We pamper and treat our pets almost as a member of our family. So it is but obvious to panic or be concerned when one notices disparity in our pet's behavior. This doesn't mean that we get paranoid about the dog's health and run to the veterinarian with every dog health problem that we see in our canine. Yes, damage control is important but I can assure you that just like children, dogs too aren't very fond of needles and vets!

Causes

There can be many reasons for loss of appetite in dogs, take a look at the various reasons behind your dog eating like a bird.

Lifestyle Related Causes
Dogs generally tend to stop eating to detoxify their body. During this time, you will notice him eating grass and leaves. This is the first and most common reason for avoiding food. Most dog owners will agree that their pet dogs are very picky about food. This holds true for puppies also, as this is the stage when they are developing their liking towards certain food. Another reason for appetite loss in puppies could be that you are feeding him dog food which is meant for adult dogs. Also if you feed your dog a large meal three times a day, there are chances that by the third meal, depending on the exercise he gets, he won't be too hungry. Lack of exercise can also trigger poor appetite in dogs.

Psychological Causes
Dogs also suffer from psychological issues, especially near the festive season when firecrackers are used. Due to separation anxiety, they may stop eating and may also refuse food if they are sad or depressed. Some male dogs also stop eating when they can smell a female on heat nearby.

Illness Related Causes
Poor appetite in dogs can show up as an underlying symptom of another problem like a bacterial infection in dogs or dog cancer. Dogs too get anorexic, due to stress as a result of which the dog may not eat. If the dog has an infection in the stomach or if he is experiencing problems with his gums or teeth, he may refuse food. Hormonal change, or problems with his kidneys or liver could also be a cause for lack of appetite. Certain respiratory diseases like asthma and kennel cough in dogs can lead to reduced appetite. Worm infestation, urinary tract infection or constipation in dogs could be some other reasons for your dog's loss of interest in food.

Symptoms

As such, there are no clear symptoms in dogs. As a pet owner, you will notice slight changes in the dog's behavior, watch out for other symptoms. If nothing else shows up, then probably, there is nothing serious to worry about. In such cases, he would seem very fussy about the food you give him. He may want you to feed him, but won't eat when you give him food. Along with these changes, you may notice that he maybe weak and lazy. During this time, he may eat grass.

Treatment

To treat this disinterest in food, you can start with tempting your dog with his favorite food. Try changing his meal timings and food. You can also ensure that your dog gets plenty of exercise so that he feels hungry. Make sure that he has his de-worming course to rule out dog worms. Excessive dog fleas cause your dog discomfort and in turn, lead to mood swings and loss of appetite. Make sure that he is drinking enough water and give his vitamin supplements whenever he eats. Let him ask you for food, don't force feed him as long as he eats at least one meal a day. If however, your dogs hasn't eaten since two days, take him to a veterinarian on second day. If your dog is not drinking water, the veterinarian may have to put him on saline drip.

In most cases, lack of appetite is nothing serious, at times just a change in weather can cause your dog to reduce his appetite. As long as he doesn't completely stop eating, you have nothing to worry about. I'm sure you already know this but dogs too need a healthy environment, one that fosters love and encourages your dog to be happy and active. Eventually, it's these small things that determine your pet's health.