Reasons Why Your Dog or Cat May Refuse to Eat

Yes, there can be a reason why your dog or cat may refuse to eat. Yes, the animal could be just a picky eater or there may be a problem.

A picky eater is an animal who never seems to want to eat, without a bit of coaxing. However a normal eater will eat just about anything you give to it, without coaxing.

Why would a normal eater suddenly begin to stop eating? There could be a physical problem with the animal or there could be something wrong with the food itself. How can you tell what may be the problem?

Simply watch the animal. Look at the signs.

• Does the animal suddenly seem to only want to eat soft food? Did this animal used to eat regular dry food and now only wants to eat soft foods, such as canned foods? This could mean that the animal is having an oral problem. Consult your vet.
• Does the animal seem to be hungry and then turn up his nose when you give him his pet food? There is a possibility that the food has spoiled. Smell it yourself. If it smells strange, replace with new food.
• Has something changed? Are you feeding the animal new food? Have you changed the schedule of the animal's feeding schedule? Some animals are set in their ways and do not like change.
• Did you suddenly begin feeding the animal in a new bowl? Yes some animals will notice this change and will refuse to eat if the food is not in a certain bowl.

What should you be feeding your animal? You may be tempted to give him the same foods you eat or at least treats from the table. However, all vets will tell that this is not good for your pet. Human foods can cause digestive problems for your pet.

Dogs should always be feed premium dog food and cats should be feed premium cat food. If you want to give them treats, purchase treats made for them.

If you continue having trouble getting your pet to eat, speak to your vet. It may be time for a physical.