It can be really concerning when your German Shepherd refuses to eat. If your German Shepherd isn’t eating, it’s definitely stressful. To help you understand what might be going on, here are some reasons why your German Shepherd might be refusing to eat.
Health Issues
One of the main reasons your German Shepherd might not be eating is because they’re not feeling well. Just like us, if they’re sick, they lose their appetite. It could be something simple like a stomach ache, or it could be something more serious like an infection or kidney issues. If your dog isn’t eating for more than a day or two, it’s best to take them to the vet to rule out any health problems.
Dental Problems
Dental problems are another common reason dogs might refuse to eat. If your German Shepherd has a sore tooth, gum disease, or something stuck in their mouth, it can make eating painful. You might notice them pawing at their mouth or drooling more than usual. A quick trip to the vet can help figure out if dental issues are the cause. Pain from tooth decay, gum disease, or dental abscesses can make chewing painful, leading to a reduced appetite. Regular dental check-ups are crucial to prevent and address these issues. Dogs with dental disease might drop their food, throw it around their mouth, or struggle with dried kibble.
Stress and Anxiety
German Shepherds are very sensitive dogs and can get stressed or anxious easily. Changes in their environment, like moving to a new home, a new family member, or even a new pet, can make them anxious and cause them to lose their appetite. Try to keep their environment as calm and consistent as possible and give them plenty of attention and reassurance. Stress can significantly impact a German Shepherd’s appetite. Factors such as moving to a new home, adding a new family member or pet, or even changes in the household routine can cause temporary loss of appetite. German Shepherds are susceptible to changes in their environment.
Boredom with Food
Sometimes, dogs just get bored with their food. If you’ve been feeding your German Shepherd the same kibble for a long time, they might just be tired of it. Try mixing it up with some wet food, fresh veggies, or a bit of cooked chicken to make their meals more interesting. German Shepherds can have specific dietary preferences and dislikes. A sudden change in their diet or a particular ingredient they don’t favor can result in them refusing food.
Overfeeding Treats
It’s easy to spoil our dogs with treats, but too many treats can fill them up and leave them uninterested in their regular meals. Make sure you’re not overdoing it with the treats, and try to stick to a regular feeding schedule.
Changes in Routine
Dogs thrive on routine, and any changes to their daily schedule can throw them off. If you’ve recently changed your work hours, moved their feeding times, or even changed their walking schedule, it might affect their eating habits. Try to keep their routine as consistent as possible. Something might have changed in your routine which means your dog’s routine has changed too. Your dog will pick up on this change and might not be hungry at the new feeding time or might be feeling stressed.
Food Quality
Always ensure that the food you provide is of good quality. Check the expiration date and ensure that the food is stored properly to avoid it going bad.
Sensitive Tummies
German Shepherds commonly suffer from sensitive tummies. If their food is causing some vomiting or diarrhea regularly due to allergies, your dog might not be keen to eat it if they know it makes them feel poorly.
Lack of Exercise
If your dog isn’t getting enough exercise their appetite will be lower. German Shepherds need around 2 hours a day for adults. Less than this and they might only want a small portion of food to avoid overeating and weight gain.
What to do
If your German Shepherd is not eating and shows other symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhea, it’s time to consult a vet.
Introducing new foods gradually and observing your dog’s reaction is essential.