17 year old dog stopped eating

My 15-Year-Old Dog Stopped Eating [+Actionable Tips]

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Author TB Thompson DVM has been a licensed, practicing veterinarian since 2000.

A reader wrote in with this question:

My 15-year-old dog stopped eating yesterday. He doesnt want his dog food or even his favorite treats. Why wont he eat when he doesnt seem sick? Is my dog dying? What can I do to get him to eat?

M.K.

Dear M.K.,

Senior dogs are the best, am I right? But when their age catches up to them, things change. And if youre like me, you tend to worry when things change!

Your main concern should be determining if your dog has a health problem causing a poor appetite. It could be a simple problem like a sore tooth or joint pain. Older dogs are also more likely to have major diseases including cancer, liver disease, kidney disease and diabetes.

You should definitely take your senior dog to see a veterinarian as soon as possible. They will help you get things sorted with a physical exam and diagnostic testing.

Once your dog gets the right treatment, their appetite might fix itself. But if you need some tips to improve their eating habits, Ive got plenty of advice for you.

KEY POINTS

• Decreased appetite is common in elderly dogs and has many possible causes from serious diseases to cognitive problems.
• Sometime you need to be creative in your approach to feeding to get an older dog to eat.
• You should seek urgent care from a veterinarian if your dog has not eaten for 24 hours.

What causes poor appetite in older dogs?

Senior dogs are often less active and dont require as much food to maintain a normal weight. Its normal for a senior dog to eat less than they did when they were young. If your senior is not eating at all, thats a concern. And if theyre losing weight, thats also a problem.

Its impossible for me to list every reason an older dog might stop eating. Its usually due to some underlying disease and you will need a veterinarians help to get a diagnosis.

Pain from arthritis or dental disease

Osteoarthritis is common in elderly pups and may lead to debilitating pain. Other symptoms include decreased mobility and limping. Dogs with severe diseases may even eat less.

Dental disease causes pain and decreased food intake for so many senior dogs. You may notice a bad odor from the mouth, drooling or gum inflammation. But some dogs only have problems under the gumline where its impossible to see without X-ray imaging.

Medication side effects

Some of the most commonly prescribed dog medications are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs. These meds improve the quality of millions of arthritic senior dogs. Even though dog NSAIDs are made to be gentle on the stomach, they still cause problems in some cases. Decreased appetite is a common side effect.

Kidney and liver problems are much more common in senior dogs than in youngsters. The symptoms often come on gradually over a period of months so they may go undetected. Changes in drinking and appetite are present in most dogs with kidney or liver disease. You may also notice vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss.

Heart and respiratory disease

Congestive heart failure, asthma and laryngeal paralysis affect older dogs. In addition to decreased activity levels and coughing, most dogs have a loss of appetite.

Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus causes many symptoms and severe illness. Almost all diabetic dogs have increased drinking and increased appetite in the early stages of the disease. As they get sicker, they may stop eating.

Cancer

Cancer is caused by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells. It affects dogs over about 10 years old much more than younger dogs. Dogs with cancer lose their appetite from altered metabolism of body waste and by-products of their cancers.

How to help an older dog with no appetite

There are many things you can try if your older dog is sick and has no appetite. Since every dog is different, youll have to experiment until you find something that works. Here is a list of things my clients have had luck with

Change the food

• Offer canned dog food to dogs who usually eat dry food. Try non-prescription high-calorie Royal Canin Puppy Appetite Stimulation food.
• Warm the food to body temperature.
• Add liquid to the foodlow-sodium chicken or beef broth works well.
• Add some diced, cooked chicken breast or very lean beef on top of the food. Cooked sweet potato is also popular with some dogs. Remove the peel for better digestion.
• Start making homemade food. For long-term feeding, be sure to consult your vet for a balanced recipe.
• Try feeding rotisserie chicken meat only. Dont include any skin or fat to avoid digestive issues.
• Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top of the food.
• Save this for desperate situations Take your dog through a fast-food drive-through and order him a small, plain hamburger or non-breaded chicken sandwich.

Change the feeding environment

• Raise the food dish so they dont have to bend down to eat it.
• Bring the food dish to them in their bed.
• Spoon feed or hand feed them.
• Eat at the same time as your dog, sitting nearby so they can see you.
• Introduce a little competition by having another friendly dog to eat nearby.
• Feed them outside for a change.
• If your dog likes games or training, get them up and go through all their tricks several times a day, using cooked lean meat as a reward.
• Take a walk in a new place. Mental stimulation can stimulate the appetite.
• Take your dog for a ride in the car and have a passenger feed them lean meat treats during the drive.
• Take a field trip to a park or other favorite place and offer a meal there.

Prescription appetite stimulants

Capromorelin (Entyce) is a prescription appetite stimulant for dogs. Entyce blocks the ghrelin receptors in a dogs body so they feel hungrier.(1)

Entyce comes in a liquid form so its easy to give to a dog who is not eating much. Side effects may include vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy. It can be used in dogs with chronic kidney disease but should not be used for dogs with liver disease.

Force-feeding and feeding tubes

Force-feeding a dog is a pretty extreme thing to do. I rarely recommend it since it can cause more problems than it solves. Dogs can breathe in food, causing aspiration pneumonia. If youre thinking about trying to force-feed your dog, ask your vet to walk you through the safe way of doing it.

A safer long-term solution is to have a feeding tube placed. Dogs with serious, terminal diseases have a better quality of life when they get good nutrition and stay hydrated. The procedure to place the tube is relatively minor and it can help your pup feel better even if it doesnt cure their disease.

Once the tube is in place, you can feed your dog a liquid diet quickly and painlessly. Most dogs are not bothered by an esophageal feeding tube as it is hidden under a bandage around their neck and doesnt cause them any pain.

When should I worry about my senior dog not eating?

Dogs will occasionally miss a meal. Thats normal and to be expected. But when should you worry and when is it an emergency?

If your dog is normal in every other way and skips a meal, its OK to monitor them for the next 24 hours. If they havent eaten at all within 24 hours, seek veterinary help.

If your dog is missing several meals a week or eating so much less food that theyre losing weight, its cause for concern. Make an appointment to see your vet within the next few days.

When your dog has other symptoms such as lethargy, changes in thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, or rapid breathing you should get them to the vet as soon as possible. Dont wait until tomorrow. Go to your local veterinary emergency clinic if you cant get in with your regular vet.

Summary

When you have a senior dog, youre likely to face the problem of decreased appetite eventually. Here are the steps you should take when it happens to you:

• Find out if your dog has a treatable disease by consulting with your vet.
• Try different foods, settings and activities to increase your dogs interest in eating.
• Talk to your vet about an appetite stimulant.
• Consider force-feeding or placing a feeding tube.

M.K., I hope Ive given you some tips you can use. Get your veterinarian to help you figure out if your dog has a treatable disease. Try some of the tips I mentioned and enjoy every minute you have with your buddy.

Sincerely,

Dr. Thompson

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Read a Related Post

What To Do If Your Old Dog Wont Eat

Have you recently noticed a change in your dogs appetite? I know from experience just how stressful it can be when your old dog wont eat.

We often feel helpless or overwhelmed, trying to do anything possible to encourage them to eat something, anything

Youre not alone!

The first step to helping your dog feel better is identifying the reason for their change in appetite.

Last Updated: Sept 2, 2023

In this post, I will look at the many explanations your old dog stopped eating, ranging from boredom and lifestyle changes to potential medical reasons.

Well also discuss possible solutions to help your dog regain their appetite.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links (Amazon Associate or other programs we participate in). As an affiliate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

How Long Can a Dog Go Without Eating?

Your dog can go a few days without eating, but the sooner hes back to eating, the better, in an old dog that may already have health issues.

From my experience, I would not wait more than 24 hours before calling the vet.

A significant concern is whether your dog has also stopped drinking. Dehydration can set in very quickly in an old dog, particularly if they arent well.

In the most severe cases, dehydration can be fatal.

Im sorry to be so blunt, but its essential you realize how serious it can be. If your dog is not drinking call your vet right now.

Why is My Old Dog Not Eating His Food Anymore?

Before you start to panic, take a moment to look around and think about possible reasons your old dog refuses to eat its food.

Below are some reasons to consider.

Environmental Causes for an Old Dog Not Eating

There are 12 key environmental causes that could explain why your old dog wont eat.

1. Have there been any changes in their environment? For example, have you moved?
2. Are there any new people living in the house?
3. Has your dog been stressed lately (possibly due to thunderstorms, fireworks, or construction)?
4. Have you recently changed your dogs food? There a possibility that they are not liking their new food, or its upsetting their stomach.
5. Have you noticed any changes in recent behavior?
6. Is your dog possibly grieving the loss of an animal companion?
7. Have there been any changes in your dogs daily schedule? Have there been changes to your schedule that could be impacting your dog?
8. Was your dogs meal served in a new bowl (thats right, that can be an issue for some)?
9. Is it possible that your dog is bored with the same dry kibble day after day and year after year?
10. Is your dogs food is too hot/too cold?
11. Have you started feeding your dog in a different room or location?

12. Medical Reasons an Old Dog May Stop Eating

I lump medical reasons into one possible cause #12.

But this is the one explanation for why your senior dog wont eat that needs to be explored even deeper.

There may be many medical reasons for your dogs lack of appetite, including:

• Dementia
• Cushings
• Pancreatitis
• Liver issues
• Kidney issues
• Cancer
• Dental problems
• Dulling of senses as a natural part of the aging process
• Mobility issues that make it difficult to reach the bowl
• Changes in vision, including loss of depth perception
• Infection
• Anxiety
• Reaction to a medication or vaccination
• Nausea (from overeating, ingesting something off the street or as a symptom of some of the conditions listed above)

Taking Your Dog to the Veterinarian Because They Arent Eating

If youre sure nothing in your environment can be the cause of your dogs lack of interest in food, the next step is to call your veterinarian.

Make an appointment as soon as possible to rule out any of the medical causes listed above.

If it has been more than a day since your dog last ate, I would give the person answering the phone those details, and see if they can find you an appointment that day or the next.

In a situation like this, we are often so worried about our dogs that the vet appointment can be nerve-wracking.

I encourage you to make a list of your concerns in advance and bring it with you.

It ensures you dont forget to mention something, making your appointment more productive. Plus, it will help your vet with a diagnosis by providing more information for them to consider.

Helpful Information to Provide Your Veterinarian

Below are some questions your veterinarian may ask you during your visit.

Make a note of the answers before your appointment so you dont have to take up valuable time trying to remember.

• How long has it been since your dog has eaten?
• How many times a day do they eat?
• Is your dog eating something or nothing at all?
• Is it just food thats an issue, or are they drinking more or less than usual?
• Is there a certain time of day they will eat?
• Have you changed their food?
• Have they been throwing up? Having diarrhea?
• Is it just the dog food your dog wont eat or are they losing interest in everything?
• Will they still eat treats?
• Are there any other behaviors youre concerned about?

What to Expect During Your Appointment

Your vet will ask you whats been happening with your dog. This is where the list will come in handy.

Once you have finished your chat, he will examine your dog and may even take his temperature.

In your situation, and I have been there many times, I would also expect blood and urine tests to be done.

Some tests can be done in-house and produce results in just a few minutes. Samples typically have to be sent away for further analysis, but at least you can get an idea of whats going on, and treatment can begin immediately.

Your vet may recommend an appetite stimulant to encourage your dog to eat. They may also give your dog an injection for pain or nausea if they feels these are issues.

Be sure to ask if there are any foods your dog should avoid.

Please do not let your vet dismiss your concerns with a diagnosis of your dog is old. Old age is not a disease. It is an umbrella term that covers many conditions, each needing to be considered.

I would seek a second opinion if your current veterinarian doesnt feel the need for testing. In my experience, if youre concerned, there is a reason to be concerned.

Diagnosis and What Comes Next

Only once all the test results are in, and there is a diagnosis, can you discuss treatment options with your vet.

I also think its a good idea to research and see what else is out there, particularly if youre interested in incorporating some natural or alternative options in your dogs treatment plan.

If you have found other possibilities that interest you, speak to your vet before giving anything to your dog.

Another option would be to connect with a natural or holistic veterinarian to oversee your dogs ongoing care and treatment.

Creativity is Key to Getting an Old Dog to Eat

When a senior dog is suddenly not eating, there are two things we need to focus on finding the cause (with the help of our veterinarian) and getting our dog to eat again.

Unfortunately, we cant sit our dogs down an explain to them why they need to eat.

Instead, we need to find creative ways to stimulate their appetite.

Getting your senior dog to eat is a combination of finding the right conditions (environmental factors), finding the right foods, and getting help from your veterinarian if needed.

Here are some ideas you can try:

• Vary the foods you try so your dog doesnt know what to expect.
• Put all or part of their meal in a Kong or other treat dispensing toy to provide exciting mental stimulation
• If they eat dry food, add some water and microwave it to make a gravy
• Add at least one extra meal to their day to increase the chance/amount theyll eat
• Are there certain times of day your dog is showing more interest in food? Change mealtimes to match
• Exercise stimulates appetite, so maybe go for a walk, a swim or something similar before mealtime
• Put dog food on a human plate yes it has been known to help
• Try hand feeding, especially if your dog is suffering from dementia, mobility problems, or vision issues
• Put the food directly on the floor or try elevating the dish
• Feed your dog in the park or backyard a change of scenery may help
• CBD oil for dogs may help stimulate your dogs appetite, depending on the reason your old dog wont eat

If you usually put medication in their food, try giving it separately and see if that makes a difference.

It may be changing the taste of the food, and while it didnt bother your dog in the past, if theyre finicky now, that could be all it takes.

Their pills can go in something like cream cheese, spray cheese, or a pill pocket treat and be fed separately from meals.

Other Foods to Try

One way you can try to reignite your dogs appetite or convince them to at least try eating something.

These foods can be added to your dogs existing diet, either mixed in or used as a meal topper or given on their own if necessary.

Please check with your vet to make sure the ones you consider are safe for your dog.

• Boiled broccoli
• Boiled squash
• Raw or cooked carrot
• Cooked green beans
• Raw apple
• Baby food
• Bone broth very nutritious and super easy to make
• Grated cheese on top
• Low-fat cottage cheese
• Tiny pieces of pizza crust added to dog food
• Scrambled eggs (no oil) with or without cheese
• Whole grain rice
• Quinoa
• Cooked oatmeal
• Peanut butter
• Roll of dog food (like a salami roll). You can slice up the daily amount and feed it throughout the day
• Tuna packed in water
• Sweet potatoes mashed up and mixed in with food
• Sardines
• Mackerel
• Steak (cooked with no spices)
• Baked potato with butter
• Low salt ready-made broth
• Blend dry food until its almost dust and mix with canned food
• Freeze-dried meal toppers
• Unflavored yogurt
• Boiled chicken tenderloins or chicken breast cut up
• Organic ground turkey mixed with turmeric golden paste, cooked vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots) and blend.
• Ground turkey burgers
• Canned pumpkin

There are many more options, but this is a good start.

Helpful Tip: Pour the water from the chicken into ice cube trays, freeze, and defrost individually to pour over your dogs food.

Final Thoughts: Dont Lose Hope if Your Dog is Not Eating

If your elderly dog is not eating, finding out why and get them eating again can be a real challenge.

I hope you have found this advice helpful, and some of the options listed will have your dog eating better.

There are so many emotions when trying to get an old dog to eat: stress, anxiety, fear, worry Yes, I have felt them all.

Dont lose hope though. The chances are, using the tips, tricks, and techniques above, you will get your dog eating again.

Have you figured out the reason your old dog wont eat? What foods or tricks did you try that worked? Sharing helps others, so please leave your comment below.