Paws 4 Safety: When your pet stop eating: When is it more than just a missed meal?
BY KIM BRADLEY
You put down the food bowl and instead of the usual enthusiasm, your pet sniffs it and walks away. Should you worry? One missed meal doesn’t always signal an emergency, but a change in appetite is something pet owners should pay attention to. The important question isn't simply, “Did my pet eat?” It's also, “Is this different from what is normal for my pet?”
Dogs and cats don't usually approach meals the same way. Many dogs eat their meal immediately, making a change easier to notice. Cats may eat smaller amounts throughout the day, which can make decreased food intake less obvious. But food refusal can become particularly concerning in cats. Inadequate food intake can begin affecting an adult cat's health in as little as 24 hours, young kittens can be at risk much sooner. If poor intake continues for several days, cats, particularly those that are overweight can also be at risk for hepatic lipidosis, commonly called fatty liver disease. That's one reason monitoring matters.
In my own home, I don't free-feed my pets. Scheduled meals allow me to know who ate, how much they ate and when something has changed. It also allows me to offer fresh food at each meal.
“Free feeding” works for some households, and convenience is one reason owners choose it. If food is available all day, consider measuring what goes into the bowl rather than continually topping it off. In a multi-pet household, an empty bowl doesn't necessarily mean every pet is eating. Also watch how your pet approaches food. There is a difference between a pet that has no interest in eating and one that appears hungry but has difficulty eating. A dog or cat that approaches the bowl but drops food, chews unusually, paws at the mouth, has excessive drooling, or repeatedly tries to eat and stops may be experiencing pain or difficulty chewing or swallowing. Look beyond the food bowl.
Appetite is only one piece of the picture. Is your pet drinking normally? Vomiting or having diarrhea? Acting unusually tired or hiding? Losing weight? Showing signs of pain? Is the abdomen uncomfortable or swollen? Have urination or bowel habits changed? The combination of decreased appetite with other changes can make veterinary attention more urgent. Loss of appetite can accompany many medical conditions, while stress and changes within the household can also affect eating behavior. Senior pets deserve a little extra consideration. Just as our own eating habits and appetites often change as we age, older dogs and cats may become less enthusiastic about foods they once enjoyed. Their sense of smell may diminish, nutritional needs can change, and food served cold from the refrigerator may simply be less appealing. Slightly warming food can enhance its aroma, while a small amount of an appropriate food topper or an occasional plain scrambled egg may help tempt a reluctant eater. But don't automatically assume a changing appetite is simply part of getting older. Dental pain, kidney disease, digestive problems and other medical conditions can also affect how much a senior pet eats. A noticeable or persistent change deserves a conversation with your veterinarian.
PRO TIP: Not sure which pet is eating? Aim a home-security or pet camera toward the feeding area. In a multi-pet household, it can help you see who is eating, how often they're visiting the bowl and whether one pet may be eating another's food. Your pet can't tell you, “I don't feel well.” Sometimes the untouched food bowl tells you first.
Kim Bradley is the founder of Paws 4 Safety; a pet safety education initiative focused on helping pet owners prepare for emergencies and everyday situations involving their pets. For more information, visit the Pet Safety Learning Center at Paws4Safety.com or call 877- 829-1997. Because moments matter.
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