My Chihuahua doesn’t eat much, what should I do?

In this article, we will answer the following question: What should I do if my Chihuahua doesn’t eat much? We will talk of the cases when your dog has a poor appetite and is sad, vomits, or refuses to eat no matter what you serve them. 

Reasons why your Chihuahua doesn’t eat much

If your Chihuahua doesn’t eat much and has a lack of appetite, it may mean that your dog has anorexia. Unlike in humans, for whom this disease can be due to psychological causes, in dogs, it is almost always due to some physical reason.

Observe the reaction of your dog when you give it food:

1. If he doesn’t even go near the plate, his poor appetite may be due to an infectious disease or parasite. Go to a vet to locate the problem and follow the appropriate treatment.

2. If the dog approaches the plate but does not taste the food, he may be hungry, but some kind of painful infection is preventing him from eating. It can have pain in the throat or teeth. If you think it may be due to this, see a vet.

3. If your dog approaches food, smells it but does not taste it, perhaps he is telling you that he does not like what you are giving him or maybe he is bored of always eating the same thing. Sometimes they even hit or tip the plate. 

Try varying your pet’s diet or offering him homemade food from time to time. In this case, pay attention to the ingredients and make sure they are suitable for your dog. What is good for us is not always good for them. Don’t use a lot of salt, it doesn’t need it.

4. A protein-deficient diet can also cause a poor appetite in your dog. Always give good quality feed, with which you ensure the adequate supply of nutrients.

5. As a dog gets old, the loss of smell can make it less interested in food, as its scent is not appealing. Also in these cases, they suffer more jaw pain, osteoarthritis or dental problems, so it is convenient that you look for an appropriate feed for their age.

If you notice that your dog loses a lot or his refusal to eat lasts for more than three days, go to your veterinarian, as it can be a serious problem. 

My Chihuahua ​​is sick and does not want to eat

There are many diseases that can cause a lack of appetite in your dog, such as parvovirus, distemper, leptospirosis, parasite problems, etc. It is important that you go to your vet to rule out these causes. Normally, the lack of appetite is usually accompanied by other symptoms, such as sadness, apathy, diarrhea, … etc.

Some medications and vaccines also cause a decrease in appetite. If your dog still doesn’t eat after finishing treatment or for too long after being vaccinated, take him to the vet.

My Chihuahua ​​does not eat and is sad

Dogs are social animals and can be sad or downcast due to various causes, such as:

Loss of a loved one. When there is the loss of a loved one, be it a person or an animal, your dog can go through a depression that causes a loss of appetite, as well as a downcast mood. He might even stop drinking water. 

Try to give him water even in small amounts, because if he does not drink, he will quickly dehydrate. If you can’t, go to your vet immediately. If more than three days go by without him eating, take him to the vet as well.

He fought with other dogs. Fighting can cause insecurity in your dog, causing a depressive state that can be accompanied by a lack of appetite. Try to restore her confidence and take her out for a walk, trying to socialize her again. Positive reinforcement is very helpful in these cases.

Important changes. A change of home, a new baby in the family, a newly arrived animal, the departure of a loved one … are situations that can lead to a depressive state in your dog. Try to stick with the starting routines and play with her more. Keep him feeling like an important part of your family.

My Chihuahua ​​does not eat and vomits

Vomiting is common in dogs. The most common cause of vomiting is ingesting indigestible substances, such as grass, or overeating (see our article on how often dogs eat). The latter case occurs frequently, as dogs compete for food, consuming as much as they can. As they eat more than necessary, this leads to subsequent vomiting, to eliminate excess food. They can also vomit when they are upset or anxious.

You should not rule out the possibility that your dog has suffered some type of poisoning when ingesting some type of harmful substance, it is important that you rule out this possibility and that you go to your veterinarian if you suspect that this has happened.

Another common cause of vomiting is the existence of an infectious or chronic disease, such as kidney or liver failure and diabetes. It is important to analyze the type of vomiting to find out its cause.

Go to your veterinarian to establish the proper diagnosis, since sometimes vomiting is a symptom of serious diseases.

• Persistent vomiting, with retching and return of a foamy liquid, is usually indicative of stomach irritation, as in the case of acute gastritis. It can also be due to acute pancreatitis, gastric flow obstruction, intestinal obstruction, or peritonitis. If your dog is gagging but not vomiting, he may be twisting/dilating. If vomiting is accompanied by diarrhea, it could be infectious enteritis.

• Sporadic vomiting accompanied by poor appetite is often a symptom of liver or kidney disease, as well as chronic gastritis, gastric or duodenal ulcer, diabetes, or some parasite. Generally, the dog is listless. Check that your dog’s diet is adequate with food for dogs with liver problems if you detect that she has this problem.

• If vomiting is accompanied by blood, the most common causes are gastric and duodenal ulcer, a gastric tumor, or the presence of foreign bodies in the intestinal tract.

• A foul-smelling or fecal vomit indicates intestinal obstruction or peritonitis. Take her to your vet immediately.

• Projectile vomiting usually occurs in gastric flow obstructions or with conditions that cause pressure on the brain, such as tumors, encephalitis, or blood clots.

At the slightest doubt about the severity of vomiting, you should seek veterinary assistance.

If, in addition to not eating, your dog drinks and urinates more than normal, it may be indicative of kidney failure, since in this case, the kidneys are unable to concentrate the urine, so the dog cannot control it, with consequent dehydration and thirst. You can also find suitable food and kibble for dogs with kidney failure or opt for natural food for dogs with kidney failure if you prefer to make it yourself.

A lack of appetite is often among the observable symptoms, as well as listlessness, depression, dry hair, or ammonia-smelling breath.

Some tips so that your Chihuahua to eat more

1. If you think he is tired of his usual diet, change it, or combine it from time to time with something more appetizing.
2. If you decide to try homemade foods, consult your vet to find out which ones are suitable for your dog. Don’t cook with a lot of salt.
3. Chihuahuas tend to like natural yogurt a lot and you can mix it with their usual feed to make it tastier.
4. Give him a boiled egg and he will go crazy. In addition, it is a food that includes all the essential amino acids.
5. If he usually eats dry food, try giving him a can of wet dog food.
6. Make sure their feed is in good condition. Store it in an airtight container and in good temperature and humidity conditions.

Conclusions

If your dog is not eating, it is usually due to some physical cause. Your feed may not have all the nutrients you need. You may also get bored of always eating the same thing. Try giving him some natural food that is suitable for him from time to time.

Pain in the mouth, teeth, or throat can cause your dog to refuse to eat. There are many illnesses that can make your dog refuse to eat. Some of these diseases are serious. Go to your vet at the slightest doubt. Moods such as sadness, depression, anxiety, or phobias can cause your dog to lose his appetite.

If the dog also vomits, it may be due to different causes. Analyze the type of vomit and if in doubt, call your veterinarian. If your dog suffers from kidney failure, he will also drink more than normal. Vary his diet so he doesn’t get bored. Make sure their feed is in good condition.

Dog food is made from meat remains, that is, all parts of the animal that cannot be used for human consumption are used. They are literally burned and their ashes are used to make what we know as dog food.

Remember to always put fresh and clean water at the disposal of your dog, especially if she eats dry feed, it is essential. Never feed your dog after exercising, you have to wait at least half an hour or an hour for it to calm down.

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FAQ on My Chihuahua doesn’t eat much

References 

Wagwalking.com

Pets.webmd.com

Petmd.com