What Do I Do If My Sick Dog Doesn’t Want To Eat?
The sick dog may have several symptoms : colds, gastroenteritis, swollen anal glands, etc. In these situations, it is normal for the animal to not have much appetite, but it is precisely on these occasions that he should eat well . However, he must eat foods that provide the nutrients he needs according to the illness he has contracted.
Why should my sick dog feed?
This is exactly what we ask ourselves when we are sick. We have no desire for anything, let alone eat. But it is precisely because of the weakness we feel that we most need nutrients. The same goes for your pet.
When your pet gets sick, the whole body accelerates to fight the disease, virus or bacteria that caused it. . Therefore, to balance the energy spent, your dog must eat something that provides the nutrients that this acceleration of the body uses.
Keep in mind that depending on what illness your dog has, it may be necessary for him not to feed, although these are rare. The animal almost always needs food when it is sick . Therefore, it is very important to know what your sick dog can and cannot eat.
What do I feed my sick dog?
The first thing you should do is ask your veterinarian if, thanks to the illness your dog is suffering from, there are any dietary restrictions . This often happens with milk, for example. That said, we can consider the following recommendations, according to the diseases:
- Digestive diseases: In these cases, the animal needs digestible and easy-to-eat protein , without any fat and, if possible, with the addition of fiber to stimulate the intestinal flora. Proteins can be chicken, turkey or fish, steamed or water to facilitate digestion. Fiber can be obtained with a portion of green beans, for example. All ingredients must be cut into pieces and mixed together.
- Diarrhea and vomiting: Diarrhea and vomiting cause dehydration in your pet, which will need to replace fluid . Water alone will not give your dog strength. You can make a chicken broth with vegetables that he drinks like water, but it will have all the nutrients and vitamins that will help him recover.
- Cancer: If your dog has cancer, he will need a diet high in protein and fat. , which gives you a lot of energy, due to the damage that the disease and chemotherapy (if you are already being treated) can cause to your body.
- Kidney diseases: If your pet’s kidneys don’t work properly, your diet should be based mostly on vitamins. , with a little protein to give the animal strength. But these will be secondary to the diet. No fats.
How to make my sick dog eat
Even though we have prepared a diet for our sick dog knowing that it is exactly what he needs, it does not mean that it will be exactly what the dog wants to eat. That is why, don’t be surprised if your dog ignores the dish you offer , with the delicious recipes you so lovingly prepared.
Now, what to do for your pet to feed? One idea is to bring the food close to the dog for about fifteen minutes and then take it away, even if he hasn’t eaten. Repeat every two hours. The dog will understand that he must eat at that moment, he cannot do it again.
If your dog doesn’t want to eat after all, you’ll need to feed him . You can mash the food and try to give it with a spoon or, in more extreme cases, with a syringe. They shouldn’t be too large amounts, as they can make the dog vomit. Do it in small portions, repeating the operation every two hours.
If your veterinarian has prescribed any medication for your dog to recover from the illness, you can mix it with the food. Your pet will not notice and you will kill two birds with one stone.
If you make the effort to prepare the necessary food, after consulting a veterinarian, we are confident that your sick dog’s recovery will speed up quickly. As we always say, with love, perseverance, patience and persistence, you will take splendid care of your dog and make him a healthy and happy animal. .
