It can be concerning when your canine companion suddenly loses interest in food. A dog refusing to eat out of the blue can be a significant indicator that something is amiss, signaling potential physical, mental, or emotional distress. Various factors can influence a dog’s appetite, including dental issues, undiagnosed pain, stress and anxiety, gastrointestinal upset, parasitic infections like roundworms, or infectious diseases such as influenza. Cognitive dysfunction and other underlying health conditions can also play a role.
When your dog exhibits a lack of appetite, it is essential to consult your veterinarian for a thorough examination. Identifying the root cause is paramount to restoring their appetite. In conjunction with the primary treatment plan, your vet might suggest appetite stimulants to support your dog’s recovery process.
What Are Appetite Stimulants for Dogs?
Appetite stimulants are substances or methods designed to encourage a dog to eat more or to induce a feeling of hunger. While addressing the underlying cause of anorexia is the top priority, appetite stimulants can be a valuable component of the overall treatment strategy.
When Do Dogs Need Appetite Stimulants?
Veterinarians may recommend appetite stimulants in several scenarios:
- When a dog’s refusal to eat persists long enough to negatively impact their health.
- When a dog consistently consumes insufficient calories to maintain a healthy weight.
- When a dog is undergoing treatments, such as chemotherapy, which are known to decrease appetite.
- When a dog requires additional nutritional support during recovery from illness or surgery.
Veterinarian-Recommended Appetite Stimulants for Dogs
1. Offering Special Treats and Homemade Meals
Enticing your dog to eat can often be achieved by offering their favorite treats or preparing a special meal, such as plain boiled chicken. For sick or older dogs with selective appetites, a simple yet effective option is to tempt them with chicken. When preparing chicken for your dog, ensure it is free of seasonings, skinless, and boneless.
Adding appealing food toppers to a dog’s regular food can also encourage them to eat more. Switching from dry kibble to wet (canned) food can also be an effective way to improve a dog’s appetite. Other simple strategies include hand-feeding to encourage them or gently warming their food in the microwave to enhance its aroma. However, exercise extreme caution when microwaving dog food, as it can create hot spots or become excessively hot. Heat in short intervals and always test the temperature before serving.
2. Acupuncture
While acupuncture cannot cure underlying conditions, it is recognized for its ability to alleviate pain, inflammation, and nausea in dogs. Dogs experiencing decreased appetites due to conditions like diabetes, kidney or liver failure, pancreatitis, or hormonal imbalances such as Addison’s disease have shown improved appetites following acupuncture treatments.
3. Mirtazapine
For appetite loss secondary to a medical condition, your veterinarian might prescribe medication. Mirtazapine is a commonly prescribed drug for dogs experiencing decreased appetite due to nausea-inducing conditions, such as kidney disease or cancer, or as a side effect of medications like chemotherapy. Originally developed as an antidepressant in humans, its known side effects of weight gain and increased appetite led to its use in veterinary medicine as an appetite stimulant.
4. Maropitant (Cerenia®)
While not directly classified as an appetite stimulant, Maropitant (Cerenia®) is an anti-nausea medication that can significantly help improve a dog’s appetite. Often, dogs that refuse to eat may be experiencing nausea even without observable vomiting. Anti-nausea medications can help them eat more consistently. Other options your vet might suggest include ondansetron and meclizine.
5. Entyce® (Capromorelin)
Entyce® is a ghrelin receptor agonist that works by stimulating the production of growth hormone, signaling the brain to increase appetite and induce hunger in dogs.
Can CBD Help a Dog’s Appetite?
Before administering CBD to your dog for appetite issues, it is crucial to consult your veterinarian. According to The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), there is currently insufficient scientific evidence to support the efficacy of CBD in improving canine appetite, suggesting that other scientifically-backed options may be more beneficial.
When to Seek Veterinary Care
It is understandably stressful when your dog refuses to eat. Anorexia in dogs can stem from various causes, ranging from simple pickiness to serious medical concerns.
As a general guideline, if your otherwise healthy adult dog has not eaten for more than two days, you should contact your veterinarian. If your dog exhibits additional symptoms alongside appetite loss, such as vomiting, lethargy, or diarrhea, seek veterinary attention immediately. Similarly, for young puppies, senior dogs, or those with pre-existing conditions like diabetes, even missing a single meal can be a cause for concern, and you should consult your vet promptly.
Your veterinarian will likely perform a physical examination to identify obvious causes like dental disease or abdominal pain. Diagnostic tests, such as blood work or X-rays, may be recommended to further investigate the issue and determine the most effective treatment plan, which may include appetite stimulants.
