Loss of Appetite and Decreased Urination in Dogs

A loss of appetite in dogs is also known as anorexia. Anorexia has many different causes, such as pain, disinterest to new food or diseases of the digestive tract. Dogs who exhibit a loss of appetite and decreased urination should be examined by a veterinarian to rule out kidney disease.

  1. History

    • According to Pet Place, a loss of appetite and decreased urination are two symptoms that you should never ignore. When dogs exhibit these symptoms at the same time, it is usually indicative of a serious infection or disease. If your dog has these symptoms simultaneously, take it to the veterinarian for a complete evaluation and diagnosis of its condition.

    Causes

    • The most common cause of a loss of appetite and decreased urination in dogs is kidney infection, urinary tract infection, kidney stones, bladder stones, inflammation of the urethra and tumors in the kidney or bladder.

    Diagnosis

    • Performing a physical evaluation is one way your veterinarian will determine the cause of your dog's symptoms. During this examination, the veterinarian will examine the dog's gums, palpate, the abdomen and listen to the lungs with a stethoscope. Blood samples are often taken to run a complete blood panel and a urinalysis is performed. Examining the stool is important to determine if any parasites are present. X-rays of the chest and abdomen will rule out the presence of any tumors.

    Treatment

    • According to Pet Place, treatment for a loss of appetite and decreased urination in dogs depends on the underlying cause of the condition. If kidney or urinary infection is present, the veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. Surgery will remove any tumors that are present in the bladder or kidneys, and anti-inflammatory medications treat inflammation. Supportive care, such as IV fluids and drugs to stimulate the dog's appetite, may be given on a temporary basis.