Section: Information In-depth
A prolonged inability or unwillingness to eat may be sign of serious illness in your pet.
If your pet refuses to eat, watch for any of the following: NOTE The presence of these in conjunction with anorexia, warrants an immediate consultation with your veterinarian, regardless of how long the loss of appetite has been present.
Development of excessive salivation (drooling)
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Lethargy (lack of desire to exercise or be active) or sluggishness
Weight loss
Breathing difficulties or labored breathing
Signs of infection such as discharge of pus or blood
Sudden changes in behavior
Medical causes of appetite loss usually are more serious than psychological causes because they mean that a disease has progressed to the point that the animal is either unwilling or unable to eat. Therefore, the animal's challenges are twofold: first, to fight the disease itself, and second, to do so without the benefit of nutrients that eating provides.
Related Articles
-
1
Gastrointestinal Foreign Body in Dogs
Foreign bodies such as toys, string, clothing and plastic can become lodged in the stomach and create an obstruction. Any household object your pet chews on can become a foreign body problem.
» Read More
-
2
Vomiting in Dogs
At one time or another your dog may have a bout of vomiting, usually from eating too much or too fast. Vomiting may be just a sign of a minor problem – or it could be something very serious.
» Read More
-
3
Chronic Diarrhea in Dogs
Diarrhea is defined as rapid movement of fecal matter through the intestines. This usually results in poor absorption of water, nutrients and electrolytes and, consequently, loose, runny stools. Chronic...
» Read More
-
4
Colitis in Dogs
Colitis is an inflammation of the colon, usually resulting in diarrhea. It can occur suddenly and resolve without treatment or may persist for several weeks. In chronic cases, various tests may be needed...
» Read More
-
5
Fever in Dogs
A fever is an abnormally high body temperature, usually over 103 degrees, which is usually in response to bacterial or viral infections and may be the first indication of underlying illness.
» Read More
