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Complete refusal to eat may be a sign of a serious problem that can require a veterinarian's attention. But don't rule out that your dog may just be finicky.
Distinguishing Between Finicky Eating and Refusal to Eat
Refusal to eat is when a dog completely stops eating the food put before him or eats small amounts only reluctantly.
Finicky eating is often a result of the food options made available to a dog. The dog still wants to eat, but he only wants to eat certain things. This can occur when a dog's diet is changed unexpectedly, or when a dog gets used to certain foods. One example might be a dog that regularly eats scraps from the table; this dog might eventually refuse dog food because he wants people food.
Finicky eating is a learned behavior, and there are certain things you can try to address it. Learn more about Finicky Eating.
If Your Dog Refuses to Eat
If your dog simply won't or can't eat, no matter what you try, you should promptly contact your veterinarian. This is especially true if your dog starts losing weight. The cause of your dog's refusal to eat could be anything from sore teeth to serious internal problems.
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