Appetite Stimulant for Dogs

Appetite stimulants in dogs may range from changes in the diet to prescription medications. If your dog is not eating, talk with your veterinarian at once to determine the best course of treatment.

Changes in Diet

At times, changing a dog's diet can help to stimulate its appetite. Veterinary prescription foods such as Hill's a/d soft canine diet, or home cooked diets which include rice and quality meat cuts, are particularly useful for dogs with mild appetite disorders.

Appetite Food Enhancers

Appetite food enhancers, such as the Pro-Treat Enhance appetite stimulant, may be sprinkled onto or mixed with dog food to add enticing smells and flavors which may promote appetite.

Prednisolone

A veterinary-prescribed low dose of prednisolone may stimulate the appetite of dogs that are experiencing temporary anorexia. Prednisolone may not be used for long periods of time as long term steroid therapies can cause damage to organs and increases risks for diabetic conditions.

Mirtazapine

Mirtazapine is a prescription medication that is traditionally used as an antidepressant for people. However, mirtazapine has been found to have strong appetite stimulating and anti-nausea effects in dogs.

Megestrol Acetate

Megestrol acetate is a type of medication which is often prescribed in dogs for the treatment of false pregnancy and to prevent heat cycles; megestrol acetate also has appetite stimulating side effects in dogs and may be prescribed for appetite stimulating purposes.

References

• Merck Veterinaray Manual
• Mar Vista Animal Medical Center
• Doctors Foster and Smith