What To Do If Your Dog Stops Eating [My Opinion]

I own a Rottweiler and on several occasions, my Rottweiler stopped eating, so I understand how frustrating it can be if your dog stops eating.

In this post, I’ll be discussing some effective things to do if your dog stops eating, this is just my personal opinion.

Even though there are a lot of reasons your dog might stop eating, it is important to know what to do when you are in such a situation.

So, keep reading to find out what to do if your dog stops eating…

Why did my dog stop eating

From my experience with my dog Best, there are a lot of reasons your dog might stop eating, which can include the following:

Your dog is having a dental issue
Food allergies or sensitivities
There’s a sudden change in your dog’s diet
Side effects of medication
Presence of internal parasites
Gastrointestinal problems
New environment or changes causing stress
Your dog might have liver, renal, or cancer issues

For a better understanding of why your dog is not eating check this article.

What to do if your dog stops eating

In my opinion as a dog owner, there are several things you can do if your dog stops eating to get them eating again.

You should pay attention to activities happening around your dog before they stop eating, it could be stress, you changed food or your dog has a worm.

Paying attention to these activities can help you figure out what is actually wrong.

That being said, here are a few things you can do if your dog stops eating in my opinion:

1. You have to create a calm and comfortable feeding environment

Setting up a calm and cozy eating space is the first step in encouraging your dog to start eating again.

This entails locating a peaceful, stress-free space in your house where your dog can eat without interruption.

Steer clear of any distractions that can agitate your dog and interfere with their ability to eat, such as TVs and loud noises.

Additionally, make sure your dog can eat comfortably from clean, comfortably positioned food and water bowls.

To make feeding your dog simpler, you might want to use an elevated feeder if your dog is elderly or has mobility problems.

2. You have to offer your dog different food options

Your dog may not be interested in their present food if they have stopped eating. To test if your dog will be more interested, try giving them a variety of food options.

This may be providing them with prepared meals, offering wet food instead of dry, or even changing the kind of dog food you buy.

To prevent upset stomachs in your dog, be cautious to introduce new food alternatives gradually.

Gradually increase the amount by mixing a tiny portion of the new meal with their existing diet.

3. You should add a tasty topper or mix to their food

To make your dog’s food more appetizing and encourage them to eat, add a yummy topper or mix.

Items such as cheese, canned pumpkin, and cooked chicken may fall under this category.

I have personally added chicken broth when my dog stopped eating because I changed my dog, so this will work well for you if your dog is not sick and just rejecting food.

When adding these toppings to your dog’s food, remember to use moderation, since they can be high in calories and lead to weight gain if given in excess.

4. You should try to mix in some wet food or broth

Try adding some wet food or broth to your dog’s dry food if they’ve stopped eating it to make it more enticing.

Your dog meal may become moister as a result of adding broth, which will facilitate chewing and digestion.

Using a low-sodium broth can also help their food taste better and look more appetizing.

Just be careful not to use too much—broth has a high salt content and can be harmful if consumed in excessive amounts.

5. You should check if your dog has worms and deworm your dog

Worms are one possible reason why a dog may stop eating, as loss of appetite results from discomfort and digestive problems brought on by these intestinal parasites.

It’s critical to take your dog to the veterinarian in order to rule out worms as the cause or look for signs your dog has worms.

In addition to performing a comprehensive examination, the veterinarian could ask for a stool sample in order to look for worms.

Should the veterinarian find worms, they will suggest a suitable deworming procedure.

Dewormers come in a variety of forms, including oral pills and topical applications. Your veterinarian will advise you on the appropriate dosage and how often to administer it.

In order to guarantee your dog’s health and receive effective treatment, it’s critical that you closely adhere to the veterinarian’s directions.

6. You should consider switching to a different brand of dog food

Dogs can become bored with eating the same meal every day, just like people do.

It could be worthwhile to explore switching to a new brand of dog food if your dog has lost interest in the one they are currently eating.

Seek out premium dog food products with an assortment of tastes and ingredients. This can encourage your dog to eat once more and improve their enjoyment of mealtimes.

It is recommended to gradually switch your dog’s diet to a new brand. After a few days, progressively increase the percentage of the new food by starting with a small amount of the old food.

This gradual shift lessens the possibility of any digestive distress that could result from abrupt dietary adjustments.

7. You should consider a raw food diet

Giving dogs raw meats, bones, fruits, and vegetables is the basis of a raw food diet, sometimes referred to as a raw or BARF diet (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food).

This diet’s proponents contend that because it closely mimics what dogs would eat in the wild, it has several health advantages, including increased appetite.

I advise you to see or talk to your veterinarian before introducing your dog to a raw food diet.

They can determine the precise nutritional requirements for your dog and offer advice on how to balance their diet so they get all the nutrients they need.

It is noteworthy that certain dogs, particularly those with weakened immune systems or specific medical issues, may not benefit from a raw food diet.

8. You should try to manage stress and anxiety around your dog

Anxiety and stress can have a big effect on a dog’s appetite.

It’s essential to control your dog’s stress if they’ve recently gone through environmental changes like moving to a new house, welcoming a new family member, or experiencing schedule adjustments.

Provide your dog with a tranquil and comforting atmosphere. Give them a cozy, secure area they can go to when they’re feeling overwhelmed.

For your dog’s stability and predictability, create a regular daily schedule.

Consider incorporating anxiety-reducing activities into your dog’s routine, such as regular exercise, interactive play, and mental stimulation.

These activities can help alleviate stress and anxiety and promote a healthy appetite.

9. You should check if your dog has dental problems

Dog appetite loss is frequently caused by dental issues. Dogs are susceptible to conditions including dental decay, gum disease, and even oral infections, just like people.

Your dog may experience pain or discomfort when eating as a result of these diseases.

Lift your dog’s lips carefully and look at their teeth and gums to see if they have any dental issues.

Be alert for any indications of inflammation, bleeding, redness, or tartar accumulation.

It’s best to speak with your veterinarian if you see anything strange.

If necessary, they can propose extractions or a comprehensive evaluation along with the proper course of action, including a dental cleaning.

10. You should consider warming up your dog’s food slightly

A warm dog food may occasionally appeal to dogs more. Your dog’s food will smell better and appeal to their senses if you warm it up for them.

You can accomplish this by putting some warm water into their kibble or briefly microwaving the meal.

Just watch out that the food doesn’t get too hot—dogs’ lips are delicate. A small amount of warmth can go a long way in rekindling your dog’s appetite.

11. You should consider hand-feeding your dog and encouraging exercise

Your dog can have a happy eating experience if you hand-feed them.

I can tell you from experience that mealtime with dogs becomes more interesting when you can engage with them directly.

You can give them a sense of encouragement and company by giving them little nibbles of food from your hand.

Since it fosters confidence and trust, this can be very beneficial for dogs who might be experiencing stress or anxiety.

In addition to hand feeding, encouraging exercise can also stimulate your dog’s appetite.

Regular physical activity can help increase their metabolism and make them more eager to eat.

A brisk walk, a game of fetch, or even some interactive playtime before mealtime can help rev up their appetite.

12. You should consider consulting with a Veterinarian

It’s important to speak with a veterinarian if your dog’s decreased appetite continues or if you observe any other concerning symptoms.

They are qualified to identify and handle a range of medical conditions that may impair a dog’s appetite.

Be ready to discuss your dog’s food habits, any recent routine changes, and any additional symptoms you may have observed with the veterinarian.

Based on their inspection, the veterinarian may prescribe imaging or blood testing, conduct a physical examination, and offer suitable treatment alternatives.

Conclusion

In summary, it’s critical to respond quickly if your cherished dog suddenly loses their appetite. See a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions, replace unhealthy foods in their diet with healthier alternatives, and show them patience and love to stimulate their appetite. Always remember that a well-fed belly is the foundation of a happy and healthy pet!