Increase Dog Appetite:

Usually, dogs have no problem in eating the food you give them. They even go off on their own and chow down on any stale food that they find. However, in some cases due to factors such as stress, weather changes, adjustment to new environments or an inactive lifestyle, dogs may lose their appetite. Appetite loss that occurs temporarily is not a cause for concern. Dogs can remain healthy even if they do not eat for a couple of days. Dogs are also able to fast instinctively when their bodies are in need of detoxification. But if there is a lack of appetite beyond two days and if there is an accompanying weight loss then a veterinary check-up is advisable. This could be indicative of an underlying medical condition.

Appetite loss in dog is often caused by digestive disruptions such as vomiting or diarrhea. In case of diarrhea, it is recommended that you do not force feed the dog as fasting is actually good in such cases. Try and get the dog to drink adequate water to prevent dehydration from taking place. Stress also has an effect on appetite and factors such as a new kennel or an additional pet in the house could cause the dog to lose his appetite. Viral or bacterial infections which result in a fever are likely to reduce the dog’s appetite. In these instances, fasting may be beneficial as the body can focus its energy on fighting the infection rather than on digestion. Seek advice from the veterinarian as to the type of foods that are permissible in such cases. Respiratory illnesses such as kennel cough or asthma may cause the dog to lose appetite. These diseases often reduce the dog’s ability to smell and could contribute to his appetite loss.

It is important to keep a check on your dog’s eating habits. This will help you detect any changes in appetite. If the appetite loss is accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy or any other irregular behavior, a visit to the veterinary clinic is advisable in order to detect any underlying illnesses. Even if your dog has not finished his previous meals, put fresh food in his bowl each day. Try giving him different foods to add variety to his diet. You can also add new toppings on dog food to make the dog interested in his food. Warming up the food accentuates the aromas of the food. This will make the food more enticing for your dog. It could also be possible that someone may be giving your dog biscuits or treats which is causing him to lose his appetite.