How to Stimulate the Appetite of a Dog With Cancer

Dogs with cancer are often reluctant to eat. This may be a result of the disease itself, or a side effect of medication or treatment. Some humans suffer a decrease in their sense of smell or taste as a result of cancer treatment; dogs may experience this also. A dog can lose weight as a result of both the cancer and a decrease in the dog's appetite, so you may have to make extra effort to get your pet to eat. If your pet becomes ill after eating, she may come to associate eating with being sick and may be reluctant to eat because of this learned food aversion.

Things You'll Need

  • Microwave
  • Table Food
  • Cat Food
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Instructions

    • 1

      Warm your dog's food. Dogs react to strong aromas and warming the food will bring out the smell more, which may make it more appetizing to your pup. Heat for about one minute in the microwave, then stir. Test with your finger to make sure the food isn't too hot. You don't want to burn your pet.

    • 2

      Feed smaller meals. If you dog is reluctant to eat, try giving him a couple of tablespoons of food at a time, multiple times a day.

    • 3

      Feed your dog in a different location. Your dog may have come to associate its normal dining area with unpleasant feelings. Try feeding the dog outside or in a different room in the house.

    • 4

      Tempt your dog with a new food. This can be something forbidden such as a favorite table food, cooked lamb, liver or steak. Always check with your veterinarian before feeding your dog any of these things.

    • 5

      Try cat food. Canned cat food has very strong odors and a soft texture. Dogs who won't respond to other forms of food will sometime eat cat food. Cat food isn't formulated for dogs, but those with cancer need to take in calories.