<\/span><\/h4>\nAs dogs enter their golden years, they experience a slowed metabolism along with a decreased sense of smell and taste that can lead to appetite decline. Many elderly dogs also have dental disease that makes chewing painful. Monitoring weight and providing softer foods are key for senior pups.<\/p>\nHow to get a sick dog to eat<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n
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<\/span>18 Tips for Getting Your Sick Dog to Eat<\/span><\/h3>\nHere are some simple techniques to entice your unwell canine to get some chow down:<\/p>\n
<\/span>1. Hand Feed Them Warm Foods<\/span><\/h4>\nThe extra attention and assistance of having you hand feed can provide comfort and encouragement to get a sick dog eating. Gently warming canned foods, homemade blends, or kibble soaked in warm water. Just be sure to test temperatures carefully on your wrist before serving to avoid burning their mouth.<\/p>\n
<\/span>2. Try Canned or Wet Dog Food<\/span><\/h4>\nThe smell and moisture of canned or freshly prepared wet foods are often more enticing than dry kibble alone to dogs when they are under the weather. The aroma and soft texture make it easier for nauseous dogs to eat. You can add a spoonful of warm water or broth to kibble can soften it up for sick dogs.<\/p>\n
<\/span>3. Add Gravy, Broth or Canned Food<\/span><\/h4>\nMixing in a bit of broth, bone broth, or canned dog food gravy adds extra aroma, moisture and flavor that makes dry food far more appetizing. The added liquid also makes kibble easier to chew and swallow for ill dogs. Choose low-sodium broths to avoid excess salt.<\/p>\n
<\/span>4. Offer Nutritional Gels or Broths<\/span><\/h4>\nHigh-calorie nutritional gels and oral hydration broths designed for sick dogs provide concentrated calories, vitamins, minerals, electrolytes and fluids. These provide energy even when your pup isn’t feeling up to eating much. Just give modest amounts.<\/p>\n
<\/span>5. Switch Up the Protein Source<\/span><\/h4>\nWhen your dog has gotten bored of one food, transitioning to a novel protein source can provide some much-needed variety to stimulate appetite. Try different proteins like cooked chicken, turkey, lean ground beef, whitefish, scrambled eggs, or small amounts of unflavored yogurt or cottage cheese.<\/p>\n
<\/span>6. Lightly Steam Meats to Release Aroma<\/span><\/h4>\nGently steaming some fresh boneless chicken breast or lean ground beef helps trapped moisture and odor molecules be released into the air. Let your dog sniff the savory food before serving it up warm in small bites. This aroma teaser can ignite their appetite.<\/p>\n
<\/span>7. Stick to a Consistent Feeding Schedule<\/span><\/h4>\nTry to stick to your normal routine as much as possible when your dog is ill. Feed the same number of meals at around the same times each day. Don’t be discouraged if your dog skips a meal here and there. Just stick with your schedule. Routine is comforting.<\/p>\n
<\/span>8. Use Very Tasty Treats for Positive Reinforcement<\/span><\/h4>\nUse tiny pieces of chicken, hot dogs, liver treats, or peanut butter to reward and praise your dog for eating their main meal. The extra enticing taste helps provide positive reinforcement that eating is a pleasurable experience.<\/p>\n
<\/span>9. Avoid Too Many Treats Between Meals<\/span><\/h4>\nWhile using treats to promote eating is good, don’t inadvertently sabotage their appetite by over-treating between meals. A constant stream of tasty treats or people food throughout the day can spoil your dog’s hunger for their actual meals.<\/p>\n
<\/span>10. Try Moving Their Food Station<\/span><\/h4>\nIf your dog seems disinterested in eating from their bowl in one spot, try moving it to a different location in your home. Eating in a new setting like your bedroom or lap might spark their appetite. Just don’t feed in areas where they could inhale debris or toxins.<\/p>\n
<\/span>11. Rule Out Location Aversion<\/span><\/h4>\nIf you notice your dog avoiding a particular location when ill, they may associate that spot with a past traumatic or unpleasant experience. Your dog may be more willing to eat if moved to a comfortable spot like your lap or a soft blanket bed.<\/p>\n
<\/span>12. Make Adjustments for Age<\/span><\/h4>\nFor sick senior dogs, try softer foods that are easier to chew and digest. Puppies have faster metabolisms and need frequent high-calorie meals even when ill. Getting adequate nutrition supports the immune systems in young and old dogs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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<\/span>13. Ask Your Vet About Appetite Stimulants<\/span><\/h4>\nIf your dog is refusing food for an extended time, ask your veterinarian about short-term appetite stimulating medications. Prescription drugs like mirtazapine or cyproheptadine can help jump start your dog\u2019s appetite and get them eating again. These drugs should only be used under vet supervision.<\/p>\n
<\/span>14. Make Their Food More Appealing<\/span><\/h4>\nYou can make your dog\u2019s regular food more enticing by topping with a spoonful of no-salt added chicken or beef broth, low-sodium gravy, or plain yogurt. Sprinkling on some shredded cheese or lean deli meat can provide extra motivation.<\/p>\n
<\/span>15. Reduce Portion Size<\/span><\/h4>\nInstead of overwhelming your dog with a huge full bowl, try offering smaller portion sizes more frequently. A few bites presented often throughout the day may be more manageable and appealing.<\/p>\n
<\/span>16. Keep the Water Bowl Fresh and Full<\/span><\/h4>\nDehydration makes dogs feel even worse. Provide fresh filtered water at all times and wash water bowls daily. Add broths or low-sodium gravy to add flavor and temptation to drink.You can also offer ice cubes for licking.<\/p>\n
<\/span>17. Assist with Lap Feeding<\/span><\/h4>\nSick, weak or elderly dogs may not have the energy or motivation to get to their bowl. Try bringing small hand-fed portions to them. The extra assistance and comfort of lap feeding can get reluctant dogs eating.<\/p>\n
<\/span>18. Invest in a Slow Feeder Bowl<\/span><\/h4>\nThese bowls with ridges, mazes or obstacles slow down fast eaters to prevent indigestion, burping and vomiting. The controlled pace also extends mealtime for disinterested dogs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nfoods to feed a sick dog<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/span>Foods That Can Stimulate Appetite<\/span><\/h3>\nWhen trying to tempt a sick dog to eat, here are some nutritious foods known to stimulate appetite:<\/p>\n
\nWet or canned dog food<\/strong> – The smell and texture make canned food more enticing. Look for energy-dense, high-calorie formulas.<\/li>\nBone broth<\/strong> – The rich smell and savory flavor often appeal to dogs. Choose low-sodium varieties.<\/li>\nPumpkin<\/strong> – Most dogs enjoy the sweet flavor. Make sure pumpkin is plain, not pumpkin pie mix.<\/li>\nBaby food<\/strong> – High in calories and easy to swallow. Stick to meat-based varieties, not fruit.<\/li>\nShredded boiled chicken<\/strong> – This mild bland food is gentle on upset stomachs. Remove bones and skin first.<\/li>\nScrambled or boiled eggs<\/strong> – Cooked eggs provide protein and are easy to digest.<\/li>\nOatmeal<\/strong> – Oatmeal is soothing and simple for dogs to eat. Cook with water and skip sugar.<\/li>\nPlain yogurt<\/strong> – Probiotics support gut health. Choose unflavored non-fat yogurt.<\/li>\nSweet potato<\/strong> – Steamed, mashed sweet potato is nutritious and appealing.<\/li>\nFish<\/strong> – Flaky cooked fish like cod, tilapia or salmon provides omega-3s.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/span>Foods to Avoid for Sick Dogs<\/span><\/h3>\nWhen your dog is ill, it’s important to avoid foods that could irritate their stomach or have harmful effects. Here are some foods to steer clear of when your dog is sick:<\/p>\n
\nXylitol<\/strong> – This sugar substitute can cause dangerous blood sugar crashes in dogs. Check labels.<\/li>\nAlcohol<\/strong> – Can cause serious intoxication. Never give dogs alcohol.<\/li>\nCaffeine<\/strong> – Can overstimulate dogs, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and abnormal heart rhythms.<\/li>\nChocolate<\/strong> – Toxic to dogs due to theobromine and caffeine.<\/li>\nGrapes\/Raisins<\/strong> – Can cause kidney failure in dogs. Never feed grapes.<\/li>\nMacadamia nuts<\/strong> – Contain unknown toxins dangerous to dogs.<\/li>\nOnions\/garlic<\/strong> – Can damage red blood cells and cause anemia.<\/li>\nFatty foods<\/strong> – Can cause pancreatitis in dogs. Stick to low-fat.<\/li>\nSugar and sweets<\/strong> – Can disrupt gut bacteria. Also avoid artificial sweeteners like xylitol.<\/li>\nRaw dough<\/strong> – Risk of dangerous E. coli and Salmonella.<\/li>\nBones<\/strong> – Can splinter and cause obstructions or lacerations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nIt’s also critical to avoid giving human medications like Tylenol, Advil, Tums, and Dramamine, which are toxic for dogs. Always consult your vet before giving any people medications or supplements.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Importance of Hydration for Sick Dogs<\/span><\/h3>\nEnsuring sick dogs stay well-hydrated is just as important as nutrition. Dehydration is a serious risk for dogs refusing food and water.<\/p>\n
Signs of dehydration include:<\/p>\n