Puppy Not Eating Much and Sleeping a Lot – Here’s Why

Puppy Not Eating Much and Sleeping a Lot

If you want to know more about puppies not eating much and sleeping a lot, continue reading this article.

Reasons Why Your Puppy is Lethargic and Isn’t Eating

Your puppy’s lethargy could be caused by a variety of reasons. Your puppy may be too skinny or too fat, or it may be suffering from a condition such as high temperatures. Your vet can recommend an appropriate diet based on his or her symptoms and help you determine the cause of the problem. Here are some reasons why your puppy is not eating much and sleeping a lot. 

• Finicky Eater

Sometimes puppies stop eating food because they are picky eaters. If your puppy hasn’t been eating much, the first thing to do is call your veterinarian. There may be a health problem, but your dog probably doesn’t want to eat the food you are giving them.

A dog rarely goes without food for several days, and it’s best to rule out any underlying medical conditions first. However, if the condition persists, you should take the dog to the veterinarian, who may prescribe medications to help induce your puppy to eat.

• Stress and Anxiety

Your puppy may be acting drowsy and lethargic for many reasons. Anxiety and stress are common causes of drowsiness in puppies. These emotions may suppress your puppy’s desire to eat. A change in routine or environment may also result in a lack of appetite.

Your puppy may not feel like eating if the food bowl is too high or too low. A new baby or a recent house move can also cause stress. If your puppy is letting you know that he is depressed or isn’t eating, contact your veterinarian right away. Another cause of depression in dogs is boredom. Dogs that are locked in crates or cages tend to lay around more. Even if it’s a temporary problem, it can still have a significant impact. 

• High Temperatures

Dogs should be kept inside during the peak summer temperatures. It is best to keep them indoors if possible, but it’s also important to keep them well-hydrated. High temperatures can lead to hyperthermia, a condition where pets’ bodies are unable to regulate body temperature. Although mild heat exhaustion can be treated at home, severe heatstroke can cause your puppy to lose consciousness, have a high fever, or even suffer organ failure.

A puppy’s appetite can also be suppressed by high outdoor temperatures. Even the most nutritious food can prove to be an unattractive choice when it’s hot outside. High temperatures can cause your puppy to not eat much, so keep the temperature cool. 

• Digestive Upset or Obstruction

If you notice that your puppy isn’t eating much and has no appetite, it may be a sign of a more serious illness. Your puppy can suffer from digestive upset and obstruction. While your puppy may be lethargic and not ingesting much, you can try giving it subcutaneous fluids at a veterinary clinic. You can also give him bland food and soft white rice.

He may also require a special diet. If you notice diarrhea in your puppy that lasts for more than 3 weeks and is accompanied by vomiting and loss of appetite, he may have an underlying illness. Inflammatory bowel disease, also known as chronic enteropathy, is inflammation of the digestive tract that interferes with digestion and absorption of nutrients. 

• Digestive Infections

If your puppy is not eating much or is lethargic, it may be due to an intestinal problem, such as an infection. When dogs have diarrhea, they often don’t eat for six to 12 hours after the occurrence. A veterinarian will monitor bowel movements and behavior closely to determine the exact cause.

Fortunately, if the cause can be found early, your puppy can regain his appetite quickly. Some common causes of diarrhea include bacterial and viral infections. In addition to digestive issues, other symptoms of an illness include vomiting and diarrhea. If vomiting occurs frequently, you should take your puppy to the veterinarian to rule out a more serious infection. 

• Organ Disease or Dysfunction

If your puppy is lethargic and doesn’t seem to be interested in food or playing with his or her toys, it might be time to take him to the veterinarian. This condition is a sign of a more serious underlying medical problem and should be treated as soon as possible. While the main cause of lethargy in dogs isn’t immediately obvious, it could be a sign of organ dysfunction or disease.

Some causes of lethargy are mild and don’t require a trip to the vet. Mild lethargy is caused by overexertion or hot weather. While a puppy may not rouse immediately after waking, it will typically act normally once he or she is awake. If you notice other changes in your puppy over the last few days, this may be a cause. Otherwise, consult your regular veterinarian.

• Respiratory Infection

If your puppy’s lethargy and lack of appetite persist for more than 24 hours, you should seek medical attention. If your puppy is labored during breathing, he could have a respiratory infection. Panting is different from labored breathing. It involves rapid movements of the muscles in the belly.

In addition, he may be experiencing pain. Another possible cause of your puppy’s lethargy and lack of appetite is an underlying disease or condition. These diseases usually affect older dogs. Treatment involves medication, diet changes, or surgery. 

• Teething or Pain

When your puppy is teething, you might notice some discomfort or bleeding in the mouth. It might also drool a lot more than usual. If your puppy is teething, the gums around its mouth will become red and swollen. Your puppy might also stop eating food and sleep a lot due to discomfort and pain.

How to Keep Your Puppy Healthy

Whether you’re a new puppy owner or an experienced dog owner, there are several things that you should consider when it comes to properly take care of your pup. Dogs are social creatures and thrive when they’re socialized. Introduce them to new people and environments so that they can make friends of their own.

Dogs also need a balanced diet. Unlike humans, dogs respond very well to a predictable food routine. Regardless of breed, always follow the instructions and only feed your puppy appropriate food.

Feed your puppy a nutritious diet with plenty of freshwaters. Regular veterinarian visits are also vital to prevent any diseases and illnesses associated with obesity. As a rule, high-quality food will meet your puppy’s nutritional needs, but you may need to supplement their diet to meet their needs. Limit treats to 10% of the total amount they eat. Your puppy’s diet should be balanced with a range of foods, including kibble and a variety of healthy snacks.

You should take your puppy to the veterinarian for a checkup when they’re six weeks old. A vet will check your puppy’s heart rate and pulse and will put them on a preventative de-worming schedule. Your puppy will also get important vaccines and boosters. Be sure to use a de-flea collar on your puppy. It’s easy to miss these essential steps, but they can make your puppy feel ill.

In addition to proper diet and exercise, make sure your puppy wears identification tags so people can tell which breed they belong to. Dogs should have access to water, especially if they’re going to exercise outside.

Water helps cool down their body temperature. Brushing their teeth is also essential to prevent gum disease. Gum disease can lead to bad breath, loss of appetite, and problems chewing and swallowing food. If not treated properly, it can even be fatal.

A good way to prevent many puppy health problems is to regularly check your puppy’s eyes. Checking their eyes for red, sore, or runny eyes is very important. If you find one of these, you should take them to the veterinarian. If not, contact the breeder or charity and get them checked out. It’s better to avoid the problems early on, while they’re still young and healthy.

When you find them with these issues, you can take steps to keep them healthy and happy.

Dental hygiene is a key aspect of your dog’s health. While it may seem trivial, gum disease can lead to life-altering health issues. Not only can a dog develop bad breath, but the bacteria in the diseased gums can enter the bloodstream and cause many other serious health issues. And if you don’t do anything to prevent gum disease in your puppy, they’re likely to suffer the consequences.