Instructions
Look for additional symptoms. If your dog is lethargic, vomits repeatedly, isn't drinking water or displays any other unusual symptoms, take her to the vet immediately. She may be experiencing a medical crisis.
Reflect on whether you've changed your dog's feeding habits. If you've switched food brands recently or have started feeding at a different time, you may have disrupted your dog's eating cycle. Return to her routine.
Evaluate his diet. If you give your dog too much variety, or if someone in the house perpetually feeds him "people food," your dog may have come to expect a greater variety of flavors, or may be holding out for something that tastes better than his regular kibble. If this is the problem, choose a high quality dog food as the base and mix in some additional food, such as raw or cooked meat.
Look for other recent changes. Anything from a new medication to a source of stress may cause her to not eat. If she's on a new medication, consult your veterinarian about side effects. If you think it's stress, engage in activities that relax her. Keep in mind that positive events can also be stressful for an older dog. Even something she loves can cause stress if it's an intense experience, and can cause her not to eat.
Feed him high-calorie, palatable food instead of his usual diet. A specialized diet, such as Hill's Prescription Diet a/d Canine/Feline canned food, may encourage your older dog to eat. Consult with your veterinarian about the best option for prescription food.
Schedule a veterinary visit right away if your older dog doesn't eat for more than 2 days.
How to Encourage a Senior Dog to Eat
If your senior dog is not eating, you should intervene as soon as possible. When they stop eating, senior dogs can lose weight and health much more quickly than younger dogs. However, unless your dog has a medical condition that has upset his appetite, you should be able to get him back on his food with a little attention.