It’s normal for pets to lose their appetite once in a while. However, a medical attention may be needed if it lasts for more than two days. A loss of appetite is a concern for puppies as they have lesser abilities to sustain themselves without eating. They may get really sick if not fed for longer than 12 hours.
Why Your Puppy Won’t Eat
Has your puppy suddenly stopped eating or did it happen gradually? Your puppy may just be a picky eater or your puppy is sick. The first thing you need to do is find out your puppy is healthy. Is he playful and does he smell fresh? You may also contact a mobile vet in Dallas if you think your puppy may be having problems.
Here are a few reasons your puppy isn’t eating and it’s important to find out the cause to be able to determine the best treatment.
Pain
Pain from injuries or teething can lose a puppy’s appetite. It could be pain from developing bones or an inflammation in the pancreas. What you can do is check for obvious pains like a thing stuck in their mouth or a broken tooth. Can’t find anything? consult a vet. You can also sign up for a healthcare plan for your pup to keep them healthy at every stage of their life.
Stress
Like humans, puppies can feel stress too especially if they’re in an unfamiliar environment. They go through an adjustment period as well. If you’ve recently adopted them, they could just be missing their mothers. Allow him to be comfortable in the new environment and the surroundings.
Canine Influenza
This is also known as dog flu virus. A respiratory infection is one of the most common causes of appetite loss. You can protect your puppies by getting a flu vaccination. Contact The ShotSpot if you suspect that your puppy may have the dog flu. They may perform some blood tests, prescribe some antibiotics, or suggest a vaccination.
Digestive Problems
Viruses, bacterias or worms can seriously affect a puppy’s appetite. This is one reason why vets deworm puppies and recommend vaccines to prevent other harmful diseases. Your puppy may have an upset stomach caused by some pet-pet parents who intentionally give out unhealthy treats.
Organ diseases
Puppies may also suffer from liver or kidney infections and other organ-related problems. If you suspect your puppies may be seriously sick, see a vet in Dallas.
Loss of appetite may be an indication of an illness. This is why it’s essential to seek veterinary care if there are abrupt or gradual changes to your puppy’s appetite.
What You Can Do
Unlike dogs, puppies don’t have a supply of body fat to sustain them. Missing a meal is a concern but there are some things you can do to get them to eat.
- Adding a little bit of rice or thin slices of beef or chicken can do wonders
- Mix canned food with the dry food. Or if you’re feeding them just dry food, add warm water
- Try warming up the food
- Add a little bit of cottage cheese or feed them peanut butter or liverwurst
- If you have a cat, mix in some of the cat food
Making his mealtimes fun like incorporating an interactive toy may encourage him to eat. Try to also feed him on a schedule to establish a routine. Most importantly, just be patient and watch him attentively for signs of illness. When in doubt, always see a vet.