Why Won’t My Pug Eat [See 10 Reasons & Tips]
Looking for ways to get your pug to eat? We know how worrying it can be when your furry friend won’t finish their food. Pugs are known for their love of food, but sometimes they can be fussy eaters.
If you’re wondering, “Why won’t my pug eat?”, keep reading to learn some helpful tips and tricks that might just get your pug’s appetite back on track.
So, keep reading to find out more…
Why Won’t My Pug Eat
There could be several reasons why your Pug is not eating, including illness, anxiety, dental problems, picky eating habits, gastrointestinal issues, or simply not finding the food appealing.
It is important to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.
In the meantime, you can try offering different types of food, serving smaller portions, and adding enticing toppings to make mealtime more appealing for your Pug.
Reasons a Pug May Not Be Eating
Your pug may not be eating for a variety of reasons, including these:
1. Dental issues
Pugs are notorious for dental issues due to their brachycephalic facial structure, which can lead to crowding of teeth and dental diseases. Painful teeth and gums can make eating uncomfortable for your pug, causing them to avoid their food.
Regular dental care and check-ups with your veterinarian are crucial to catch any dental problems early on. Additionally, consider opting for softer, moistened food to make mealtime easier on their mouths.
2. Your pug might be sick
A loss of appetite in pugs could be an early sign of an underlying health problem. Gastrointestinal issues, infections, allergies, or even systemic illnesses may be the culprit.
Keep an eye out for other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or changes in behavior. If you notice anything concerning, it’s crucial to take your pug to the veterinarian for a thorough examination and appropriate treatment.
Read more: Common Pug Sick Symptoms.
3. You may have changed their food recently
Pugs can be creatures of habit, and introducing a new type of food abruptly can make them reluctant to eat. If you need to switch their diet, do it gradually over 7 to 10 days.
Start by mixing a small portion of the new food with their current food and gradually increase the proportion of the new food each day. This will give their digestive system time to adjust to the change, minimizing the chances of an upset stomach.
4. Changes in routine
Moving to a new home or even rearranging furniture can be a major stressor for your pug. Dogs are creatures of habit, and sudden changes can leave them feeling anxious and unsettled.
To help them adjust, create a safe and familiar space for them with their bed, toys, and water bowl in a quiet area of the new home.
Be patient and give them plenty of love and attention during this transition period. Stick to their usual routine as much as possible, including feeding times, to provide them with a sense of stability.
5. Emotional Distress
Pugs are affectionate and can form deep emotional bonds with their human family members. Any significant changes in the household, such as the introduction of a new pet or family member, can cause emotional distress for your pug.
In such situations, it’s essential to spend extra time with them, offering comfort and reassurance. Engage in activities your pug enjoys, such as playing fetch or cuddling on the couch, to strengthen your bond and ease their anxiety.
6. Food Allergies or Sensitivities
Just like any other dog breed, pugs can develop food allergies or sensitivities. Common allergens include beef, chicken, wheat, and dairy products.
If you notice symptoms like itching, redness, or gastrointestinal distress after eating, it’s essential to consult your veterinarian. They can recommend hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diets tailored to your pug’s specific needs.
Learn more about pug allergies and skin allergies.
7. Presence of Intestinal Worms
Intestinal worms are a common problem in dogs, especially puppies, and can cause a wide range of symptoms, including loss of appetite. Pugs, in particular, are prone to developing stomach issues due to worms like roundworms.
These worms can cause stomach swelling, diarrhea, vomiting, and an overall loss of appetite. If left untreated, the worms can multiply and lead to serious complications.
If you suspect your pug has intestinal worms, you should pay a visit to the vet for diagnosis and treatment. The vet will likely recommend a fecal exam to determine the type of worms present and how severe the infestation is. Depending on the severity, the vet may prescribe medication that will get rid of the worms and alleviate any gastrointestinal symptoms.
8. Spoiled with Treats
Pugs have an endearing charm that can make it hard to resist spoiling them with treats. However, excessive treats or table scraps can lead to them holding out for tastier morsels instead of their regular meals.
Human food can also be unhealthy or inappropriate for dogs and may lead to digestive issues. To ensure your pug maintains a balanced diet and doesn’t become a picky eater, reserve treats for training sessions or as occasional rewards for good behavior. Stick to high-quality dog food that meets their nutritional needs and consult your vet for appropriate treats options.
Learn more about dog stomach gurgling and not eating.
9. Boredom with Food
Just like humans, dogs can grow tired of eating the same food every day. Introducing variety into their diet can make mealtime more enjoyable for your pug. However, it’s essential to do this gradually to avoid upsetting their sensitive stomachs.
If you want to switch their food, mix small amounts of the new food with their current food over several days, gradually increasing the proportion of the new food. This method helps your pug adjust to the change without causing gastrointestinal upset.
10. Stress or Anxiety
Pugs are sensitive creatures, and changes in their environment or routine can cause them to feel stressed or anxious. Moving to a new home, the addition of a new family member, or even changes in their daily schedule can trigger these emotions.
When a pug is stressed, they might lose their appetite as eating becomes a lower priority for them. To help them overcome this, create a safe and comforting environment.
Provide a quiet space where they can retreat if they feel overwhelmed. Spend quality time with them, offer gentle reassurance, and use positive reinforcement to build their confidence.
Learn more about how much a pug should eat.
Ways to get a Pug to start eating
Getting a Pug to start eating can be a challenging task, especially if they are picky eaters or have lost their appetite due to illness or stress.
The following are some common ways to help get your pug to start eating:
- Change your Pug’s diet: Try switching up your Pug’s food brand, flavor, or texture. You can also try feeding your Pug small, frequent meals instead of one large meal.
- Make mealtime fun: Turn mealtime into a game by hiding treats or bits of food around the house or in a puzzle toy.
- Add wet food or broth: Adding wet food or broth can make the food more appetizing and appealing to your Pug.
- Feed a bland diet: If your Pug has a sensitive stomach or is recovering from an illness, try feeding them a bland diet of boiled chicken and white rice.
- Create a calm environment: Pugs can be sensitive to their environment, so try to create a calm and relaxing atmosphere during mealtime.
- Hand-feed your Pug: Offer your Pug small pieces of food by hand, as the bonding experience can help encourage them to eat.
- Use food to reward good behavior: Use treats and praise to encourage your Pug to eat their meals.
- Exercise your Pug before mealtime: A short walk or play session before mealtime can help stimulate your Pug’s appetite.
- Talk to your veterinarian: If your Pug still refuses to eat, talk to your veterinarian as there may be an underlying health issue that needs to be addressed.
Learn more about human foods pugs shouldn’t eat.
Related Questions
Why is my Pug refusing to eat?
There can be a number of reasons why your Pug might be refusing to eat, ranging from health issues to changes in their environment. Some potential causes could include dental problems, digestive issues, a change in diet, or stress.
How can I tell if my Pug’s lack of appetite is a health issue?
If your Pug’s lack of appetite persists for more than a day or two, you may want to take them to the vet to get checked out for any underlying health issues. Signs that your Pug may be experiencing health problems could include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and weight loss.
What if my Pug is simply a picky eater?
Some dogs can be very finicky when it comes to their food, and Pugs can be especially notorious for being picky eaters. Try experimenting with different brands and types of food to see if your Pug has a preference, or consider adding some wet food or meat to their dry kibble to make it more appealing.
Should I be worried if my Pug goes a day without eating?
It’s not uncommon for dogs to occasionally skip a meal, so if your Pug goes a day without eating and then starts to eat normally again, there’s likely no cause for concern. However, if your Pug continues to refuse food for more than a day or two, it’s a good idea to consult with your vet.
Can stress cause a Pug to stop eating?
Yes, stress can definitely play a role in your Pug’s appetite. Changes in routine or environment, separation anxiety, or other forms of stress can cause your Pug to lose their appetite. If you suspect that stress may be the cause, try to identify and address the source of the stress to help your Pug feel more comfortable.
What can I do to encourage my Pug to eat?
There are several things you can try to help encourage your Pug to eat, such as using a different food bowl, feeding your Pug at regular intervals (i.e. twice a day), and adding appetizing foods like chicken or broth to their food. You can also try feeding your Pug in a quiet, low-stress environment to make mealtime more pleasant for them.
Learn more about what you can feed a pug.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when your pug refuses to eat, it can be a frustrating experience. But as a responsible pet owner, it’s essential to monitor their eating habits closely and identify any potential health concerns early on.
With the right approach and a bit of patience, you can help your pug regain their appetite and enjoy their meals once again. So, if your furry friend is refusing to eat, take action now and seek professional advice from your veterinarian. Remember, a healthy and happy pug is always worth the effort!
