My dog has stopped eating – Should I be worried?

Most dogs are greedy and are delighted when they see their owner heading towards their bowl. If your dog prefers to lie on the carpet instead of happily following you into the room where they’re fed, it’s not necessarily serious. A number of factors can lead to a dog’s lack of appetite. If they seem to be in good general health but just refuse to eat for a day, this may be because:

• Your dog is still full: perhaps they ate too much the day before
• The new biscuits are not suitable for them
• Your dog can’t cope with the current excessive heat
• A bitch in heat is nearby, which often causes a male dog to lose his appetite
• You have been on a long journey with your dog and they still have a bit of an upset stomach from it
• You’ve just moved house or arrived at your holiday home

These are temporary causes and your little furball’s appetite should return fairly quickly. Dogs know what is good for them and if yours needs to rest and not eat for a few hours, just leave them alone.

Dog owners often call their vets and say: “My dog has stopped eating its biscuits. What should I do?” Although dogs are sometimes described as walking bins and some have a tendency to eat almost anything they can get their paws on, others are real foodies. They certainly won’t eat biscuits that don’t taste right. Have you changed the brand of your dog biscuits? Even if you thought you were doing the right thing, this is a possible reason for your faithful companion’s refusal to eat. Offer them their usual biscuits, the ones they used to eat willingly, and you’ll know straight away. If your dog refuses to eat biscuits that they used to devour, they may have dental problems. It’s best to make an appointment with your vet.

Generally, a bitch goes into heat twice a year from puberty onwards. These are accompanied by hormonal fluctuations that cause changes in her behaviour. Your charming little four-legged friend may be more affectionate and a little clingy or, on the contrary, more reserved. Some bitches go into heat without any problems, while others experience fatigue and loss of appetite during this period. Your dog may eat less, but if she stops eating altogether, this is a sign that something is wrong. Ask your vet for advice if she refuses her food for more than one day. Is your pregnant dog showing no interest in her biscuits? This may be caused by nausea, which often appears from the third week of gestation. In this case, offer your dog smaller quantities of food several times a day. Another reason for a pregnant dog’s refusal to eat is that her food preferences have changed. Just like pregnant women, your dog may have unusual cravings. Treat her to some premium food specially designed for pregnant bitches and a few of her favourite treats.

If your dog refuses to eat and won’t get up on their own, you should make an appointment with your vet. They will identify the causes of your faithful companion’s behaviour and prescribe the necessary treatment. Depending on your dog’s health problems, it’s normal for them to be less hungry and need more rest and sleep. Your vet will be able to reassure you about this too. The treatment should take effect and a few days with little food will not harm your pet. When we humans are ill, we often want to sleep and don’t have much of an appetite. Depending on the vet’s diagnosis, a special diet may be more appropriate for a certain period of time, or even long term. To avoid your dog getting dehydrated, remember to always put a bowl of water out for them, preferably close to them if they are lying down. A dog can go weeks without eating, but only a few days without drinking.