A change in appetite can be unsettling, especially when your dog normally races to their bowl. Sometimes it is temporary and harmless. Other times, a reduced appetite can be an early sign that something is wrong.
The key is to look at the bigger picture: how much your dog is eating, how long the change has lasted, and whether anything else about their behaviour or health has changed.
Hot weather can reduce appetite
During periods of high temperatures, it is common for dogs to eat less. They may spend more time resting, sleep more and exercise less, so they may not have the same energy demands or appetite as usual.
Try offering food during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening, and make sure your dog has constant access to fresh drinking water. Never encourage exercise during the hottest part of the day, and watch carefully for signs of heatstroke, including heavy panting, weakness, confusion or collapse.
A dog who is simply eating a little less in warm weather should still seem comfortable, responsive and generally like themselves during cooler periods. If your dog is unusually sleepy, difficult to rouse, weak or not acting normally, contact your registered vet promptly. Reduced appetite alongside vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy or other changes should also be checked by a veterinary professional.
Adolescence can cause fussy eating
Adolescence can be a challenging stage for both dogs and their families. It commonly begins at around six months and can last up until 3 years old, although the timing varies between individuals and breeds (smaller breeds mature faster, the bigger breeds are slower to catch up).
Adolescent dogs are growing, learning about the world and becoming more independent. They may also discover that the food on your plate smells much more exciting than the food in their bowl. And if those pleading eyes have ever earned a tasty leftover, your dog may quickly learn that refusing dinner can lead to something more interesting.
This can create a tricky cycle:
1. Your dog refuses their usual food.
2. You offer something different.
3. They learn that holding out can produce a better option.
4. The next meal becomes another negotiation.
It is very easy to fall into this pattern. We have all seen the persuasive stare. However, constantly changing foods, adding leftovers or offering multiple alternatives can encourage choosiness and make it harder to establish a consistent routine.
Where possible, offer a suitable complete food at regular mealtimes. Give your dog a reasonable amount of time to eat, then calmly remove the bowl until the next meal. Avoid turning mealtimes into a battle, and speak to your vet if you are concerned about weight, growth, health or persistent food refusal.
Hormones can affect appetite
Female dogs may experience changes in appetite during their season. Hormonal changes, discomfort and changes to routine can all affect how interested they are in food.
Extra care and reassurance can help, alongside gentle, appropriate exercise. Keep walks calm and secure, avoiding situations where your dog could become stressed or encounter unwanted attention from male dogs.
A temporary reduction in appetite may occur, but do not assume that every change is caused by a season. If your dog seems painful, very tired, unwell or stops eating altogether, or has a significant increase in their drinking, contact your vet. A significant or persistent appetite change needs a thorough assessment.
Some dogs are naturally more selective
Some dogs are more selective than others. Small and toy breeds can be particularly challenging to feed, and many Doodle dog parents will recognise the famous “I’m not eating that” expression.
Individual personality plays a part, but feeding habits are also shaped by what happens around mealtimes. If your dog regularly receives leftovers, treats or a succession of different foods after refusing their dinner, they may learn to wait for the next option.
That does not mean you need to be harsh or inflexible. It means creating a predictable routine and avoiding accidental rewards for refusing food. Treats should be included within your dog’s overall daily food allowance, especially if you are managing their weight.
If your dog has always been a fussy eater, it is still worth discussing their diet with a vet. Selective eating can sometimes be linked to dental pain, nausea, gastrointestinal problems, stress or another underlying health issue.
When should I contact my vet?
A dog who misses one meal but remains bright, comfortable and otherwise normal may not need an emergency appointment. However, appetite changes should not be ignored if they persist or are out of character. We recommend contacting a vet if a dog’s eating habits change and seeking veterinary advice promptly if they have not eaten for more than 24 hours.
Contact your vet if your dog:
- Refuses food for more than 24 hours
- Misses more than two meals
- Is also vomiting or has diarrhoea
- Seems weak, unusually sleepy or difficult to rouse
- Is drinking much more or less than usual
- Appears painful or has a swollen or tense abdomen
- Is losing weight
- Has difficulty chewing, drools or shows signs of mouth pain
- Is a puppy, senior dog or has an existing health condition
- Has eaten something potentially harmful
If your dog is not eating and also seems very unwell, do not wait to see if the problem resolves by itself. Contact your registered veterinary practice for advice.
Keep mealtimes simple
If your dog is otherwise well but becoming fussy, a few consistent habits may help:
- Feed at regular times
- Measure their daily ration rather than guessing
- Keep treats and toppers modest
- Avoid offering a different meal every time your dog refuses one
- Feed in a calm, comfortable area
- Make sure other dogs or household activity are not creating competition or stress
- Store food correctly so it stays fresh and appetising
- Keep a note of how much your dog eats, drinks and exercises
If you are considering changing food, transition gradually unless your vet has advised otherwise. Sudden dietary changes can cause digestive upset and make it even harder to understand what is happening.
Take-Home Message
A small appetite dip during hot weather, adolescence or a season can sometimes be temporary. But a dog who is not eating and does not seem themselves may be unwell, and appetite loss can be a sign that veterinary advice is needed.
If your dog has a change of appetite, the Omni Vet Team is here to support you. We offer free video or telephone consultations where you can discuss your concerns in a friendly, judgement-free environment. We’ll take the time to understand what’s happening with your dog and provide practical guidance wherever we can.
That might include suggesting steps you can try at home, discussing which Omni products could support your dog, or advising you if an in-person appointment with your registered vet is the right next step.
