Puppies often refuse food. For example a six month old puppy may suddenly refuse milky meals, if being fed four small meals a day will not eat breakfast preferring three meals, with a longer period between them. If offered a new food, initially a puppy may refuse or may not eat at all if over tired.

In adult dogs, food will often be refused if given after exercise or when the dog is very tired. Male dogs may not eat if a female close by is in season. Stress, due to environmental changes, such as a stranger in the house or the dog being put into a boarding kennel, is very often the cause of loss of appetite. Dogs are known to stave themselves in some instances.

Females, in whelp, will usually loose their appetite 24 -36 hours before the arrival of the puppies.

Dogs will over indulge, given the chance! However, a dog that is frantically hungry may well be suffering from a disease or condition that requires to be diagnosed by a veterinary surgeon.

Remember that as owner, you are responsible for the amount of food fed to your dog, follow the guidance given on prepared foods. If necessary use a "light" diet, and reduce the number of snacks/tip bits given.1

Very often where there are other dogs in the house, where there is much activity, a dog can become underweight - especially in larger breeds.

Worm infestation and a number of other conditions can also be responsible, and veterinary advice should be sort.

This is part of the defence mechanism of the canine, clearing the stomach of excess food, water or any unsuitable matter before it passes into the digestive system. Dogs do vomit, occasional incidents can be expected and are unimportant. But prolonged or persistent vomiting, especially containing blood, requires immediate veterinary attention.

There are three types of vomiting:

True vomiting - which involves the movement of the muscles of the abdomen, chest or diaphragm in order to reject the contents of the stomach. The danger here is dehydration, and small amounts of water should be offered every thirty minutes. A heaped teaspoon of glucose can be added to a pint of boiled water, in the case of persistent vomiting where the dog is not eating.

Regurgitation - it is normal for bitches to regurgitate partially digested food for puppies to eat as they reach weaning age. Or this can occur when a dog eats too quickly or when not really hungry. The food is brought up in sausage shaped boluses.

Persistent regurgitation in an older puppy or an adult should be brought to the attention of a veterinary surgeon, as it could signal an obstruction or malformation in the oesophagus.

Retching - an involuntary spasm, possibly accompanied by a cough. Difficulty in swallowing food, which is brought back up very quickly covered in saliva. This could be due to an obstruction or a sore throat. If this occurs frequently seek veterinary advice as soon as possible.

Vomiting is associated with many serious diseases and conditions, in particular Canine Parvovirus, Haemorrhagic, Gastroenteritis, Kidney Disease and Pyometra in bitches. In these diseases there will be other symptoms such as loss of appetite, depression and diarrhoea. Veterinary help must be sort immediately.

Always consult a veterinary surgeon if you are unsure

about any aspects of your pets health.

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