If your pet has lost his appetite, has lost weight, or has been refusing to eat for more than 24 hours, contact your veterinarian immediately to ensure that nothing serious is going on. Weight loss and lack of appetite can be a sign of illness. If you get the all clear from your vet or you have an otherwise healthy, active, and of optimal weight, then consider the following:
Have you been feeding your pet table scraps?
Table scraps can make your pet feel full when it’s feeding time. It can also encourage your pet to wait for you to feed him some of your food the next time he feels hungry.
Is your pet full? Was he outside?
If your pet is allowed outside throughout the day, he could find food that has been tossed to the ground, which can make him feel full at dinner time. Do a walkthrough of the area, if you expect to leave your pet outside unsupervised. You may want to do the same inside the home. Pets can be very persistent and may get into cupboards, refrigerators, and cat litter boxes.
Have you been using treats as a reinforcer?
Most trainers use treats to reinforce good behavior. If you’ve been giving your pet treats, you may have overfed him, causing him to be full the rest of the day. Try using treats that are small and less filling and limit the amount of treats you provide to your pet during each training session.
Have you changed the food recently?
Some pets may reject new food. If you’ve changed your pet’s diet in any way, this can cause the change in your pet’s eating behavior. Try changing your pet’s food gradually. Mix the old food with the new food and slowly start reducing the amount of old food you mix with the new food. If you’re eliminating wet food from your pet’s diet, try mixing a little water with the dry food to make it easier for your pet to make the transition.
Is there a stressor? Recent move? New pet? New household member?
Pets can feel stress same as their human counterparts. If you moved recently or made changes to your household, it can cause your pet to stop eating. A few days to adapt and your pet should be eating his normal amount in no time.
Have you been cooking recently?
Some pets get a little extra something added to their dry food. Pet parents have been known to cook chicken, steak, or other dish to mix with the dry food they give their pet. If this changes, it will affect your pet’s desire to eat his food.
Could your pet be suffering from an upset tummy?
An upset tummy will cause your pet to put off eating until he feels better. There are many reasons for an upset tummy. Give your pet a chance to feel better and try feeding him again later.
In order to encourage your pet to eat, try the following: Get on a schedule. Be sure to feed your pet at a set time every day. Set your pet’s food down and wait 30 minutes. Pick it up regardless of whether or not your pet eats. This will send the message that no other option exists. Do it again during the next meal time. Your pet should eat to avoid being hungry the rest of the day. Do not give him extra treats or give in to your pet, if he starts to beg for table scraps. If your pet is truly hungry, he will eat. If you have any concerns, contact your veterinarian. If your pet appears sluggish, loses weight, vomits, or has diarrhea, contact your vet immediately.
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