Gone off food
Causes, other symptoms, and treatment
Anyone can experience a loss of appetite and for many different reasons. People may have less of a desire to eat, lose interest in food, or feel nausea at the idea of eating.
Alongside a loss of appetite, a person may also experience fatigue and weight loss if they are not eating enough food to sustain their body.
In this article, we look at what causes a loss of appetite, what it means, complications, and how to treat it.
Digestive issues may lead to a person losing their appetite.
A loss of appetite can be physical or psychological. It is often temporary due to factors such as infections or digestive issues, in which case appetite will come back when a person has recovered.
Some people may also lose their appetite as a symptom of a long-term medical condition, such as in the late stages of serious illness, including cancer. This is part of a condition that doctors call cachexia.
The medical term for a complete loss of appetite over a more extended period of time is anorexia. This is different to the eating disorder anorexia nervosa, which is a mental health issue.
Below, we look at the possible causes for a loss of appetite.
Common causes
Common viral or bacterial infections, such as flu or gastroenteritis, are often to blame for appetite loss. A person’s appetite usually returns when they start to recover.
Common short-term causes of feeling a loss of appetite include:
- colds
- flu
- respiratory infections
- bacteria or viral infections
- constipation
- an upset stomach
- digestive issues
- acid reflux
- food poisoning
- allergies
- food intolerances
- a stomach bug or gastroenteritis
- pregnancy
- hormonal imbalances
- stress
- medication side effects
- alcohol or drug use
People with pain in their mouths, such as sores, may also experience a loss of appetite if it becomes difficult to eat.
Medical conditions
Long-term medical conditions can cause a loss of appetite for a range of reasons that vary depending on the cause.
Loss of appetite can be related to lowered immune system function, feeling unwell, and having an upset stomach.
Medical conditions that can cause a loss of appetite include:
- digestive conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease
- a hormonal condition known as Addison’s disease
- asthma
- diabetes
- chronic liver or kidney disease
- high calcium levels in the blood
- HIV and AIDS
- underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism
- overactive thyroid or hyperthyroidism
- COPD
- heart failure
- stomach or colon cancer
Side effect of medications
A loss of appetite is a common side effect of many medications, along with other digestive issues, such as constipation or diarrhea. This is common when medications pass through a person’s stomach and digestive tract.
Medications and treatments that often cause a loss of appetite include:
- sedatives
- some antibiotics
- immunotherapy
- chemotherapy
- radiation therapy to the stomach area
If people have recently undergone major surgery, they may experience a loss of appetite after the operation.
This feeling can be partly related to anesthesia drugs.
Using drugs recreationally, such as cocaine, cannabis, and amphetamines can also cause a loss of appetite.
Psychological causes
Psychological factors and mental health conditions can have a significant impact on a person’s appetite. These can include:
- depression
- anxiety
- panic attacks
- stress
- grief
- eating disorders, such as bulimia or anorexia nervosa
Age
A loss of appetite can also be more common in older adults. This can be due to increased use of medications and changes in the body as it ages. These changes can affect:
- the digestive system
- the hormones
- the sense of taste or smell
Some cancers
A loss of appetite or unexpected weight loss can sometimes be a symptom of certain cancers, such as pancreatic, ovarian, or stomach cancer.
Alongside a loss of appetite, people may experience the following symptoms:
- stomach pains
- heartburn
- feeling full quickly
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- blood in their stools
If people experience any of these symptoms, they should see a doctor who will be able to find out the underlying cause.
A person should see a doctor if they are vomiting for more than a day and have a complete loss of appetite.
People with serious medical conditions may experience a loss of appetite that can be due to the illness itself or as a side effect of treatments, such as chemotherapy treatment for cancers.
Some people in the later stages of serious illnesses may experience cachexia.
Cachexia is the term for weight loss, muscle wastage, and general ill-health caused by chronic, life-limiting illnesses.
People with cachexia can get nutritional advice from their doctor who can help create a nutritional plan to make sure they get the necessary calories and nutrients.
A person with a serious illness should see their doctor if they have a complete loss of appetite for a day or more or any of the following:
- vomiting for a day or longer
- inability to keep liquids down
- pain when trying to eat
- irregular urination
A doctor may prescribe certain medications to help increase appetite and reduce other symptoms, for example, nausea.
If depression or anxiety are causing people to experience a loss of appetite, talking therapies and sometimes antidepressants can help.
If a doctor thinks a specific medication is a reason for a loss of appetite, they may be able to change the dosage or the medication.
People may find it easier to eat several smaller meals a day instead of three bigger ones.
Aim to make these meals high in calories and protein to make sure the body is getting plenty of nutrients and energy. People may also find having liquid meals, such as smoothies and protein drinks, easier to take.
Adding herbs, spices, or other flavorings to meals may also encourage people to eat more easily. Eating meals in relaxing or social settings may make eating more enjoyable.
People can also keep drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Gentle exercise, such as a short walk, may sometimes increase appetite as well.
A doctor will look at all the symptoms a person is experiencing, and use these to work out the possible cause of their loss of appetite.
A doctor may examine a person’s abdomen by feeling with their hand for any unusual bloating, lumps, or tenderness. This can help them find out if a gastrointestinal disorder is causing a loss of appetite.
A doctor may also carry out tests to help them work out the cause. Tests can include:
- blood tests
- an abdominal X-ray
- an endoscopy, where a camera enables doctors to look inside the body
It is important to find out the reason for a loss of appetite, as it can lead to complications without treatment.
A continued loss of appetite can cause weight loss and malnutrition. It is vital for people to find out the reason for their loss of appetite, as leaving it untreated can be serious.
People can talk to a doctor if they have a loss of appetite for a prolonged period. If they notice any unexpected or rapid weight loss, they should also see their doctor.
An individual should seek medical help if they notice any other symptoms alongside a loss of appetite, such as:
- stomach pain
- fever
- shortness of breath
- coughing
- a rapid or irregular heartbeat
People can experience a loss of appetite for a wide range of reasons.
Some of these are short-term, including colds, food poisoning, other infections, or the side effects of medication. Others are to do with long-term medical conditions, such as diabetes, cancer, or life-limiting illnesses.
Appetite loss often comes with feelings of fatigue or nausea. If a person is worried about a loss of appetite they should tell their doctor, also mentioning all other symptoms.
Treatments for appetite loss will depend on the cause. People may benefit from eating small, regular meals instead of three large meals, and liquid meals are often more palatable.
Read the article in Spanish.
Causes, other symptoms, and treatment
Anyone can experience a loss of appetite and for many different reasons. People may have less of a desire to eat, lose interest in food, or feel nausea at the idea of eating.
Alongside a loss of appetite, a person may also experience fatigue and weight loss if they are not eating enough food to sustain their body.
In this article, we look at what causes a loss of appetite, what it means, complications, and how to treat it.
Digestive issues may lead to a person losing their appetite.
A loss of appetite can be physical or psychological. It is often temporary due to factors such as infections or digestive issues, in which case appetite will come back when a person has recovered.
Some people may also lose their appetite as a symptom of a long-term medical condition, such as in the late stages of serious illness, including cancer. This is part of a condition that doctors call cachexia.
The medical term for a complete loss of appetite over a more extended period of time is anorexia. This is different to the eating disorder anorexia nervosa, which is a mental health issue.
Below, we look at the possible causes for a loss of appetite.
Common causes
Common viral or bacterial infections, such as flu or gastroenteritis, are often to blame for appetite loss. A person’s appetite usually returns when they start to recover.
Common short-term causes of feeling a loss of appetite include:
- colds
- flu
- respiratory infections
- bacteria or viral infections
- constipation
- an upset stomach
- digestive issues
- acid reflux
- food poisoning
- allergies
- food intolerances
- a stomach bug or gastroenteritis
- pregnancy
- hormonal imbalances
- stress
- medication side effects
- alcohol or drug use
People with pain in their mouths, such as sores, may also experience a loss of appetite if it becomes difficult to eat.
Medical conditions
Long-term medical conditions can cause a loss of appetite for a range of reasons that vary depending on the cause. Loss of appetite can be related to lowered immune system function, feeling unwell, and having an upset stomach.
Medical conditions that can cause a loss of appetite include:
- digestive conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease
- a hormonal condition known as Addison’s disease
- asthma
- diabetes
- chronic liver or kidney disease
- high calcium levels in the blood
- HIV and AIDS
- underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism
- overactive thyroid or hyperthyroidism
- COPD
- heart failure
- stomach or colon cancer
Side effect of medications
A loss of appetite is a common side effect of many medications, along with other digestive issues, such as constipation or diarrhea. This is common when medications pass through a person’s stomach and digestive tract.
Medications and treatments that often cause a loss of appetite include:
- sedatives
- some antibiotics
- immunotherapy
- chemotherapy
- radiation therapy to the stomach area
If people have recently undergone major surgery, they may experience a loss of appetite after the operation. This feeling can be partly related to anesthesia drugs.
Using drugs recreationally, such as cocaine, cannabis, and amphetamines can also cause a loss of appetite.
Psychological causes
Psychological factors and mental health conditions can have a significant impact on a person’s appetite. These can include:
- depression
- anxiety
- panic attacks
- stress
- grief
- eating disorders, such as bulimia or anorexia nervosa
Age
A loss of appetite can also be more common in older adults. This can be due to increased use of medications and changes in the body as it ages. These changes can affect:
- the digestive system
- the hormones
- the sense of taste or smell
Some cancers
A loss of appetite or unexpected weight loss can sometimes be a symptom of certain cancers, such as pancreatic, ovarian, or stomach cancer.
Alongside a loss of appetite, people may experience the following symptoms:
- stomach pains
- heartburn
- feeling full quickly
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- blood in their stools
If people experience any of these symptoms, they should see a doctor who will be able to find out the underlying cause.
A person should see a doctor if they are vomiting for more than a day and have a complete loss of appetite.
People with serious medical conditions may experience a loss of appetite that can be due to the illness itself or as a side effect of treatments, such as chemotherapy treatment for cancers.
Some people in the later stages of serious illnesses may experience cachexia.
Cachexia is the term for weight loss, muscle wastage, and general ill-health caused by chronic, life-limiting illnesses.
People with cachexia can get nutritional advice from their doctor who can help create a nutritional plan to make sure they get the necessary calories and nutrients.
A person with a serious illness should see their doctor if they have a complete loss of appetite for a day or more or any of the following:
- vomiting for a day or longer
- inability to keep liquids down
- pain when trying to eat
- irregular urination
A doctor may prescribe certain medications to help increase appetite and reduce other symptoms, for example, nausea.
If depression or anxiety are causing people to experience a loss of appetite, talking therapies and sometimes antidepressants can help.
If a doctor thinks a specific medication is a reason for a loss of appetite, they may be able to change the dosage or the medication.
People may find it easier to eat several smaller meals a day instead of three bigger ones.
Aim to make these meals high in calories and protein to make sure the body is getting plenty of nutrients and energy. People may also find having liquid meals, such as smoothies and protein drinks, easier to take.
Adding herbs, spices, or other flavorings to meals may also encourage people to eat more easily. Eating meals in relaxing or social settings may make eating more enjoyable.
People can also keep drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Gentle exercise, such as a short walk, may sometimes increase appetite as well.
A doctor will look at all the symptoms a person is experiencing, and use these to work out the possible cause of their loss of appetite.
A doctor may examine a person’s abdomen by feeling with their hand for any unusual bloating, lumps, or tenderness. This can help them find out if a gastrointestinal disorder is causing a loss of appetite.
A doctor may also carry out tests to help them work out the cause. Tests can include:
- blood tests
- an abdominal X-ray
- an endoscopy, where a camera enables doctors to look inside the body
It is important to find out the reason for a loss of appetite, as it can lead to complications without treatment.
A continued loss of appetite can cause weight loss and malnutrition. It is vital for people to find out the reason for their loss of appetite, as leaving it untreated can be serious.
People can talk to a doctor if they have a loss of appetite for a prolonged period. If they notice any unexpected or rapid weight loss, they should also see their doctor.
An individual should seek medical help if they notice any other symptoms alongside a loss of appetite, such as:
- stomach pain
- fever
- shortness of breath
- coughing
- a rapid or irregular heartbeat
People can experience a loss of appetite for a wide range of reasons. Some of these are short-term, including colds, food poisoning, other infections, or the side effects of medication. Others are to do with long-term medical conditions, such as diabetes, cancer, or life-limiting illnesses.
Appetite loss often comes with feelings of fatigue or nausea. If a person is worried about a loss of appetite they should tell their doctor, also mentioning all other symptoms.
Treatments for appetite loss will depend on the cause. People may benefit from eating small, regular meals instead of three large meals, and liquid meals are often more palatable.
Read the article in Spanish.
⭐The dog does not eat: what to do? Why does a dog refuse to eat?⭐
Important information
Current
Published August 15, 2019
Author
The dog does not eat: what to do? Why refuses to eat?
An important indicator of good health in any pet is appetite. And when a dog refuses food or favorite treats, this should alarm its owner. An animal may refuse to eat for various reasons, but this symptom can also be the initial sign of some kind of illness in a pet. If the dog does not eat, does not drink, is lethargic, and at the same time such symptoms are additionally observed, you should immediately contact your veterinarian for help:
- diarrhea, constipation;
- vomiting, shortness of breath, difficult breathing;
- increased body temperature;
- lethargy, depression;
- change in color, amount of urine;
- discharge from eyes, nose, etc.
Why can a dog refuse food, reasons?
Regular consumption of food gives the dog strength, vigor, gives energy for an active life, provides the body with useful substances. Therefore, when a pet refuses food for a long time, there must be a good reason for this. Then any owner in such a situation has a question that the dog does not eat, does not drink, lies, what to do?
In fact, problems with appetite can be caused by a number of reasons, which are not necessarily related to the disease of the animal. The fact that the pet refuses to eat can be influenced by various factors:
- The dog had a snack beforehand (pulled off the table, trash can, opened a bag of food on his own) or his family fed him. If the feeding regime was violated, the stomach was partially filled, the level of glucose in the blood increased and appetite decreased, which led to the dog refusing to eat.
- Changes in feed type and quality. With a sharp transition to another type of diet (from natural to ready-made food, replacing dry food with wet food), the dog does not have time to adapt to new tastes, adapt the digestive system, waits for the usual food, refusing to eat a new one.
Therefore, it is necessary to transfer a pet from one type of diet to another gradually, over a week, gradually mixing the new food with the old one. - Climatic conditions. In extreme heat, the animal almost does not move, loses little energy, the body's need for its replenishment decreases, therefore, the need for food decreases.
- Severe stress. Moving to a new place of residence, the absence of the owner, a long trip to rest can reduce the dog's appetite.
- Low physical activity, lack of walking. Pets living in apartments move little, do not walk, do not spend energy on it, so they do not have a special need to replenish it with food.
What should I do if the dog is not eating and is lethargic? What diseases can be the cause?
A pet may refuse food due to various diseases, and there are many reasons for this. With mild ailments, the dog does not eat well, but is active, drinks water and may miss one or two feedings. If there are no other manifestations of the disease, then you should not worry too much.
But you still need to monitor her condition, behavior. When the appetite does not recover for more than a day, you should contact your veterinarian.
Dog behavior may change under different circumstances and health conditions. She is able to abruptly lose her appetite and refuse to eat, or it will last gradually. In any case, consultation and examination by a specialist is required.
How to understand that a dog is ill, and what diseases can be accompanied by refusal to eat:
- Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract . The dog is lethargic, does not eat, the nose is cold when he suffers from problems with the gastrointestinal tract. These can be such diseases: inflammation of the intestines, stomach, pancreas, diseases of the liver, gallbladder, parasitic and oncological diseases, foreign bodies in the pet's body. In addition to loss of appetite, the dog appears vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, weight loss. In order not to get dehydration and death, you cannot self-medicate, seek help from a veterinary clinic.
- Disease of the oral cavity, teeth . The dog's stomach growls, she refuses to eat, although she wants to eat, but cannot do it because of the pain. Common dental problems: inflammation of the gums, abscesses, traumatized teeth, tartar, tumors of the oral cavity, foreign bodies between the teeth, papillomatosis.
- Infectious, parasitic diseases . These diseases in dogs are manifested in a decrease in appetite, indigestion, fever, nasal discharge, and cough. Tick-borne, especially relevant for pets: babesiosis, Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis. Acute diseases occur, lymph nodes increase, urine color changes, body temperature rises, there is no desire to eat food. Treatment by a veterinarian is required.
- Diseases of the reproductive system . Age-related inflammation of the uterus (pyometra, endometritis) often affects females, which immediately manifest themselves in the form of discharge of blood and pus, later bloating, false pregnancy, mastitis.
The dog does not eat, does not drink, lies lethargic, the general condition worsens, weakness, severe pain. Veterinary medical assistance is required.. - Other diseases . Many chronic diseases in domestic four-legged pets, in addition to the symptoms inherent in specific diseases, lead to a long-term loss of appetite, lethargy, and weight loss. Such conditions require medical treatment. These diseases include: diseases of the kidneys, urinary tract, heart, diabetes, diseases of the joints, etc.
What should I do if the dog is not eating and is lethargic?
Before contacting a veterinarian, you can try to self-diagnose the reason for refusing to eat, do not give medication yet. This should be done only if the general condition of the dog does not cause much concern.
- Observe your pet's behavior, it may take a few hours for an appetite to appear.
- Heat food.
- Let the dog get hungry. Do not feed her for 12 hours and she will probably stop acting up.
- Remember to keep the bowl full of fresh water.
Often the refusal to eat is due to the fact that the dog ate something on the street during a walk. If this is a common indigestion, another physiological, not very serious reason, then within a day the symptoms quickly disappear and the animal again enjoys the next portion of natural food.
But if the refusal to eat lasts more than a day and is accompanied by symptoms such as fever, diarrhea or constipation, then it is better to consult a doctor. An experienced specialist will identify the cause and prescribe the correct treatment.
Always be attentive to your pet, and then refusal to eat will not cause misunderstanding and serious concern. And in the PetsLike online store you will find premium food, vitamins and supplements, as well as treats for your beloved four-legged friend.
What to do if the puppy does not eat food?
Since the puppy's stomach is more receptive and tender to food than that of an adult dog, it is necessary to carefully monitor his nutrition.
If the puppy does not eat food, it is necessary to monitor his condition. This may be the cause of an acute viral infection or a disease of the digestive system. Vomiting, nausea, pain, fever, intoxication lead to loss of appetite and refusal to eat. If the puppy does not eat, does not drink, lies sluggish, it must be urgently taken to the veterinarian for examination, because babies are more susceptible to infection and death.
The puppy's body can be weakened by other factors: parasites, hypothermia, stress, lack of vaccination, it is less able to fight viruses. Therefore, it is necessary for successful treatment to exclude the influence of these extraneous factors:
- Give high-quality food from trusted brands according to the age of a small pet, do not make sudden changes in food types.
- Do not let him eat something on the side.
- Eliminate sources of stress for the puppy, which can cause refusal of food, or teach them gradually (moving to a new home, traveling in transport).
- Treat the most common diseases that can cause loss of appetite: parasitic diseases (worms), viral infections (enteritis), diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (inflammation of the stomach, intestines).
- Exclude the appearance of foreign bodies in the mouth, poisoning (chocolate, leaves of poisonous plants, etc.).
If the puppy does not eat, does not drink, lies down, do not self-medicate, watch his behavior for a day, exclude unfavorable reasons that led to loss of appetite. If additional symptoms appear, in addition to refusal to eat, on the second day, immediately contact a veterinary clinic for help.
In order for your puppy or adult dog to be healthy, vigorous, active, pay close attention to their development, behavior, nutrition. With a deterioration in appetite, the appearance of various deviations in health, seek help from a veterinarian.
Dog refuses to eat! | Tail News
Contents
one 7 main reasons why a dog refuses to eat 2 The dog refuses to eat: what to do?
2 minutes
estimated reading time
When a dog refuses to eat, a caring owner panics.
Why yesterday the pet's appetite was excellent, but today it does not fit the bowl? Maybe something is wrong with the food? Or not feeling well? Or is the new bowl to blame? Let's look at the main reasons and discuss what to do in such a situation.
7 main reasons why a dog refuses to eat
1. Indigestion.
This problem is accompanied not only by a refusal to eat, but also by loose stools, vomiting, lethargy, and anxiety. Diarrhea is a dangerous condition that quickly leads to dehydration, so doing nothing is a bad strategy. If you see that the dog is not feeling well, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
2. Diseases.
Refusal to eat can be one of the symptoms of viral, parasitic diseases and diseases of internal organs. Unfortunately, sometimes the disease is practically not expressed and it can be detected only on examination.
If your dog is feeling fine but refuses food for more than three days for no apparent reason, be sure to take him to the veterinarian.
3. Unsuitable food.
Appetite may worsen due to changes in diet. It doesn't have to be a complete food change. Perhaps the products were not fresh enough or the dry food was stored in an open package and “weathered”. Or perhaps you offered your pet a dish for lunch that he categorically did not like, and he demonstrates his protest? Make sure you are offering your pet the right, balanced, quality food.
4. Wrong diet.
The diet is not only the quality of the feed, but also the combination of products, the volume and number of servings, feeding time. For example, if you use balanced dry food as the basis of the diet, but at the same time feed the dog food from the table, then this is a violation of the regime. Due to improper feeding, the pet's metabolism worsens, and this affects its eating habits.
5. Stress.
Stress is a very common reason for not eating. It’s not scary if the dog was worried about the move and skipped dinner on emotions.
But if the pet is very worried and skips several meals, the problem needs to be addressed.
Eliminate the cause of stress as soon as possible and contact your veterinarian for a sedative for your pet. This will help bring him to his senses quickly and without negative consequences for the body.
Intense physical activity and an abundance of new information can also be reasons for a temporary refusal to eat.
6. Medical procedures.
Refusal to eat is a normal reaction to a vaccine or injection, to medication, and during the recovery period after surgery or therapy.
The main thing in such a situation is to monitor the condition of the pet together with a veterinarian. In other words, keep your finger on the pulse.
7. Certain conditions: teething, growth spurts, molting, estrus, etc.
Appetite may decrease if the puppy is teething, if he has growth spurts, if the dog is shedding, if she is in heat or is about to give birth.
.. This is normal and nothing to worry about. Over time, appetite normalizes.
In the absence of appetite, the dog may not eat for several days without harm to health. But if she refuses water for at least one day, this is a serious reason to contact a veterinarian!
The dog refuses to eat: what to do?
Conventionally, the reasons for refusing food can be divided into two groups: dangerous and non-dangerous.
Dangerous cases include cases when, in addition to refusing to eat, there are other symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, apathy, or any other changes in behavior. In such cases, you should immediately contact your veterinarian. Delay is dangerous!
Non-dangerous reasons are when the dog feels good, when his behavior remains the same, despite the decrease in appetite. In such cases, it is worth considering what exactly provoked the refusal of food. Perhaps the dog didn't like the new food or the new bowl smells badly of plastic? Or maybe she just can't stand the heat?
Watch your pet.
