My dog isn't eating, what should I do?
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M$8 Answers
Look at me go on. This isn't helping you at all. Still it is a possibility...lymphoma is one of the more common diseases.
Life
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M$2. If your dog won't eat at all, or is exhibiting any other symptoms, take your dog to the vet today. There is something wrong.
3. The same goes if your dog is not drinking. This is a warning sign that your dog is ill. Dogs can dehydrate rather quickly and should be taken the vet as soon as possible.
There are some other ideas on how to get your dog to eat in this Suite 101 article:
http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/living_with_dogs/117855
Post a comment if what happens and I'll try to give you further advice.
Dog owner for 36 years.
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M$
I'm going to tell you to call you vet and schedule an appointment. You've said his behavior has continued over several days, and in some ways is getting worse. It is better to take your dog in now. If you have a good relationship with your vet, then what Becky advises is correct. You vet might give you advice over the phone (but most will tell you to bring him in).
If he scarfed down the cookie like normal, I would have said it was a behavior issue (doesn't like the food) and it could wait. But you're saying his behavior and not just his eating habits have changed--that concerns me.
It's probably nothing. However, he could have eaten something he shouldn't have, could have ulcers, or it could be symptoms of a disease.
So, I would take him in. You don't have to rush him to the vet (because he is drinking water), but I would try to get him in today or talk to your vet today.
OK so here is the preliminary results, they did a biopsy of his lymph node because it was very large and some blood work. It will be almost a week for the biopsy results and the blood results should be back tomorrow.
I was able to hand feed him is food tonight and we got some wet food just in case that stops working. :(
Well, I know you have to be prepared for the worse, but swollen lymph nodes is not always cancer. It can also be the result of an infection.
My brother once had a lymphnode under his chin swell up. The doctor did surgery to remove it. When he came out he told us "I never do this, but I think it is cancer." One very long weekend later, the test results came back and it was an infection.
Please do! I really hope that it's nothing, but I'd rather cost you $50 for an unnecessary vet visit than your dog by suggesting you don't go.
My new theory is that it may have something to do with his teeth. How's his breath?
Appointment made for 2:20PM EST, I'll post back with results for those that are interested.
He took a cookie but ate it slowly, he chewed which isn't right for him. He is drinking water though.
Dogs enjoy eating. It is a hobby but it is also necessary for survival. Some dog eating behavior problems are caused by health issues. For example, if your dog isn’t feeling well, they might not want to eat. In some cases, eating will increase significantly. If you suspect health problems, definitely contact your veterinary immediately. It could be quite serious. Health issues can also increase the chances of a dog bite, so be careful.
As a general rule, it is important to pay attention to the eating habits of your dog to reinforce good behavior and look for problems. Physical and also emotional changes in your dog’s eating habits should be handled before they become serious.
If we can help in any other way check us out at http://www.dailykibble.com or contact us at info @dailykibble.com
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M$
Your concern certainly indicates that this is unusual for your dog and you should strongly consider going to the vet. My dog recently went through something similar. Since he ate a very small amount in between, we thought it might be alright but then went to the vet since he continued to not eat. In our case, everything ended up being OK but the vet thought it was a good idea that we brought him in.
Most vets will allow you to call and describe symptoms and they will give you some advice on whether or not it warrants a visit. It's always better to err on the side of caution if this isn't something that's happened before.
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M$peace,
joe
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M$
Hey Darcy, just read the question again but I do not see anything about the dog not acting right for several days. "has not been eager to eat and today will not eat at all". Trip to vet is not called for unless the dog stops drinking or you see a noticeable weight loss.
What you put in quotes states that there was a behavior change. Since I can't see the dog, I think it is better to err on the side of caution then to tell him to wait.
You're right Joe. However, in the question you will see that the dog has not been acting right for several days. That's why I suggested taking him to the vet. If it had been day one, I would agree to wait--as long as the dog is drinking water.
"err on the side of caution" = 99.99% chance of flushing money down the toilet. Vet visits are not cheap, go when your pets condition warrants it, but use common sense. Pediatricians will tell you the same thing, especially with first time parents, "almost all of the children I see had no real need to come to the Dr". We live in a society of hypochondriacs, even when it comes to our pets.
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M$Infection
Viruses
Pancreatitis
Tooth decay/injury and gum disease
Disease affecting major organ systems, like the kidneys or liver
Pain from trauma and injury
Discomfort from chronic pain, such as arthritis or hip dysplasia
Discomfort due to hot weather
Anxiety or emotional distress
Bloat or Gastric Dilitation Volvulus
Intestinal obstruction
With those being the primary causes you then need to check out if any of the above are the reasons why your dog has refused to eat. If the cause is not obvious 12 hours after the refusal to eat then it is recommended you take that trip down to the vet,in the meantime I have listed a couple of terrific resources to help you find out more about dogs that suddenly refuse to eat and general dog behavior. Good luck and I hope he /she begins to eat soon,i hope I was helpful.
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M$
Way to add links Marcel!
However, I'm going to rule out some of the conditions you suggested:
If it was caused by pain from trauma and injury, arthritis or hip dysplasia then the dog would be showing other symptoms such as lethargy.
Dogs not eating due to hot weather usually doesn't happen in the mornings (when it is cooler) or several days in a row.
Pancreatitis usually causes vomiting.
Bloat/Gastric Dilitation will cause a dog to retch without vomiting.
I double checked those articles, and they are written by journalists not veterinarians. I'm not a veterinarian either, but I do have experience with over 100 different dogs in my lifetime (my father owned a small kennel and I worked as a professional dog trainer).
http://www.pet-tails.com/LPMArticle.asp?ID=226
http://www.thepetcenter.com/sur/bloat.html
I'm going to keep possible hip issues in the mix. We just noticed that Watson (the dog in question) is having a hard time walking, and taking breaks when moving from point A to point B, so mixing in the food and what marcel said we might be on to something. Will report back after the vet visit.
Well, then I'd say you could have something there. I would suggest either arthritis or hip dysplasia (depending on the age and breed of dog).
If it hadn't been going on for several days, I would suggest giving your dog a small dose of baby aspirin and seeing how he feels. But I'm still sticking to my "go to vet" statement. Besides, your vet will be able to tell you how much aspirin to give him (if necessary for pain).
How much baby aspirin and how much pepto bismol to give a dog are the two most valuable things you can ask a vet. (But use wisely.)
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M$
It turns out this is exactly what our dog Watson has :'( I'm going to try to find a way to award you with best answer
This is now what the vet thinks as well, we are waiting test results :(
I'm sorry to hear about your dog. However, cancer symptoms vary between dogs.
According to on site: "Most of the time, lymphoma appears as “swollen glands” (lymph nodes) that can be seen or felt under the neck, in front of the shoulders, or behind the knee. Occasionally, lymphoma can affect lymph nodes that are not visible or palpable from outside the body, such as those inside the chest or in the abdomen. Other symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, lethargy, difficulty breathing and increased thirst or urinations."
http://www.caninecancer.com/Lymphoma.html