It could not be an emergency, but if a grown-up dog suddenly stops eating, it can signify something more severe. Puppies are the same way. Nevertheless, if a young puppy stops eating, it might have more severe consequences than if an adult dog stops eating.
Reasons Why Your Puppy Is Not Eating
It’s possible for your puppy to lose its appetite suddenly, or it may occur gradually over time. Because of their smaller fat reserves, puppies can not go more than twelve hours without meals before getting ill.
The loss of appetite in your puppy could be due to many different factors, so keep that in mind. The most regular ones are listed below.
Vaccinations
The after-effects of vaccination in pets are similar to those in humans. Puppy vaccines commonly result in a day or two of lethargy and decreased appetite. But if they’re still not eating after numerous days, it’s time to go to the veterinarian.
This will allow them to find out the root of the issue and treat your pet appropriately. To find a reliable vet for your pet’s concerns, see this page.
Stress and Anxiety
Your puppy’s appetite might lessen under stress, just as it does in humans. Perhaps you only recently brought them in. Your puppy may suffer from separation anxiety because the kids have just gone back to school. A busy house during the holidays may be stressful for anyone.
It’s also possible that your dog is being “harassed” by one of your other pets at home. While you are attempting to decrease your puppy’s stress and anxiety, don’t forget to take them for regular checkups at the veterinarian. The veterinarian is an excellent source of guidance. If there are no vets in your area, you can search for “vet checkup near me” to locate one.
Digestive Issues
A puppy has no idea what is good to eat. In any case, they may experience digestive problems because of consuming something they shouldn’t have. Treats, in particular, can be overly rich for your pet and result in diarrhea.
Your puppy might stop eating if it finds out that the food it generally eats is the source of its stomach problems.
Teething
When teething, puppies can be picky eaters, similar to babies. Because of their pain and irritation, they may avoid eating, especially dry foods. It’s possible the puppy has had an injury, which would explain the discomfort.
As they chew on the stick, something like a splinter or a piece of wood could be tangled in their mouth. Check out the visible or external sources of discomfort. Seeing a vet in Simi Valley, CA, is an excellent idea if you don’t discover any.
Finicky Eater
Several pet owners would think their puppy does not like the food if it isn’t eating. Dogs don’t appear to be fussy eaters and typically have huge appetites. However, adding human food will throw off the nutritional balance of the puppy food. It’s possible that your dog will only eat the parts it likes.
The Takeaway
Puppies need food to gain weight and muscle. A strong appetite is a common sign of good health. So, if the dog usually stops eating, the owners could panic. Calm down and make the phone call to the veterinarian. They can rule out any health problems and give you guidance. Understanding your puppy’s stressors, introducing new foods gradually, and providing a variety of foods can help promote eating.