Dog Advice – Appetite

Dog Advice – Appetite

“My dog is not eating” –this is the most common question coming from dog owners. I have jot down few point that may be helpful in such a case.

Age Factor
When dogs stop or slow down their growing, they process their food differently, and it's not unusual for an animal to require about half as much food per meal as they did during the growing period. If your pup has done all the growing she's going to do and isn't eating as much as she used to, don't change her schedule. Give her about half the usual amount per feeding. When the dog has leveled out and neither gains nor loses weight, he is eating exactly what he needs to maintain himself. If you need to change the content of her food from puppy formula to an adult mix, do it gradually over a period of a few days. An abrupt diet change can upset the system before the bacteria in his intestines adjust to the new regimen.

Smell
Dogs may not have only 1,700 taste buds while we have about 9,000.
On the other hand they around 200 million scent receptors in their noses while we have only 5 million. Therefore, important that their food smells good and it is the smell that initially attracts them to a particular food.

Exercise
Dogs that exercise regularly or have naturally high energy levels will normally show more interest in eating while older dogs or those who are lazy or overweight may not show as much interest

Weather
Dogs can refuse meals in very hot weather, so do not panic if your dog skips a day or two.
Make sure you provide him with enough fresh water thought out the day. But if the dog skips his meals for more than 2 days and for no apparent reason – consult your vet.

Health Condition
Certain health conditions or sickness can cause the appetite to go down as in case of humans.

Same Food
Changing to a different the food may be a good idea but not frequently. Dog prefer eating the same food most of the time. If he does get bored try one change at a time.

Tips
• For Overweight dog – Cut down on the treats and increase the walk / exercise.
• Do not leave dog food sitting out in hot weather. If he still refuses his food after half an hour try putting it in the refrigerator and try again a little later.
• If your dog has been eating dry food all his life then begins to shy away, it may be due to problem teeth or gum disease try adding water to moisten & soften the food.
• Know your dog – his appetite, eating habits and know when to consult your vet.