Dogs sometimes will demonstrate unusual behavior for many different reasons. One common behavior could be a lack of appetite. If you’ve owned your Labrador retriever dog for any amount of time, you already know how much they like food. So it’s easy to get concerned when yours doesn’t have any interest in eating. There are a few things you can check to try to determine why they aren’t eating. Most of the time they will get their appetite back, but sometimes a trip to the veterinarian may be required. Here are some things to look out for.
Check The Dog Food
If you change the Labrador food you give your dog, they may resist eating it since it’s new. This could be because it’s a new brand or even a new flavor. But if they continue to avoid their food, then it’s possible it could be contaminated with something. Try another type of Labrador food, and if they eat it with no problems, then throw the other food out.
Their Food Bowl May Be Contaminated
Humans don’t like to eat on dirty plates, and your Labrador retriever dog doesn’t want to eat out of a dirty bowl either. The odors from food residue or other debris may make them avoid their bowl. Consider washing their bowl out periodically and using a stainless steel bowl, which is more resistant to holding in odors.
Possible Digestive Problems
In some instances, your Labrador retriever dog may have digestive problems. If you notice they are vomiting or haven’t released any waste in a while, you may consider a phone call to your veterinarian for an examination. Digestive issues can cause some major problems, so watch your dog closely.
Pregnancy
If your dog isn’t fixed, then she could be pregnant or in heat. It’s common for pregnant dogs to go through phases where they aren’t hungry for a couple of days in a row, but their appetite will usually come back. Take a close look at your dog’s behavior, and if there’s a pattern to their lack of eating, then it might be time to visit the veterinarian.
Changes to Routine
Whether you’re changing your Labrador retriever diet, their sleeping arrangement, moving homes or any other change to their routine, it could be contributing to their lack of eating. Dogs are creatures of habit, so they can get anxious if their routine is disrupted. As long as your dog doesn’t appear to be in any pain or distress, then they will get back to their normal routine in most cases.
It’s important to always monitor your Labrador retriever dog, since they rely solely on you to protect them. You know your dog more than anyone, so it’s always better to be safe than sorry when you notice anything unusual about their behavior. Feel free to visit our blog for more helpful tips and advice with any aspect of your Labrador retriever.
