What to feed a sick dog who won't eat

When a dog is sick and refuses to eat, it's essential to assess the situation individually, as there are many reasons why a dog might not want to eat. If your dog suddenly stops eating and drinking and shows signs of decreased energy or other physiological symptoms, it's recommended to take them to the vet promptly. Moreover, dogs can become dehydrated and experience low blood sugar levels when they don't eat or drink, so it's best to seek veterinary care.

Firstly, if your sick dog refuses to eat, check if they have vomiting symptoms. If so, it's advised to withhold food for a while and observe them. If vomiting persists or other physiological conditions occur, such as diarrhea, it's essential to take your dog to the vet for examination. Vomiting and diarrhea can cause rapid dehydration, lowering the dog's body temperature and depleting their nutrients and energy.

Secondly, if your dog has respiratory symptoms such as sneezing and runny nose, it indicates that their respiratory system is affected, and they may not be as sensitive to smells. Dogs have poor taste buds, and their appetite stems from their sense of smell. They will only be interested in a certain food if they perceive it as tasty. Therefore, if your dog is refusing to eat due to respiratory symptoms, you can switch to more palatable food and address their respiratory issues.

Lastly, dogs recovering from a severe illness often lose their appetite for regular dog food. They tend to prefer foods rich in protein, such as nutritional cans. In this case, the owner can consider feeding their dog nutritional cans for a period, which can satisfy their taste and provide the necessary nutrients for their recovery.