Dogs are not naturally averse to food, as they are found to relish even garbage and other waste food products. But sometimes, you may find your canine getting disinterested in food, without any apparent reason. In such cases, you may try some appetite stimulants for dogs. However, before starting with such stimulants, you have to take your dog to the vet, so as to rule out the possibility of any medical condition that may be the reason behind this condition.

Loss of Appetite in Dogs

Appetite loss in dogs may be due to various reasons, including medical ones. Some of the commonly found reasons are medical conditions, like, intestinal obstruction, digestive problems, kidney or liver problems, respiratory diseases, intestinal parasites, dental or other oral medical problems and worm infestation. Apart from medical problems, other factors too, can negatively affect a dog's appetite. They include stress, anxiety, lack of exercise and change in weather. Even aging can be a reason for lack of appetite in dogs. It has also been noticed that some dogs give up food for a day or two, as a natural detoxification process. Such fasting is not found to be a problem, as far as they remain active. But, if they avoid food for more than two days, or if they have other symptoms, then, you have to take them to the vet to rule out the possibility of any underlying disease. If there is no apparent reason for your dog to get disinterested in food, then, you may try appetite stimulants, after consulting the vet.

How to Stimulate Appetite in Dogs

As mentioned above, appetite loss in dogs, along with other symptoms need to be checked. Even those dogs who refuse to eat for more than two days, need medical attention. But, if the dog is healthy and is not diagnosed with any disease, then, you may try some appetite stimulants. They include medication, food supplements, herbs and alternative medicine.
  • Before starting with medication, it is always better to try some natural appetite stimulant for dogs. They include herbs like ginger, alfalfa, peppermint, dill, fennel, milk thistle, dandelion, celery seed and chamomile. You can sprinkle a small amount over dog food. Garlic is said to be very useful for stimulating appetite in dogs. Finely chop garlic and mix a small amount in dog food.
  • Even changes in diet may increase appetite in dogs. Instead of commercial dog food, you may try home cooked ones. It will be better to add rice and meat to their diet. It has also been observed that dogs like baby food, broth, home cooked chicken, eggs and fish. You may also try food enhancers that can be added to food, so as to boost your pet's appetite.
  • Some people try homeopathy, acupuncture, to tackle appetite loss in dogs. These methods are more beneficial in dogs with digestive problems. Even vitamins are said to be effective as appetite stimulant for dogs. You may consult your vet and start B vitamins or multivitamins for this purpose.
  • There are certain prescription medication that are used for treating canine appetite loss. They are prednisolone, mirtazapine and megestrol acetate. Make sure that these medication are administered to dogs, as per the instructions of the vet.
  • Some people try essential oils like rose and vetiver, for increasing appetite in dogs. You have to apply a few drops on the dog collar, so as to have an effect on the dog. You may also try to get a companion for your dog, so as to boost his appetite. An increase in exercises may also be good for stimulating the appetite of the animal.
However, before trying these appetite stimulants, make sure to take your dog to a vet, so as to check whether there is any underlying cause for loss of appetite. If there is something, treating the condition will normalize its appetite. Otherwise, seek the opinion of the vet, regarding appetite stimulants and choose the best one for your dog.