People who have never had a dog that won't eat before, have no idea how stressful it can be for the owner. You love your dog and provide for him, but he just won't touch his dinner, no matter what you try. Before you try anything else, you need to figure whether the problem of your dog not eating is mental or physical.
But before we jump into the problem of your dog not eating, we need to make sure you don't have a special interest dog. If you have a dog with a known medical condition, a puppy, a pregnant, or a nursing dog, you need to go to your vet. These dogs have special nutrition requirements and need to be looked at professionally.
If this is a sudden eating problem, check to see if you have changed any of your dog's food or routines, as this can be the problem. If you haven't changed anything, make sure your dog isn't in pain and isn't acting like he is really tired (listless) - if so, take him to your vet. Otherwise, just wait a day or two. Your dog may have gotten into something that has upset his stomach, or he just doesn't feel well. Ensure he has plenty of fresh water and the chance to go outside when needed. If after two days he still shows not interest in his food, take him to your vet - he may have a physical problem, like internal parasites.
If you have ruled out a physical problem that is keeping your dog from eating, then you've got a psychological problem on your hands. Keep these tips in mind when trying to get your dog to eat.
1. How much attention do you pay to your dog? Did you know if you don't pay enough attention to him, he will get bored and lonely. So how will he get your attention? He'll let you worry about him not eating. Try interacting a little more with your pet. Play with him or take him for a daily walk. Actually, this may be all you need to get your dog to eat again.
2. Is your dog just spoiled? Have you let him get away with so much that he now thinks he can decide what he eats? It's time to become the alpha dog - take charge of your home. Put his dog food down and leave him alone. Come back in 20 minutes and pick up his bowl - throw away any food he did not eat. Do not feed him any snacks at any time during the day. His mealtime should be the only time he has an opportunity to eat. If after 3 days he still doesn't eat, you might want to take him to your vet for evaluation.
3. What is your behavior during dinnertime? Do you watch your dog? Hover over him to see if he eats? If you are anxious about your dog not eating, you may be making him nervous. Your dog is more in tune with your feelings than you realize. You may be telling him to eat, but your dog can tell if you are afraid. You are afraid he won't eat, but all your dog knows is that you are afraid.
Instead of hanging around at dinner, put down his food and leave the room. He may follow you. If he does you may have to move his dinner into a separate room and close the door. Leave him there for 20 minutes and don't stand by the door. You may need to try this procedure for a couple of days. But if it is anxiety that is keeping your pet from eating, this should take care of the problem.
4. Did you ever think it might just be his dog food that he just doesn't like - plain and simple. If you are feeding an economy dog food, it is pretty much like junk food and fast food rolled into one for your pet. And he may be tired of it. His body needs more. Or there may be a certain ingredient in your current dog food that your dog is allergic to. Take a look at some super-premium or all-natural dog food alternatives. This may be what he needs to start eating again.
Use these tips and you may well be on your way to getting your dog to eat his dinner again.
But before we jump into the problem of your dog not eating, we need to make sure you don't have a special interest dog. If you have a dog with a known medical condition, a puppy, a pregnant, or a nursing dog, you need to go to your vet. These dogs have special nutrition requirements and need to be looked at professionally.
If this is a sudden eating problem, check to see if you have changed any of your dog's food or routines, as this can be the problem. If you haven't changed anything, make sure your dog isn't in pain and isn't acting like he is really tired (listless) - if so, take him to your vet. Otherwise, just wait a day or two. Your dog may have gotten into something that has upset his stomach, or he just doesn't feel well. Ensure he has plenty of fresh water and the chance to go outside when needed. If after two days he still shows not interest in his food, take him to your vet - he may have a physical problem, like internal parasites.
If you have ruled out a physical problem that is keeping your dog from eating, then you've got a psychological problem on your hands. Keep these tips in mind when trying to get your dog to eat.
1. How much attention do you pay to your dog? Did you know if you don't pay enough attention to him, he will get bored and lonely. So how will he get your attention? He'll let you worry about him not eating. Try interacting a little more with your pet. Play with him or take him for a daily walk. Actually, this may be all you need to get your dog to eat again.
2. Is your dog just spoiled? Have you let him get away with so much that he now thinks he can decide what he eats? It's time to become the alpha dog - take charge of your home. Put his dog food down and leave him alone. Come back in 20 minutes and pick up his bowl - throw away any food he did not eat. Do not feed him any snacks at any time during the day. His mealtime should be the only time he has an opportunity to eat. If after 3 days he still doesn't eat, you might want to take him to your vet for evaluation.
3. What is your behavior during dinnertime? Do you watch your dog? Hover over him to see if he eats? If you are anxious about your dog not eating, you may be making him nervous. Your dog is more in tune with your feelings than you realize. You may be telling him to eat, but your dog can tell if you are afraid. You are afraid he won't eat, but all your dog knows is that you are afraid.
Instead of hanging around at dinner, put down his food and leave the room. He may follow you. If he does you may have to move his dinner into a separate room and close the door. Leave him there for 20 minutes and don't stand by the door. You may need to try this procedure for a couple of days. But if it is anxiety that is keeping your pet from eating, this should take care of the problem.
4. Did you ever think it might just be his dog food that he just doesn't like - plain and simple. If you are feeding an economy dog food, it is pretty much like junk food and fast food rolled into one for your pet. And he may be tired of it. His body needs more. Or there may be a certain ingredient in your current dog food that your dog is allergic to. Take a look at some super-premium or all-natural dog food alternatives. This may be what he needs to start eating again.
Use these tips and you may well be on your way to getting your dog to eat his dinner again.
About the Author:
If your dog is not eating because he dislikes his dog food, check out the Healthy Dog Food Blog to discover more about how to find the healthiest food for your dog to stay in good health. This article is for informational purpose only and is NOT intended to replace the advice of a veterinarian or pet care professional.
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