Is your dog not eating properly? What might be the reasons for the decrease in appetite? Dog owners must not assume that their pet is being a picky eater. Decrease in appetite may be indicative of an underlying health problem. If the loss of appetite is accompanied by vomiting or changes in behavior, you must take your pet to a vet soon. Here are some of the common reasons for loss of appetite in canines.

Possible Reasons for Loss of Appetite in Dogs

Change in Dog Food
Did you recently introduce your dog to a new brand of dog food? Your pet might be finding it difficult to adjust to the new taste. Generally pets will take some time to adjust to a new brand as they might be habitual of eating the earlier brand of dog food. Dogs get attracted to a food by using the smell receptors in their nose, in case, the dog has been refusing to eat the same food for many days, the smell receptors might be causing it, so get healthy and delicious dog foods and see if he eats or not. If your dog is simply being a picky eater, try to train him. Also check if your dog has been eating food from other places. If he has been eating garbage or cat food, make sure you don't allow him to do that.

Change in the Surroundings
The issue might be psychological. If there has been a change in the surroundings, it might affect your dog adversely. If your dog has been the only pet, bringing in a new pet might also cause a change in dog behavior. Dogs are great pets and look forward to spending time with their owners. Sometimes, when the owners plan a vacation, leaving their dog alone at home for an extended period, their pets might suffer from separation anxiety. This might affect their appetite. They are used to having their master around to feed them and play with them, when their routine changes and they see new faces coming in to feed them, this might trigger a loss of appetite. Things could get even worse if you leave your dog at some other place, making him stay in unfamiliar surroundings.

Health Issues
Vaccination could also cause loss of appetite. So, if your dog got the shot recently, loss of appetite could follow. In case of older dogs, a decrease in appetite may be due to a lack of exercise. Aging can bring about many physiological changes. Low energy levels and loss of appetite could be due to aging. So, do take your pet for walks and give him healthy dog food. If your dog's energy levels have gone down and he is refusing to eat, it is advisable to get him checked for any systemic infection, worm infestation, kennel cough, digestive or dental problems. Loss of appetite that may be accompanied by vomiting might be caused due to diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome. If your dog has been making noises and refuses to eat, get him checked for abscessed teeth and gum problems. Sometimes, your pet might suffer from a loss of appetite after surgery. This might be a result of disorientation caused by the use of anesthetic. Comfort your dog as he deals with the disorientation and make sure he gets rest. Take him to a vet and get medicines to treat this loss of appetite.

Dogs are wonderful pets and would go to any extent to please their masters. All they want is their master's care and affection. You as owners also have a responsibility to note any physiological and psychological changes that may be affecting your dog's health. So, if your dog is not eating properly and seems to be losing his playful nature, take him to a vet and give him lots of love so that he returns back to his old ways.