Most dogs are not picky eaters and enjoy consuming many things, from dog kibble to cat waste. When a dog loses its appetite and begins to lose weight, it can be worrying for an owner. Sometimes, unusually hot weather or a change in food can cause a lack of appetite, especially if the dog is a finicky eater. Other times, illness might be the cause of the dog's anorexia. If a dog does not eat for more than 24 hours, it is advisable to see a veterinarian as soon as possible.
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Stress
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Stress often results in loss of appetite, especially if the dog is on the sensitive side. A change in environment, such as a move or the death of a family member, can cause a dog to stop eating and lose weight, veterinarian Etienne Cote explains at Pet Place. For a stress-prone dog, make life as stable and unchanging as possible. Dogs thrive on routine, so by establishing and sticking to a daily routine, your dog is less likely to be stressed.
Oral Problems
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Problems such as gingivitis (gum disease) and dental disease make chewing painful for a dog, resulting in a loss of appetite, Cote says at Pet Place. If left untreated, the dog loses weight. A foreign object, such as plant material, caught in the mouth can also make chewing painful, Cote explains.
Gastrointestinal Disorders
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According to veterinarians at Vet Info, inflammation of gastrointestinal organs such as the esophagus, the stomach or the intestine can cause anorexia because eating becomes uncomfortable or nauseating. Inflammation can also restrict the amount of room in a dog's stomach. Causes of gastrointestinal disorders include parasites, parvovirus, coronavirus, bacterial or fungal infections, ulcers, food allergies and certain cancers, Cote explains.
Metabolic Disorders
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A metabolic disease could affect the rate at which your dog digests food, causing her to eat less. Examples of metabolic disorders in dogs that cause diminished appetite and weight loss include diabetes mellitus and Addison's disease, according to Pet Education. Symptoms of diabetes mellitus include anorexia, extreme thirst and frequent urination. Dogs with Addison's disease show symptoms like lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting and muscle weakness.
Liver Disorders
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The liver's job is to filter the body's waste products. If the liver is not functioning correctly, the presence of waste substances can affect the brain and blunt the dog's hunger, according to Cote. Liver disorders that can cause anorexia and weight loss in dogs include chronic hepatitis, severe scarring of the liver and a portosystemic shunt. Another possibility is neoplasia, which is a tumor of the liver. Neoplasia causes pain and inflammation, making it difficult for the dog to eat. Signs of liver disorder, besides anorexia, are salivation, vomiting, lethargy and sluggishness.
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