You care about your puppy, so it’s crucial to give it the proper amount of nutritious foods. When you notice a sudden, and frequently significant, reduction in feeding quantities around 6 months of age, it’s not uncommon to become concerned because at this point you’re really focused on doing the right thing to help your puppy grow into a healthy adult dog.
See a vet
It’s critical to rule out underlying causes like infections, GI issues, and parasites. Medication or brief dietary changes can frequently solve these issues However, left untreated, they can get worse. Your veterinarian can also provide advice on how to promote eating.
Why is my puppy not eating? These are some of the most common reasons
Sadly, puppies cannot verbally explain to us why they are not eating. But over time, specialists like veterinarians have noted a number of causes, including:
Why Do Puppies Refuse to Eat?
Anorexia, also known as loss of appetite, can come on suddenly, with your dog refusing to eat, or gradually, with your dog eating less over time. A number of factors can contribute to your puppys anorexia.
Young puppies can only go without food for about 12 hours before they need medical attention because they have smaller fat reserves than adult dogs. If they skip a meal, toy breed puppies are especially vulnerable to potentially fatal blood sugar drops (hypoglycemia).
Some picky puppies develop preferences for specific foods and will only eat those foods. You’ve taught your puppy how to get what it wants when you give in and feed it what it wants. Using “tough puppy love” may persuade your puppy to eat your preferred food when it is time for scheduled feedings if your veterinarian has determined that it is otherwise healthy.
FAQ
How long can a 6 month old puppy not eat?
Puppies, unlike older dogs, don’t have fat reserves. Therefore, they can’t go longer than 12 hours without food. This is especially true for toy breeds because blood sugar drops, or hypoglycemia, can cause serious complications.
Should I be worried if my puppy isn’t eating?
There are numerous causes for a dog not to want to eat. First off, it’s important to note that loss of appetite is one of the most common symptoms of illness, so it’s best to call your veterinarian if your dog hasn’t eaten in 24 hours, especially if there are any other alarming symptoms like diarrhea or lethargy.
Why is my puppy not eating but acting normal?
Common Reasons For Loss Of Appetite In Dogs. The causes of dogs losing their appetite are numerous. This includes issues with the body, behavior, the environment, separation anxiety, and food-related issues.
Do puppies slow down eating at 6 months?
Puppies are fed 3 times per day when they are 3 to 6 months old, and 2 times per day when they are 6 to 12 months old. Most puppies can switch to a nutritionally balanced adult dog food diet after about a year by eating it twice daily.