We worry about our pets as they get older, and as a result, we may pay closer attention to how they’re eating and drinking water. If you’ve noticed that your senior dog is not eating, but still drinking, you’re probably wondering if you should be concerned or not. Today's post explains eating and drinking habits in senior dogs, and when to contact our Pittsboro vets.
When is a dog a senior?
You might be familiar with the popular notion that one human year is equivalent to about seven dog years, but it's a little more complicated than that. Factors like breed and size affect the rate at which your dog ages; for example, small-breed dogs tend to age more slowly than large and giant-breed dogs.
Generally, however, there are a few guidelines for determining the age at which a dog is considered a senior: around 10 to 12 years for small breeds; about eight to nine years old for medium breeds; and about six to seven years old for large and giant breeds.
The Importance of Water
It’s no secret that it’s important to keep your dog hydrated. Offering them access to fresh water at all times, and in as many places as possible, is a perfect way to encourage your dog to drink.
While there are advantages to feeding your dog dry kibble, wet food helps ensure they are keeping their moisture levels up. If you notice your dog is drinking their water, but not eating their food, a vet visit may be necessary.
If you notice your dog is eating their wet food, but not drinking their water, this suggests something may be amiss with the water source, like it could be dirty, and or maybe the dog is sensing another kind of contaminate.
Natural Changes in Appetite as Your Dog Ages
It is normal for senior dogs not to eat as voraciously as they did when they were puppies. Older dogs typically lead more sedentary lives than they did when they were young, and since they aren’t using as much energy, they don’t need to consume as much food.
Dogs may also lose their sense of smell or taste as they get older, meaning food no longer seems as irresistible as it once did.
Stress is another reason a dog may decide to stop eating. Any recent changes to a dog’s environment or daily routine can cause them to experience stress. Some dogs may develop anxiety or become excessively stressed, and this can cause negative changes to their eating habits. Subtle changes to a dog’s eating habits over time are to be expected, but any drastic change should prompt you to book a wellness exam.
Medical Changes That Can Affect a Dog’s Appetite
There are, however, medical reasons your dog may not want to eat anymore. In most of these cases, the dog will probably still drink water.
One of the most common reasons dogs stop eating is dental disease. Wobbly teeth, tooth abscesses, tooth fractures, gum disease, and oral infections can make chewing food and swallowing painful and difficult. This is why its important to have your dog’s teeth examined annually throughout their life, along with bringing them to the vet for their regular physical exams. That way, a veterinarian can detect dental conditions or diseases, and treat them, before they progress to a more long-term problem.
Gastrointestinal issues can also prevent your dog from wanting to eat. This can be anything from a simple upset stomach, to something more serious like a blockage.
Other underlying medical issues, such as kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, and even cancer can also affect a dog’s appetite. Some dogs develop tumors in their mouth that lead to a loss of appetite and the physical ability to eat. It’s important to note if there are any other symptoms along with the lack of appetite. If your senior dog is not eating, but drinking water, and sleeping a lot, that’s important to tell your vet. It could be another sign of an underlying health issue.
When should I take my dog to the vet?
If your dog has not eaten for more than 24 hours, or any other worrying clinical signs accompany the loss of appetite, it’s important to contact a vet for advice or to book an exam sooner rather than later. A sudden change in eating habits is typically a sign of an underlying health condition, and you’ll want to have it diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. The vet may choose to run several diagnostic tests, such as X-rays and blood tests, to determine what is going on.Encouraging your Dog to Eat
Fortunately, your veterinarian can also help you if your dog simply doesn’t want to eat anymore, even if there’s nothing medically wrong.
There are appetite stimulants available for purchase at most pet stores. The answer could also be as simple as changing to stronger-smelling food or hand-feeding your dog.
If you feed your senior dog dry kibble, try switching to feeding them wet food. It may be easier on their teeth, and generally more delicious!
You can even heat up the food to try to entice them to eat it.
Switching up textures may just be enough to get them to eat again.
Feeding your dog in a calm environment will also encourage them to eat. Some dogs may not feel comfortable eating if there is too much going on around them, such as commotion from other animals, kids, etc.
Regardless of what you want to try, it’s important to speak with your veterinarian if you notice changes in how your dog is eating to rule out any medical conditions. With your vet’s guidance, you can maintain your senior pet’s good health!
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.