Why might my dog’s appetite have increased?
Like us humans, dogs can experience changes in appetite due to a range of illnesses and situations. Speaking to your vet is likely to be the best way to understand why your dog is eating more, especially if they have other new symptoms too. Here are some possible causes for your canine’s cravings.
Boredom
Do you tend to graze more when you’re stuck at home without anything to do? Dogs can do the same, putting their energy into eating when they lack mental or physical stimulation elsewhere.
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Playing with your dog more, planning longer walks and teaching them obedience games could help distract them from overeating.
Genetics
All dogs can experience changes in appetite or weight fluctuations. However, research by the Royal Veterinary College has found that some breeds are more prone to being overweight than others, including:
- Pugs
- Beagles
- Golden Retrievers
- English Springer Spaniels
- Border Terriers
Keep in mind this doesn’t mean that all dogs in these breeds are more susceptible, however.
Exercise
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Your dog’s activity levels impact their appetite and required calories too. Your pup will need more food when they’re exercising a lot and vice versa.
Knowing how much exercise your dog should get is another question, with the answer based on their breed, age, weight and temperament. If you’ve recently started being more active together – going on long hikes or runs, for example – it’s logical for your dog’s appetite to increase
Feeding Habits
How and what you feed your dog can also strongly influence their hunger and behaviours.
We’ve already talked about finding the right amount of food for your dog, but your choice of food matters too. High-quality food that’s rich in protein and fibre should fill your dog up for longer while helping to keep their weight down.
If their hunger persists and is accompanied by excessive begging, this can be a sign to contact your vet. That’s unless there’s a clear reason for it, such as having a new pet in your home who’s competing for their food!
Health Problems
Unfortunately, your dog suddenly eating a lot more than usual could be due to an underlying health problem. A range of conditions can cause changes in appetite, including:
- Diabetes
- Some cancers
- Parasites
- Gastrointestinal issues
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This list isn’t exhaustive, so it’s always worth seeing a vet to get to the root of the problem.
Could it be Cushing’s?
Cushing’s syndrome is another common trigger of increased appetite in dogs. In a recent survey, 16% of dog owners told us they’d put excessive begging down to old age – but it could be a key trigger to contact your vet about Cushing’s.
This condition is caused by the overproduction of cortisol and often comes with other symptoms such as:
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- Potbelly
- Lethargy
- Muscle wastage
- Excessive panting
- Hair loss or skin issues
Thankfully, Cushing’s can be successfully treated when it’s diagnosed correctly. James Walker, Technical Services Manager at Dechra advises:
“Cushing’s syndrome occurs mostly in middle-aged and senior dogs, but its symptoms shouldn’t be dismissed as part and parcel of getting older. Catching and treating Cushing’s can significantly improve their quality of life.”
Find out more about the diagnosis and treatment of Cushing’s.
Source: https://t-tees.com
Category: WHY
