Dog refuses to eat after surgery

It is common for dogs to refuse to eat after surgery because they have to wait until 4 hours after the procedure to eat. The anesthesia used during the surgery can still have residual effects, causing the dog to lose its appetite. Moreover, eating after surgery can lead to indigestion. After surgery, a dog may experience mood swings, which can also contribute to its refusal to eat. Owners can offer their dogs some of their favorite snacks to encourage them to eat. If the dog refuses to eat for 1-2 days after surgery, it is necessary to take it to the veterinary hospital for a checkup.

What are the reasons for a dog not eating?

There are many reasons for a dog's loss of appetite, including parasite infections, poor digestion, picky eating, lack of exercise, infectious diseases such as dog fever, parvovirus, and rotavirus. In addition, dogs may experience a decline in appetite or refuse to eat during teething, estrus, and pregnancy. Different treatments should be adopted to address the various causes.

What to do if a dog is not eating and seems lethargic

First, identify the cause of the dog's refusal to eat and lethargy. If the problem is due to poor appetite caused by dog food palatability or picky eating, try switching dog foods or training to correct the picky eating. If the lethargy and poor appetite are caused by common infectious diseases in young dogs such as dog fever and parvovirus, immediate medical treatment is required. Acute enteritis can also cause lethargy and poor appetite in dogs, which can be treated with oral or injectable antibiotics.

What foods to feed a dog with poor appetite

When a dog has poor appetite, it is necessary to feed it easily digestible foods, such as rice congee, prescription dog food, high-fiber foods, and ecological dog food. Avoid giving dry, oily foods, such as meat. In addition, owners can purchase probiotics and mix them with water or dog food to help regulate the dog's intestinal function.