Anorexia In Dogs

Anorexia in dogs can happen for a variety of reasons. Owners can identify it when their dog’s eating habits change and the dog show signs of weight loss. It is a serious condition; over time anorexia can affect all parts of the dog and possibly lead to death.

Causes of anorexia in dogs

Anorexia in dogs is often seen in dogs suffering from other issues, such as parasites, cancer, ingestion of a foreign body, poisons, kidney issues, liver issues, diet, serious heart issues, infectious diseases, neurological diseases, and endocrine diseases.Anorexia In Dogs

Signs of anorexia in dogs

Dogs will not eat their regular amount of food, and some dogs may not eat at all. Some dogs will vomit, have diarrhea, show a lack of energy, seem like they are in pain, and become dehydrated.

Diagnosis of anorexia in dogs

Before testing for anorexia, the dog will need to be seen by a veterinarian so that a physical exam can take place. Following the exam, a veterinarian may recommend full blood work to check for other diseases. Radiographs and ultrasounds may be advised if cancer or respiratory issues are a concern.  Fecal checks will also be done to rule out the presence of parasites.

Treatment for anorexia in dogs

Treatment for anorexia will ultimately depend on the underlying cause. It is important to make sure the dog suffering from anorexia is hydrated and is eating regularly. In order to encourage eating, an owner can try to makes the dog’s food more appealing by added select additions to their food, such as chicken or beef broths that are low in sodium. Offering the dog a warm meal rather than a cold meal can also be helpful along with an increase in the amount of fat and protein that the dog is given. Veterinarians can also prescribe an appetite stimulant to encourage the dog to eat and in severe cases, a dog may need to be force-fed until they begin eating again on their own.When a dog is suffering from anorexia it is very important to stay in close contact with a veterinarian for close monitoring of the dog’s body weight and hydration and to ensure that the treatment program in place is working. In some cases, a treatment plan may need to be modified to accommodate the needs of the dog.