Understanding Appetite Changes in Dogs: A Veterinary Perspective
A sudden change in your dog’s eating habits can be a sign that something is amiss. When a dog refuses to eat without any apparent reason, it might be indicating that it feels unwell, either physically, mentally, or emotionally. Various factors can affect a dog’s appetite, including dental disease, undiagnosed pain, stress and anxiety, gastrointestinal issues, parasites like intestinal roundworms, infectious diseases such as influenza, cognitive dysfunction, and more.
Importance of Veterinary Consultation
When your dog isn’t eating, it’s essential to visit your veterinarian for a thorough examination. Determining the underlying reason for your pet’s lack of appetite is crucial for addressing the issue effectively. Depending on the diagnosis and treatment plan, your vet may recommend an appetite stimulant to support your dog during recovery.
What Are Appetite Stimulants for Dogs?
Appetite stimulants are medications or techniques used to encourage a dog to eat more or to feel hungry. While treating the underlying cause of anorexia is critical, appetite stimulants can play a vital role in helping your dog regain its appetite.
When Do Dogs Need Appetite Stimulants?
Appetite stimulants may be necessary when a dog:
Refuses to eat for an extended period, impacting its health.
Consistently does not consume enough calories to maintain a healthy weight.
Is on medications (such as chemotherapy) that decrease appetite.
Is recovering from an illness or surgery and requires appetite support.
Common Appetite Stimulants for Dogs
1. Boiled Chicken or Special Treats
Offering favorite treats, boiled chicken, or warming up food can entice a dog to eat. For sick or elderly dogs that are picky eaters, plain, skinless, and boneless chicken is a simple and affordable option. Adding chicken or other food toppers to regular meals or switching from dry kibble to canned food can also improve appetite. Hand-feeding and microwaving food (with caution to avoid overheating) are other strategies.
2. Acupuncture
Acupuncture cannot cure a condition but can reduce pain, inflammation, and nausea. Dogs with decreased appetites due to conditions like diabetes, kidney or liver failure, pancreatitis, or hormonal issues such as Addison’s disease may benefit from increased appetite following acupuncture sessions.
3. Mirtazapine
Mirtazapine, initially developed as an antidepressant for humans, has been found to increase appetite and weight gain as side effects. It is commonly prescribed for dogs experiencing decreased appetite due to medical conditions like kidney disease or cancer, or as a side effect of medications such as chemotherapy.
4. Maropitant (Cerenia®)
Maropitant, known as Cerenia®, is an anti-nausea medication that can help improve a dog’s appetite by reducing nausea. Often, dogs that refuse to eat are feeling nauseous even if they do not vomit. Other anti-nausea medications your vet may recommend include ondansetron and meclizine.
5. Entyce® (Capromorelin)
Entyce® is a ghrelin receptor agonist that stimulates the production of growth hormone, signaling the brain to increase appetite, making the dog feel hungry.
Can CBD Help a Dog’s Appetite?
While some pet owners consider CBD to help with appetite, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) indicates that there is insufficient scientific evidence to support its effectiveness in dogs. It’s advisable to consult your veterinarian for better-proven appetite stimulants for your dog.
When to See a Veterinarian
It’s distressing when your dog won’t eat. Anorexia in dogs can occur for various reasons. If your otherwise healthy adult dog hasn’t eaten for more than two days, contact your vet. If your dog shows additional symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, or diarrhea, seek veterinary care immediately. For young, old, or medically compromised dogs, missing even one meal can be significant and warrant a vet visit.

Conclusion
A change in your dog’s eating habits can signal underlying health issues that need attention. Consulting your veterinarian promptly can help diagnose and treat the problem, ensuring your pet’s well-being. Appetite stimulants, combined with proper medical care, can support your dog on the path to recovery. Always follow your veterinarian's advice and closely monitor your pet’s health.
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