Dogs are known for their love of food, so when they lose their appetite, it can be concerning for pet owners. Appetite loss in dogs can be caused by various factors, including underlying health conditions, pain, or stress. However, there are several strategies you can try at home to stimulate your dog’s appetite and ensure they maintain a healthy diet. In this article, we will explore different techniques, foods, and medications that can help boost your dog’s appetite and restore their joy in eating.
Why Do Dogs Lose Their Appetite?
Loss of appetite in dogs can be attributed to various diseases, conditions, or circumstances. Some common reasons for appetite loss in dogs include:
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Cancer
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Kidney disease or liver disease
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Gastrointestinal (GI) disease, including pancreatitis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
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Pain
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Surgical recovery
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Dental disease, such as tooth root abscess
These illnesses and conditions can cause an upset stomach, leading to a loss of appetite in dogs. Additionally, certain medications used to manage these conditions may also contribute to appetite loss, making it even more challenging for dogs to enjoy their food.
At-Home Strategies to Stimulate Your Dog’s Appetite
In some cases, a dog’s appetite can be easily restored with simple techniques and foods that you may already have at home. Here are four helpful tips to boost your dog’s appetite:
1. Warm Your Dog’s Canned Food
Just like humans, dogs are often enticed by the aroma of warm food. If your dog eats wet or canned dog food, try warming it up slightly before serving. The delicious scent can make the food more tempting and increase your dog’s interest in eating.
2. Add Something Yummy to the Food
For dogs that consume dry food, consider adding a small amount of canned dog food or canned pumpkin (without pumpkin pie filling) to their bowl. These additions can enhance the flavor and texture of the food, making it more appealing to your dog. Depending on your pet’s medical condition, you can also mix in small amounts of cooked lean hamburger, chicken, or cottage cheese (consult with your vet). Avoid baby foods with onion or garlic, as they can be toxic to dogs. Another option is to add some water to your dog’s dry food and allow it to sit for a few minutes, creating a gravy effect that many dogs enjoy.
It’s important to note that these mix-ins should be used as a coating for your dog’s regular food, ensuring they still receive a balanced diet. None of these options provide all the necessary nutrients for a healthy and complete diet, except for canned dog food.
3. Try Hand Feeding Your Dog and Give Extra TLC at Mealtime
Sometimes, dogs simply need some extra attention and care during mealtime. Consider hand feeding your dog to tempt them to eat. This not only helps stimulate their appetite but also strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend. Additionally, warming up your dog’s food, adding something healthy to it, or offering food by hand can encourage eating.
4. Ask Your Vet About Over-the-Counter Medications
If your dog is experiencing mild stomach discomfort, your vet may recommend over-the-counter medications to help reduce stomach acid, such as famotidine or omeprazole. However, it’s crucial to consult with your veterinarian before administering any medications to ensure the correct dosage, timing, and frequency for your dog’s specific condition. Not all medications are suitable for all dogs, so rely on your vet’s expertise.
Prescription Medications to Boost Your Dog’s Appetite
In some cases, the at-home strategies may not be sufficient to stimulate your dog’s appetite. Your vet may decide to prescribe specific medications to help increase your dog’s desire to eat. Here are a few prescription medications commonly used to boost a dog’s appetite:
1. Mirtazapine
Mirtazapine is an appetite stimulant that can help dogs regain their interest in food. It has anti-nausea and anti-vomiting properties, making it an effective choice for appetite restoration. Veterinarians often choose mirtazapine as a first-line treatment due to its proven efficacy and safety.
2. Entyce
Entyce is a newer medication specifically designed for dogs to stimulate their appetite. It comes in a liquid form and is administered once a day. Unlike other appetite stimulants, Entyce works by directly mimicking the hunger hormone ghrelin, which can effectively increase your dog’s desire to eat. It can also be combined with other appetite stimulants, as it works differently.
3. Cerenia
Cerenia is primarily an anti-nausea medication that can indirectly improve appetite in dogs. By relieving nausea, it removes a common barrier to eating. Additionally, Cerenia helps alleviate visceral pain, making dogs more comfortable and more likely to eat. It can be administered as an injection, eliminating the need for pills or liquid medications.
4. Meclizine
Meclizine is an anti-vomiting medication that is particularly helpful for dogs with vestibular disease, a condition that affects their balance and can cause dizziness. Dogs with vestibular disease often experience nausea and loss of appetite due to the associated vertigo. Meclizine can relieve the nausea, allowing dogs to regain their interest in food.
5. Dronabinol
Dronabinol, a synthetic form of THC, is sometimes used as an appetite stimulant in dogs when other medications have not been effective. Although it carries the possibility of adverse effects such as incoordination, cannabinoids can be worth trying in cases where other options have been exhausted. However, it’s important to note that other CBD products for dogs may not be useful as appetite stimulants.
Administering Medications to Dogs Who Won’t Eat
Administering medications to dogs who have lost their appetite can be challenging. Many pet owners rely on food to hide medications, but this becomes difficult when the dog refuses to eat. If you have tried various methods without success, it may be time to consider compounded medications.
Compounded medications are prescription medicines that are specially formulated by a pharmacy. They can make the medication more palatable and easier to give to your dog. For example, the pharmacy may create a flavored liquid or chewable formulation of the medication using flavors like chicken, beef, or even marshmallow. Compounding pharmacies can also create transdermal formulations, where the medication is applied to hairless skin, allowing for absorption. Transdermal medication can be particularly helpful for dogs who won’t eat.
Do Appetite Stimulants for Dogs Actually Work?
With the right combination of care and medication, appetite stimulation can be successful in dogs. It’s important to work closely with your veterinarian to find the most effective approach for your dog’s specific condition. Sometimes, finding the right strategy may take time and require adjustments as the disease progresses. However, seeing your dog happily finishing their meals again can be incredibly rewarding.
One of my most memorable experiences involved a beloved older Dachshund receiving hospice care. Despite his chronic medical concerns, we were able to adapt his routines and medications to cater to his changing needs. Initially, mirtazapine every other day was enough to restore his appetite. However, as his condition progressed, we adjusted his dosage and even explored the benefits of using dronabinol, a human medication. The treatments allowed him to enjoy some extra happy time with his family.
Appetite stimulation may be necessary for short-term or long-term use, depending on your dog’s condition. Always consult with your vet to determine the best course of action for your furry friend.
Conclusion
When your dog loses their appetite, it can be distressing. However, with the right strategies and medications, you can help stimulate their appetite and restore their joy in eating. By warming your dog’s canned food, adding enticing mix-ins, hand feeding, or using over-the-counter medications, you can encourage your dog to eat. In more severe cases, prescription medications like mirtazapine, Entyce, Cerenia, Meclizine, or even dronabinol may be necessary. Compounded medications can also be considered for dogs who refuse to take pills. Remember to consult with your veterinarian to determine the most effective approach for your dog’s specific condition. With the right care, you can help your furry friend regain their appetite and enjoy their meals once again.