How to Cure Loss of Appetite in Dogs Naturally

Instinct may cause loss of appetite

Dogs and cats instinctively know that fasting for a while can ease stomach upset or allow the body to recover from minor infections, fevers, or eating something foreign but tasty, like a dead mouse. Here are a few recommendations of things to try when Fido or Miss Kitty go on a hunger strike.

Instructions

1. Temporarily change their diet. There is nothing wrong with changing your pet's food once in a while. If you like the formula of your standard fare and don't want to switch, make it temporary. If they eat the new food with gusto, you know they are healthy and satisfied with the change. You can always change them back gradually once they have eaten the new food for a while.

2. Serve food warm. Dogs and cats love food with strong smells and warming their food releases more of the aroma.

3. Increase the flavor. Garlic is a sure way to add flavor in a dog's food. Dogs and cats love garlic, but their intake must be restricted because it can create a specific kind of anemia. Dogs over 15 pounds can have 1/4 tsp. per day, while those less than 15 pounds should only get 1/8 tsp. per day. Cat dosage is up to 1/8 tsp. per day for two weeks.

4. Create a comfort zone. Some pets are sensitive to commotion going on around them, visitors, overnight guests, and loud children can create stress in pets. Move their food to a quiet place like a laundry room or small bathroom where they can feel safe to regain their calm and their appetite may be more robust.

5. Stimulate appetite with aromatherapy. Two essential oils excellent for stimulating appetite are rose and vetiver. Put a few drops on a bandanna and tie it around your pet's neck until appetite returns. Don't get it on the fur or skin as it's highly concentrated and may cause irritation. If the pet will not tolerate the bandanna, the same dose on their bedding works just as well.

Tips & Warnings

• Loss of appetite can be an indication of a more serious problem that needs attention from a veterinarian. If cats don't eat for 24 hours and dogs for 48 hours, see a veterinarian.