HELP! My Pet Refuses to Eat Part 2

Does your pet raid garbage cans without your knowledge

Yes No

If you answered yes, this may be the underlying cause of the pet’s refusal to eat and/or digestive upsets. Some pets, regardless of how well they are fed by their owners, raid garbage cans. This is a dangerous practice which can result in digestive upsets or the pet’s consuming contaminated food or toxic chemicals. If you are not sure, check out the garbage cans in your yard. Be certain they have tight-fitting lids. For their own protection and in order to be a good pet neighbor, pets should not be allowed to roam in neighbors’ yards.

Do you make a diet change abruptly?

Yes No

If you answered yes, be aware that sudden diet changes can be the cause of digestive upsets. If it is necessary to change a pet’s diet, it should be done gradually over a seven to 10 day period. Add a small amount of the new diet to the food currently being fed. Each day increase the amount of the new diet while decreasing the amount of the current food. This gradual change will help prevent diarrhea and/or vomiting which may occur when sudden changes in a pet’s diet are made.

Does your dog seem eager to eat and then either eats reluctantly or refuses to eat for a few days?

Yes No

If you answered yes, your dog’s refusal to eat can be its own attempt to control calorie intake. Dogs love to please people. When a dog learns that eating pleases its owner, it soon eats to please. Sometimes words of praise and affection accompanying food and treats reinforce the dog’s eat-to-please behavior. Overeating can cause a dog, like a human, to get an uncomfortable feeling. It makes its own attempt to alleviate the discomfort as it controls its food intake. Chronic overeating can lead to obesity. Avoiding excessive treats and food from the table and making feeding routine rather than a special occasion helps a dog stay with its regular diet and feel comfortable.

Does your dog eat less during hot weather?

Yes No

If your answer is yes, be assured that it is not unusual for a dog’s food consumption to decrease during hot summer months. Studies show that, as a general rule, dogs need about 7.5 percent fewer calories with each 10 degree rise in ambient temperature.

Last part coming…