You exercise your puppy, you play with it, you teach it to look for food, you put rich and healthy dishes and you even tried several types of food, but, all the same … the puppy does not eat?
It is normal for you to worry if your puppy is not eating, as most have a voracious appetite. This behavior may indicate that your puppy’s physical or emotional body is not behaving properly. Your puppy may not eat for a variety of reasons. Understanding them is essential for his health and his future.
If you are wondering why your puppy is not eating? We invite you to read this ‘ Pets Feed ‘ article where we will guide you on the way back to your puppy’s correct appetite.
The most common causes
A puppy with no appetite does not necessarily mean that he has a health problem that requires medical attention. Some refuse food because they dislike the taste or texture, others because they are the demanding type or because they may feel anxious about getting used to a new place or to a new family. In these simple cases, the type of food should vary.
To find out if your puppy does not like food or is a complicated pet with his tastes and to make him take an interest in food again, try the following: Forget food for a second and try to try it with meat like chicken, if he runs for this type of food and rejects the other, it is because he is a dog with a demanding palate and that you have to work so that he gets used to the food that you provide him.
Canine anorexia
Anorexia in dogs is very different from the disease that occurs in humans. The canine is not the type of eating disorder in which the dog will look in the mirror with excess weight and will therefore be forced to not eat.
In dogs, anorexia, total lack of appetite and is due to other reasons. It is important to visit the veterinarian to analyze the whole situation because it also happens that the puppy does not suffer from anorexia, but that he has another health problem or, quite simply, is a dog demanding to eat. Be careful what your puppy does not want to eat for the following reasons:
- Separation anxiety while moving away from his mother.
- Changes in the environment where he was born or stayed for a few months.
- The puppy may be teething.
- Side effects of recent vaccines.
If your puppy refuses to eat for more than two days, take him immediately to the veterinarian to rule out any other illness that can cause anorexia. Anorexia can be a symptom of a major health problem such as:
- Respiratory infections
- Organ failure
- Pain in part of the body
- Diseases that limit your appetite
If your puppy does not want to eat anything in the world, he may suffer from the following diseases or conditions, and lack of appetite will be one of the symptoms:
Veterinary treatments in which drugs (side effects) or surgeries that cause a lot of post-operative discomfort have been prescribed.
Pain from injury or blow. The puppy may stop eating for fear of further injury.
Loss of appetite for parasites. Your puppy may have a parasitic infection or so-called “dog worms” such as tapeworm, hookworm, whipworm and heartworm. Most puppies are born with worms that can cause diarrhea, weight loss and loss of appetite. It can also undergo an external parasitic infestation which disturbs it. Elimination of fleas and ticks is essential.
Intestinal problems such as gastritis, reflux or hormonal imbalance, as well as fever and oral diseases, dissipate the hunger of any puppy.
Also, if your pet has kidney, mucous membrane, eye, digestive system, or skin disease, the discomfort and discomfort will cause them to stop eating.
Solutions to help your puppy eat
Heat the dried croquettes a little in the microwave, with about 15 seconds this will be enough. This can release the smell and get his attention and, at the same time, make them less difficult to eat.
Keep his nose clean so the smell of food improves and can stimulate his appetite
Add some vegetable, chicken or olive oil broth to your puppy’s food. This will soften the food and make it easier to chew if the puppy is teething. The croquettes can be very hard.
Give a complete vitamin that contains a good amount of omega 3 to increase your appetite.
Focus on the highest quality food possible. Fill his pantry and vary the types of food: dry, wet, snacks and canned with different flavors. When the puppy is eating better, keep the same food groups over time.
Remember that puppies are very sensitive animals because they are in development. Lack of food and water can easily dehydrate and weaken them, quickly leading to illness and even death.
If you see that he is weak, try to give him food with your hand to help him, then take him to the vet. Of course, remember that if you notice that none of these options work and your puppy is still not in good shape, it is possible that he has an illness and it is time to run to the specialist.