Getting a Sick Dog to Eat: Tips and Tricks for Pet Owners

Introduction

When a dog is ill, it can often be difficult to get them to eat. This can be especially tricky if they are having trouble keeping food down due to the illness. Fortunately, there are some strategies that pet owners can use to help their dog maintain their appetite and get the nutrition they need during this time. This article will discuss how to get a sick dog to eat, including offering bland foods, warming up food, hand-feeding, and adding toppings.

Offer Bland Foods

Bland foods like boiled chicken and rice, cottage cheese, and canned pumpkin can be easier for dogs to digest when they’re feeling ill. According to Dr. Ernie Ward, veterinarian and founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, “Adding cooked white rice to the diet may make it easier for the dog to digest and absorb nutrients from other foods.” Additionally, these types of foods can help to settle an upset stomach.

Warm It Up

Warming up food can help to make it more appealing to a sick dog. Not only does it make the food smell better, but it also helps to release the aromas that attract dogs. As Dr. Ward explains, “Warmer food smells stronger, so our pets are more likely to eat it.” When heating up food in the microwave, be sure to follow the directions carefully and stir it well to ensure that it’s not too hot for your pup.

Hand-Feed

Hand-feeding can be beneficial for a sick dog because it allows you to monitor how much they’re eating and ensure that they’re getting enough nutrition. You can start by breaking up the food into smaller pieces and offering them one piece at a time. According to Dr. Ward, “It’s important to give your pet plenty of praise and encouragement as they eat. This will help to reinforce the behavior and encourage them to keep eating.”

Add Toppings

Adding toppings to a sick dog’s food can help to make it more appetizing. These can include things like plain yogurt, grated cheese, or plain mashed potatoes. However, it’s important to note that these toppings should be used in moderation as they can add extra calories that could lead to weight gain. As Dr. Ward says, “A little bit goes a long way when it comes to toppings.”

Use a Variety of Feeding Methods

It can be helpful to try different feeding methods to see which one works best for your pup. You can try using a spoon, syringe, or eyedropper to feed them small amounts of food at a time. Experimenting with different methods can help to identify which ones your pup prefers, making it easier to get them to eat.

Conclusion

Getting a sick dog to eat can be a challenge, but there are a few strategies that can be used to make it easier. By offering bland foods, warming up meals, hand-feeding, and adding toppings, pet owners can help their pup get the nutrition they need during this difficult time. It’s important to remember to be patient and keep trying different methods until you find one that works for your pup.