If your dog is not eating, there may be a variety of reasons for this. There is by no means always an illness behind it.
Why is my dog not eating?
Most dogs can hardly wait until the bowl is full and it's time to eat. They stand impatiently next to you, wagging their tail and looking at you with wide eyes. Others, on the other hand, are known for being rather fussy eaters. With them, it's not surprising if they only eat small portions or if their owner has to stand next to them to make sure the food is eaten. But when a dog suddenly eats significantly less or almost nothing at all, everyone gets nervous and starts to wonder what the problem could be. Sometimes the solution is quite simple, but sometimes only a thorough examination by a vet will help.
Possible cause 1: Change of teeth in puppies
The change of teeth in dogs takes place very inconspicuously and is not even noticed by most dog owners. However, dogs can experience problems during this phase, which takes place between around the third and fifth month of life: The new teeth try with all their might to push the milk teeth away.
This causes the roots of the milk teeth to dissolve, resulting in loose teeth, bleeding gums and eventually the milk teeth falling out. This can happen without any problems, but it can also be associated with pain. In this case, refusing to eat would be normal. The change of teeth should be complete by the age of 6 months.
Possible cause 2: Problems during puberty
The puppy has just made progress in his education - and suddenly nothing seems to work anymore. He has probably entered puberty, which takes place between the sixth and eleventh month , depending on the breed. This is associated with a number of hormonal changes. During this time, boundaries are tested, including feeding. Perhaps the dogs hope that only particularly tasty rewards will be available.
Here it is important to be patient and, above all, consistent. If there are no health problems, nothing needs to be changed in the diet. If the dog does not eat, the bowl should be removed after twenty minutes. Treats should then generally be avoided. Depending on the feeding frequency, the usual food is then offered again later as usual.
Possible cause 3: When the bitch is in heat
If your dog is currently in heat and is eating less, you generally don't need to worry. A hormone-induced lack of appetite is common. This can also be the case during a false pregnancy. Male dogs can also suffer from hormone-induced loss of appetiteif there are female dogs in heat in the neighborhood.
Possible cause 4: Dog not eating due to stress
Stress can also be associated with loss of appetite in dogs. There are many triggers for stress: family changes, e.g. when a baby or a new housemate moves in, or a family member dies. Illnesses or psychological changes can also trigger stress. A second dog can also be the cause. Think about whether there have been any changes recently and if so, which ones: Is it suddenly more restless in the home, have you changed the dog's feeding place or moved house?
Possible cause 5: Incorrect diet
During the growth phase , puppies need a lot of energy and are normally good eaters. When they are fully grown, their appetite may be reduced, which is not surprising. Among other things, it depends on how active you are with your dog. The less a dog moves, the less energy it needs. In addition, people often overlook how many treats are given over the course of a day. They should not make up more than ten percent of the daily ration!
If the amount of snacks exceeds 10%, it is not surprising if the dog gives up half of its food. Here you should always remain consistent and urgently reduce the amount of snacks. You should refrain from changing the food.
Possible cause 6: Toothache
If an adult dog suddenly stops eating, you should check his teeth. Perhaps something is stuck between his teeth or a tooth has broken off. The gums may be inflamed. In these cases, you should definitely go to the vet.
Possible cause 7: An illness as the cause
If the dog's lack of appetite cannot be explained, a disease must be considered. Only a vet can investigate the cause. Possible causes could be digestive problems, infections or organ diseases .