Dogs can experience a number of eating disorders, and it's often difficult to pinpoint the exact reason. Although most eating disorders aren't a signal of canine illness, take your pet to your veterinarian for a complete check up before you attempt to intervene. If your dog gets a clean bill of health, there are several things you can try that may alleviate your dog's eating disorder.
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Overeating
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Like humans, dogs can develop the habit of eating too much. Talk to your vet about a reduced calorie feeding plan. Be sure she gets plenty of playtime and healthy exercise, which will not only keep her in better physical condition, but will alleviate mild stress or boredom that can lead to overeating. Feed her according to her weight and nutritional needs, but don't allow her to free feed because dogs will often eat everything that is put in front of them, regardless of appetite.
Undereating
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Loss of appetite is a common eating disorder in dogs. Once physical problems are eliminated, there are a number of causes that can be considered. Dogs experiencing separation anxiety will often refuse to eat when their owner is away. Nervousness can trigger loss of appetite, and this can be the result of stressful events such as loud noises like firecrackers or thunderstorms. Dogs can also experience depression that can result from events such as a change of owner or a move to a new house.
Pica
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Pica occurs when dogs are obsessed with eating non-food items. This doesn't include normal puppy behavior, but is a habit that persists into adulthood. It's difficult to determine exactly what causes pica, but it usually isn't detrimental to your dog's health. Ask your vet about possible nutritional deficiencies. If this isn't the case, pica may be caused by anxiety, frustration or an attempt to seek attention. It can also be the result of a lonely, bored dog or a dog that hasn't been properly trained.
Eating Feces
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It isn't uncommon for dogs to eat feces, either their own or that of other animals. It's hard to know for sure what causes this unpleasant behavior, but dogs who are anxious or stressed will often eat their own feces. It can also be an attention-getting tactic, and for this reason, scolding your animal when you catch him in the act isn't a good idea. Give your dog positive attention when he behaves correctly, and plenty of opportunities to run and play, which will help to alleviate stress.
Scoffing
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Dogs may be so anxious to enjoy their dinner that they eat too fast. This eating disorder, known as scoffing, can lead to vomiting, bloating and indigestion. It may help to divide your dog's meals into smaller portions. Scoffing often occurs when there is competition at dinnertime. If you have more than one dog, try feeding them separately. Sometimes putting a large rock in the food dish will alleviate scoffing, as she will eat slower as she works harder get the kibble.
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