Loss Of Appetite In Dogs
Loss of appetite in dogs is when the dog eating less food than usual, or his inability to eat, or refusal to eat food completely, due to the lack of desire to eat, and loss of appetite is a dangerous indicator, or one of the symptoms of an underlying disease, which may be the result For minor stress, or a life-threatening disease such as : cancer, so it is advised to make an appointment with the veterinarian, in case the dog loses appetite, for a period longer than two days.
Signs And Symptoms Of Anorexia in Dogs :
-Weight loss
-Lethargy, general weakness, and vomiting
-Yellowing of the dog's color, and his infection with hepatitis, or what is known as jaundice
-The dog has some pain
-A change in the size of some organs in the dog, such as a change in the shape and size of his eyes, and a swelling of his stomach
-Decreased heart rate, shortness of breath
Causes Of Loss of Appetite in Dogs :
-Aging, getting old
-Slow growth
-Intoxication
-Teeth appearance, or oral and dental disease
-Infection with immunodeficiency diseases, or diseases of the respiratory system, digestive system, bones, heart, or endocrine glands
-The dog becomes infected with a bacterial infection as a result of pollution or infection from another dog
-Feeling nervous, bored, and depressed
-Use a non-stimulating method when serving meals
-Change the place of residence of the dog, and move it to another place, which causes the change of the environment around it
Treating Anorexia in Dogs :
Medical examination : Before starting treatment, the veterinarian must conduct the following checks, to provide the appropriate treatment :
Examine the face, eyes, mouth, teeth, and neck
Check your heart, blood, and urine
Examination of the abdomen and chest, using x-rays
Examination of cells and connective tissue, by biopsy
Stages of Treating Anorexia in Dogs :
Diagnose the underlying problem, and treat the cause of anorexia, by using oral medications or by performing surgical procedures
Offer a healthy and complete diet to the dog
Offer small meals, frequently throughout the day
Improving the taste of food, to open the dog's appetite and motivate him to eat, by adding some flavorings, chicken broth, vegetable broth, or canned food
Heat food in proportion to the body temperature
Feeding the dog using a spoon or fingers, as pets respond to this more than eating from a bowl
Feeding the dog intravenously, in the event that he abstains from food for three days or more, and it is also recommended to give him painkillers, based on the doctor's diagnosis, monitor the dog for two days, and see the veterinarian, if he does not recover, to complete the treatment.
