Anorexia In Dogs: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment for Loss of Appetite

February 8, 2011 | Healthy Dog | Leave a Comment |

Anorexia in Dogs

Anorexia (loss of appetite) is a term that signifies a refusal to eat. This can happen to dogs for a number of reasons, the foremost being sickness.

  • This can be a subjective condition
  • The seriousness of the symptom is going to depend on how much the animal deviates from its normal behavior and whether or not it is associated with other signs.
  • Fussy eaters should not be considered as having anorexia
  • When a dog’s refusal to eat lasts for more than 72 hours, sooner if water is rejected as well, the animal should be taken to the vet because they could risk dehydration, electrolyte deficiencies, and malnutrition.
  • Treatment can involve a period of waiting for the dog to eat again. In severe cases however, it may be necessary to supply nutrients intravenously or via a nasogastric tube.
  • Anorexia in dogs symptoms can last for a few days or may be present throughout the duration of an illness.

Causes of Anorexia in Dogs

Here are some of the common reasons why a dog would exhibit anorexia:

  • Pain
  • Illness
  • Infection and Infestation

Oftentimes, anorexia may also be caused by stress and this can be brought out by the following:.

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    .
  • Changes in familiar patterns – this includes feeding schedule or walking schedule
  • Changes in Food – Even if a dog is not a picky eater, they may still exhibit some hesitation when the owner changes their diet plan suddenly.
  • Changes in Dynamics – A dog may refuse to eat because a new dog, a new pet, or if a new baby is in the house and they are no longer receiving the attention they used to get.
  • Heat Cycle – This is also a common cause for a dog refusing to eat.
    It could affect the female in heat as well as the male dogs around her.

When anorexia happens to pregnant dogs late in their gestation, it could be an early sign of labor. Most likely, the dog will deliver her pups within 24 hours.

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