a dog to go off of their food. Some dogs are more prone to stopping eating as a result of illness than others, but any dog has this potential.

If you think there’s a chance your dog is sick, it’s time to go to the veterinarian. Some illnesses may be more serious than others, but if your dog is sick enough to stop eating, they may need vet care to help heal. Additionally, they may need medication to provide nutrients if they’ve been off of their food for a while.

Pain

Dogs who are in pain may stop eating their food, either fully or partially. If something has happened to your dog to cause them to be in pain, a loss of appetite is to be expected. However, if your dog’s loss of appetite seems to have no explainable cause, they may be in pain and might be hiding it.

Take your dog to the vet if you think they might be in pain. They could have an internal injury, or they could be suffering from arthritis or hip dysplasia. Your vet can help you narrow down the possibilities.

Stress

Stress can cause a dog to lose their appetite. If your dog’s appetite loss has happened shortly following a period of stress, you might be able to assume this is the cause. If stress is contributing to your dog’s appetite problem, their eating should go back to normal in a few days after everything calms down again.

Travel or moving to a new home are some of the most common causes of a dog’s loss of appetite relating to stress. Bringing home another pet or a new baby may also make a difference in the way your dog eats.

Picky Eater

Some dogs are simply picky eaters. If you have recently changed your dog’s food and they’ve stopped wanting to eat, this may be because they don’t like the taste, texture, or smell of the food you’ve chosen. On the other hand, if your dog has been eating the same food for a long time, they may be getting bored with it.

If you suspect your dog is being picky, you might be able to simply change their diet and get them back to eating normally once again. If you do make changes, however, be sure to do so slowly so they don’t get an upset stomach.

Vaccinations

It’s important to get your dog’s vaccinations on the right schedule. However, some dogs may be more sensitive to vaccinations than others, and may have an upset stomach for a day or two following their shots.

If your dog’s appetite has decreased shortly following their most recent vaccinations, then this is probably the cause. It’s likely that they’ll go back to eating normally in a few days. If not, make sure to contact your vet for more information and to figure out what the cause might be.

As you can see, there are several potential reasons why your dog could stop eating. Some of these are more serious than others, but they all require your attention sooner or later. If your dog has stopped eating, it’s important to work with your vet to figure out the cause.

Your vet can check your dog carefully and work with you to figure out a diagnosis as well as a treatment. As soon as you recognize a problem, be sure to call Lakeland Animal Clinic at (863) 688-3338.