Quick Answers
There are a few common reasons why dogs may not eat unless their owner is home:
- Separation anxiety – Dogs with separation anxiety may not eat when their owner is away because they are too stressed.
- A change in routine – Dogs are creatures of habit and a change in their normal routine can cause them stress.
- A lack of appetite stimulants – Some dogs need encouragement from their owners to start eating.
- Picky eating – Some dogs are picky eaters and hold out for people food or special treats.
- A health issue – In some cases, a dog not eating could signal an underlying health problem.
Some solutions to try are: sticking to regular feeding schedules, using puzzle feeders or food-dispensing toys, considering a vet visit to rule out health issues, and avoiding people food. Patience and keeping a consistent routine are key to getting picky dogs to eat.
Understanding Why Dogs Depend on Their Owners for Meals
For most dog owners, mealtimes are fairly straightforward – you pour the kibble in the bowl and your dog digs in. However, some owners are perplexed when their pooch refuses to eat unless they are present. This behavior definitely goes against nature, as dogs are built to scavenge for food. So what gives? Here are some of the main theories behind dogs who won’t eat alone:
Dogs are Pack Animals
Wolves, the ancestors of our domestic dogs, live in social groups called packs. The pack hunts together and shares food amongst the members. Even though our dogs no longer need to hunt for survival, they still carry this innate pack mentality. Eating together strengthens social bonds and reinforces the pack hierarchy. Your dog sees you as the “pack leader”, so they wait for your go-ahead before diving into their bowl.
Dogs Crave Routine
Canines love habits and routines. From nap times to walk schedules, dogs learn patterns and come to expect certain events at certain times. Feedings are often the centerpiece of a dog’s daily routine. If you always feed them right before leaving for work, they will come to associate your presence with mealtime. Straying from their expected routine can stress some dogs out.
Attention-Seeking Behavior
Some dogs have learned that not eating is an effective way to get your attention. If you respond by hand-feeding them or adding special treats to their bowl, it rewards this behavior and encourages them to continue. Attention-seeking dogs may act finicky, but will show interest once you engage with them at mealtime.
Separation Anxiety
Dogs with separation anxiety feel extremely stressed when left alone. Their anxiety can leave them too upset to eat breakfast before you head out the door. Separation anxiety sufferers may go hours without eating, despite having free access to food. Some lose interest in food altogether, since their primary focus is on your return.
Change in Environment or Routine
Some dogs struggle to eat in unfamiliar environments. Things like a new home, doggy daycare, or even a changed feeding location can cause stress that puts them off their food. Travel and schedule disruptions also impact routines, making dogs less likely to eat on their new schedule. Time and consistency can help them get back on track.
Common Health Reasons Why a Dog May Refuse Food
While behavior is often behind picky eating, health problems can also be at the root of appetite issues. Here are some common medical causes for dogs not eating unless their owner is present:
Dental Disease
Dogs with severe periodontal disease may avoid eating due to mouth pain. Bad breath and visible plaque buildup are clear warning signs. Only a vet exam can determine if dental disease is the culprit. Treatment typically involves a thorough cleaning and tooth extractions.
Gastrointestinal Issues
Problems like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), intestinal parasites, or food sensitivities can make eating very unpleasant. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are common symptoms. These conditions require diagnosis and treatment from a vet.
Organ Dysfunction
When the organs aren’t working properly, they negatively impact digestion and appetite. For example, kidney disease leads to oral ulcers and nausea. Liver or pancreatic disease can also suppress appetite. Bloodwork helps determine if any organs are dysfunctional.
Cancer
Cancerous growths take a lot of energy for a dog’s body to fight off. This diverts energy away from other functions like eating. Some cancers also cause obstructions that physically interfere with eating and digesting food.
Medication Side Effects
Certain medications have appetite suppression or nausea as common side effects. If your dog started a new medication right before appetite changes arose, discuss the possible link with your vet. There may be an alternative drug option without these side effects.
The Impact of Age on Appetite
Advancing age dulls the senses, affects metabolism, and causes organ changes. All of these influence appetite. Here is how age can impact dog eating habits:
Impaired Smell and Taste
Scent and taste drive a dog’s interest in food. Older dogs have fewer scent receptors and less sensitivity in their taste buds. Food becomes less enticing without strong smells and flavors to pique their interest.
Gastrointestinal Changes
The stomachs of older dogs produce less acid, which is needed to properly digest food. Intestinal motility also slows down, resulting in food moving more gradually through the digestive tract. Together these changes make eating feel unappealing.
Metabolic Changes
Aging dogs require fewer calories to support their now slowed metabolisms. The intestinal tract absorbs nutrients less efficiently as well. These metabolic shifts mean older dogs feel less hungry in general.
Dental Problems
Many seniors suffer from dental disease, oral cancers, and missing teeth. Eating becomes painful, causing many old dogs to avoid food altogether. Regular dental care helps prevent this.
Loss of Routine
Routines become engrained over a lifetime. Senior dogs may still wait for past meal cues (like their owner coming home) even when current circumstances are different. Sticking to consistent feeding schedules is important.
How to Stimulate Your Dog’s Appetite
If your dog needs some encouragement at mealtimes, here are some useful appetite stimulants to try:
Warm Food Slightly
Warming canned food just a bit can make the aroma more appealing. Don’t go over 100 degrees F though.
| Food Type | Warming Method |
|---|---|
| Canned Food | 15 seconds in the microwave or warm water bath |
| Kibble | A quick splash of low-sodium broth |
Try New Flavors
Rotate between a few different protein-based flavors, like chicken, beef, salmon, etc. The variety makes mealtime more exciting.
Use Appetite-Stimulating Supplements
Powdered products containing amino acids, vitamins, fatty acids, and plant extracts can whet your dog’s appetite naturally. Ask your vet for dosage instructions.
Exercise Before Meals
A short walk elevates your dog’s hunger hormones right before eating. The physical activity gets digestion revved up.
Hand Feed for Picky Eaters
Dogs who hold out for people food may need to be hand fed regular kibble as a training method. Make sure to stop once their bowl is empty though.
Add Mix-ins for Extra Flavor
Natural, low-sodium broths, small amounts of canned food, yogurt, or cottage cheese can make boring bowls more tasty.
When to See the Veterinarian
While you can troubleshoot simple appetite issues at home, it’s important to involve the vet if your efforts aren’t working. Please consult a veterinarian if your dog shows any of these symptoms:
- Sudden loss of appetite
- Rapid weight loss
- Lethargy, weakness, or exercise intolerance
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Increased thirst or urination
- Difficulty eating or swallowing
- Blood in vomit or stool
- Significant diet change with no result
These signs can indicate serious medical conditions that require prompt veterinary attention. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet if your dog’s eating habits seem abnormal in any way.
Using Behavior Modification for Picky Eaters
If your vet gives your dog a clean bill of health, chances are behavior is behind their finicky eating habits. Here are some training and behavior modification techniques to tackle the problem:
Stick to Scheduled Mealtimes
Feed your dog at the exact same times every day. Set down their bowl for 15-20 minutes, then pick it back up if they haven’t eaten. No treats or snacks outside of mealtimes.
Ignore Attention-Seeking Behavior
If your dog skips meals to try and get you to hand-feed them, don’t give in. Wait them out and let them get hungry enough to eat from their bowl.
Crate Train Your Dog
Dogs are more likely to eat if confined away from distractions. Crate training creates a quiet space where they can focus on eating.
Invest in Food Puzzles
These toys add mental stimulation by requiring dogs to move pieces around to get to the kibble. It sparks their natural scavenging instincts.
Try an Automated Feeder
For dogs with separation anxiety, an automated device allows you to remotely dispense meals while you’re gone. This can help ease their stress.
Practice Relaxation Techniques
Training anxious dogs to settle on cue helps lower stress around mealtimes. Mats, treats, and praise all reinforce relaxation.
How to Transition Your Dog Back to Normal Eating
Once you identify the root cause of your dog’s picky eating, you can start transitioning them back to a normal routine. Here are some tips for getting your pooch reacclimated to solo meals:
Slowly Increase Time Away
For dogs with separation anxiety, gradually build up alone time in 5-15 minute increments, providing food during the sessions.
Reinforce Calm Behavior Before Exiting
Ask for a sit, down, or extended eye contact before leaving for work each day. Reward with praise and a treat.
Stick to the Same Feeding Schedule
Regardless of whether you’re home or away, offer meals at the exact same hours of the day to establish consistency.
Use Enrichment Toys at Mealtime
Puzzle feeders and stuffed kongs provide mental stimulation that can distract from stress. The play motivates eating.
Leave the TV or Radio On
The sound of human voices can provide comfort to anxious dogs while home alone at mealtimes.
Clear Health Issues with the Vet
Make sure any underlying medical conditions causing appetite loss are fully resolved before behavior training.
When to Consider Your Veterinarian Again
Despite your best efforts at home, some dogs require long-term management for inappetence. Seek veterinary advice if any of the following occur:
- Weight loss despite attempts to increase food
- No improvement in appetite after 2-4 weeks
- Refusal to eat certain textures (crunchy kibble, canned food, etc)
- New onset vomiting or diarrhea
- Excessive water intake
- Lethargy, weakness, or exercise intolerance
- Significant, sudden anxiety when alone at mealtimes
Your vet has additional tools to help determine next steps, including:
- Advanced diagnostics tests for underlying illness
- Appetite stimulant medications
- Anti-nausea or GI health medications
- Prescription anxiety medications
- Referral to a veterinary behaviorist
Getting professional guidance provides the best chance of identifying and resolving the root cause.
Preventing Mealtime Anxiety
While some dogs naturally lean more anxious, there are some steps owners can take to prevent separation issues at mealtime. Here are some tips:
Crate Train Your Dog
Dogs are den animals by nature. A crate is a peaceful, secure space that facilitates eating. Make sure to properly crate train using positive methods.
Establish a Routine
Regular mealtimes, walk schedules, playtime, and affection help avoid unpredictability that causes anxiety. Dogs thrive when they know what to expect.
Provide Exercise
A tired dog is a calm dog. Make sure to meet your dog’s exercise needs every day. Physical activity and mental stimulation are both important.
Use Calming Aids
Products like calming sprays, anxiety vests, and pheromone diffusers help take the edge off for stressful situations like mealtimes.
Practice Obedience
Work on training cues like wait, stay, leave it, down, and go to your mat. A well-trained dog feels more confident when alone.
Give Interactive Toys
Keeping your dog’s mind engaged with puzzles and chews helps prevent boredom and stress when you leave. Rotate through a variety of enrichments.
Conclusion
If your dog refuses his meals while you’re away at work or running errands, there are several things you can try to encourage their appetite. Sticking to a consistent feeding routine, using interactive puzzle toys, and trying appetite stimulants are some good first steps. For dogs with separation anxiety, consider a pet camera to observe their behavior and then consult a trainer or veterinary behaviorist. Your vet can also identify and treat any underlying medical issues leading to inappetence. While it takes some patience and detective work, most dogs can overcome dependent eating habits using a combination of behavior modification, environmental changes, and medical care. Remember to seek professional advice promptly if your dog experiences ongoing appetite loss or weight loss. With some diligent training and care, you’ll get your pup happily eating on their own in no time.