1466 Melrose Ave Chula Vista, CA 91911
Help! My Pet Isn't Eating (What to Do If Your Pet Loses Their Appetite)
While some dogs and cats have a reputation for being picky eaters, having any pet experience a loss of appetite for any amount of time can be concerning. In cats and dogs, complete appetite loss is known as anorexia, while partial appetite loss is referred to as pseudo-anorexia. When your pet isn’t eating, it’s important to get to the bottom of the situation, determine the underlying cause, and address the problem to avoid nutritional deficiencies and potential secondary health concerns.
Common Reasons Why Cats and Dogs Stop Eating
- Illness - Appetite loss is a symptom of a long list of illnesses including those endocrine disorders, gastrointestinal illness, cancer, organ disorders, infections, and more.
- Pain - Appetite loss can indicate pain.
- Dental Disease - Cavities, periodontal disease, and loose/broken teeth all cause pain when eating.
- Medication Side Effects - Some medications will cause a reduction in appetite.
- Toxicity - Appetite loss is a symptom of poison ingestion.
Lack of Exercise - Without enough exercise, pets might lose interest in food. - Picky Eater - Some pets simply have more "sophisticated" palates. (We're looking at you, kitties!)
The complete list of reasons why a pet might experience appetite loss is incredibly long. We recommend having your pet checked out by a veterinarian to rule out or address more serious underlying issues that could be responsible for your pet’s disinterest in food.
What to Do If Your Pet Stops Eating
If you’ve noticed that your pet’s food dish is untouched at the end of the day, you should:
- Observe behavior and look for other symptoms of illness.
- Check their teeth.
- Check the quality of the food.
- Check the environment for signs they're getting into something they shouldn't be (plants or other household items).
- Check your own behavior. (Are you filling your pet up on table scraps and treats?)
When in doubt, talk to your veterinarian.
When to Contact a Chula Vista Veterinarian
Of course, our veterinarians always welcome you to contact Pacific Pet Hospital any time you’re concerned about your pet’s wellbeing. We can help you determine whether the time is right for a veterinary appointment. Although pets (depending on the pet’s condition) can usually survive several days without food, we recommend scheduling a veterinary visit if your pet isn’t drinking water, your dog hasn’t eaten for two days, your cat hasn’t eaten for 24 hours, or if your pet is experiencing additional symptoms or behavior changes that could indicate a more serious medical concern.
To learn more about appetite problems in cats and dogs or to schedule a sick pet appointment, we welcome you to contact our office. We welcome both in-person visits and the convenience of telemedicine appointments for established patients.
