Introduction
It’s not uncommon for dogs to lose their appetite when they’re feeling unwell. Unfortunately, if a dog doesn’t eat enough, it can lead to further health issues. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to encourage your pup to eat when they’re not feeling well. This article will provide tips and tricks to help you get your dog to eat when they’re sick.
Offer Smaller Portions of Appetizing Food
When a dog isn’t feeling well, it’s important to offer them smaller portions of food. According to Dr. Jennifer Coates, DVM, “If your pet isn’t feeling up to eating his regular meals, try offering smaller portions more frequently throughout the day.” Additionally, it’s important to make sure the food you offer is appetizing.
Types of Food to Offer
When a dog’s appetite is low, it’s important to offer food that is easy to digest. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), “If your dog’s appetite isn’t great, try giving him small amounts of canned or cooked vegetables and lean meats like chicken or turkey. You might even want to add some warm water or broth to make it easier to consume.”
Making Sure Food is Palatable
It’s also important to make sure the food you offer your pup is palatable. According to Dr. Coates, “You may have to experiment a bit to find foods your pet finds appealing.” If your dog isn’t interested in their normal food, consider adding something flavorful like tuna juice or a bit of chicken broth to make it more appealing.
Adding Nutritional Supplements
In addition to offering food, you may also want to consider adding nutritional supplements to your pup’s diet. According to Dr. Coates, “For pets who aren’t eating much, adding a calorie-dense supplement such as FortiFlora, Prostora Max, or Proviable DC to their food can help make sure they get the nutrients they need.”
Benefits of Adding Supplements
In addition to providing essential nutrients, these supplements can also help stimulate appetite. According to the AKC, “many of these products contain probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that help promote digestion. These supplements can also help stimulate appetite.”
Different Flavors to Try
These supplements come in different flavors, so you can choose one that best appeals to your pup. According to Dr. Coates, “FortiFlora and Proviable DC come in both poultry and beef flavors, while Prostora Max comes in beef and salmon flavors.”
Feed at Room Temperature
When offering food to your pup, it’s important to make sure it’s served at room temperature. According to the AKC, “Cold food can reduce appetite, so make sure any food you offer is at room temperature.”
Benefits of Serving Food at Room Temperature
Serving food at room temperature has several benefits. According to Dr. Coates, “Warm food smells better and is easier to chew and swallow than cold food.” Additionally, she notes that “room-temperature food helps keep your pet from getting chilled, which can worsen illness.”
Increase Exercise and Playtime
Encouraging physical activity is another way to help stimulate appetite. According to Dr. Coates, “Mild exercise can help stimulate appetite.” However, it’s important to make sure the activity is appropriate for your pup’s condition. For example, if your pup has a fever, it’s important to avoid strenuous exercise.
Stimulating Appetite Through Physical Activity
In addition to helping stimulate appetite, physical activity can also provide other benefits. According to the AKC, “Increasing exercise and playtime can also help reduce stress and anxiety, which can help your dog get back to eating normally.”
Visit Your Vet
If your pup still isn’t eating after trying these tips, it’s important to visit your vet. According to Dr. Coates, “It’s a good idea to have your pet examined by a veterinarian to rule out medical causes for his lack of appetite.”
Importance of Ruling Out Medical Issues
Ruling out medical issues is important because it can help you determine the best course of action for your pup. According to the AKC, “Your vet may prescribe medications or fluids that can help improve your dog’s appetite. They may also suggest additional dietary changes or supplements.”
Conclusion
Getting a dog to eat when they’re sick can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can help your pup get the nutrition they need. Some tips for encouraging your pup to eat include offering smaller portions of appetizing food, adding nutritional supplements, serving food at room temperature, increasing exercise and playtime, and visiting your vet. With these tips, you can help ensure your pup gets the nutrition they need when they’re not feeling well.
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