My Puppy Isn’t Eating. Why?
It seems puppies will eat anything! Shoes, socks, earbuds. You wish your little chewer would stop. And then, suddenly, one day she does. And you’re left wondering why your furry little friend won’t eat.
It can be disconcerting and can be a sign of something serious, but it’s more likely something you can resolve quickly enough through some trial and error at home. Still, if your puppy hasn’t eaten in two days or more days, take it seriously and schedule a trip to the vet. In the meantime, here are a few things that may be preventing your pup from eating.
Emotional or psychological reasons your puppy isn’t eating
One of the reasons we love our puppies so much is that they’re emotive little beings. That also means they have feelings and are susceptible to stressors just like people. Unfortunately, though, they can’t just tell you if something is upsetting them.
You can look for a few clues to help point things that might be causing psychological stress in your furry friend. These reasons can include:
- Depression
- Environmental changes
- Dietary changes
- Changes in routine
- Finicky eater or food is too big
- Your dog wants to earn his food
If you’ve just brought your puppy home, he may need a little time to adjust to his new surroundings. Transitioning to a new space with new smells, and without the old ones, can make your puppy blue. They might just need a little extra coaxing and positive reinforcement from you to adjust.
Physical reasons your puppy isn’t eating
There can be a lot of physical factors in your puppy’s lack of interest in food. But before heading to the vet, try to find out if there are physical factors at play so you can help your vet better diagnose your puppy.
Kibble that’s too big
Sometimes kibble can be too big or too hard for small puppies to chew. If the kibble is large, try adding a little water or broth to the kibble to soften it. You can also try switching to soft food, which isn’t considered as bad for dogs’ teeth as it once was. If your puppy is eating, just not his food, you can also try switching brands or mix in some bits of cooked chicken to make it more appealing.
Pain, injury, or illness
Sometimes there can be more significant issues causing your pup’s decreased appetite, like physical illness or pain. If you suspect this is the case, act as an observer and take notes on the symptoms your dog is exhibiting.
Signs of pain, injury, or illness can include:
- Aggression or withdrawing
- Excessive self-grooming
- Decreased mobility
- Trembling
- Sleeping more than usual
- More vocal than usual
If your little friend is experiencing any of these systems, call or visit the vet so you can quickly get to the bottom of the issue.
Tips for getting your puppy to start eating again
Give her more attention
Take your pup for a few extra walks and play with her more frequently throughout the day. As pack animals, dogs long to be part of a family where there’s plenty of activity and endorphin-boosting engagement. They need both mental and physical activity to be healthy and happy. Sometimes, pet owners get busy and don’t realize they aren’t giving their dogs enough attention. If your pup isn’t eating, stop and ask yourself if it’s possible your dog needs a little more time with you.
What’s more, fresh air is good for both of you, and the physical activity will also help your pup work up an appetite.
Establish a routine
Helping dogs know what to expect has a calming effect on them. If your puppy is new to your family, create a route to help him know what’s coming next in his day so he can better adapt to his new environment.
Reward good behavior
Just like giving your puppy a treat for good behavior, do the same when you’re working with her, and you notice her mood improving. For example, if you’re out on a walk or talking to her and see that she is showing more energy and wagging her tail, reward her with praise. Be careful not to give treats to cheer her up. Unless she demonstrates a change in mood, you can inadvertently reinforce glumness.
Let him earn his food
Some, especially working dogs, like to earn their food. You can let them earn their meals by asking him to do tricks or perform tasks before eating. Instruct your puppy to sit or shake before placing his food in front of him. It’s an easy, quick way to give him a sense of accomplishment.
Socialize her with other dogs
Dogs are empathetic and they can sense when other dogs are down. They also speak the same language (so to speak), so sometimes, puppy friends can reassure a sad heart better than owners. Socialization is especially beneficial for puppies who have recently been separated from their litter and may be missing their siblings.
Pay attention to snack and treats
There might be another reason your dog has stopped eating. One often overlooked culprit is snacking. In an effort to train during the formative weeks, many owners will give their puppies extra treats — which is an excellent technique for training. But those extra treats could be filling your puppy and setting a precedent that treats can replace food.
Getting puppy back on track
If you’re able to get your puppy back on track without a trip to the vet, that’s great. But keep in mind that your puppy is vulnerable because of his or her small frame. So take care to make sure your puppy is getting enough nutrition, and you’ll be setting him or her up for a life-time of good health.
