Most people have no idea how stressful it can be to have a dog that won't eat. To quickly get your dog eating again, you must first determine whether the problem of your dog not eating is physical or psychological.

Before diving into this problem, if you have a dog with a medical condition, or a puppy, pregnant dog, or nursing dog, you need to take them to the vet immediately. These dogs have certain nutritional requirements that are better if dealt with professionally.

Is this a sudden problem? First, is he listless, or in any type of pain? If so, take him to your vet immediately. If there are no apparent problems, just wait a day or two. Sometimes your dog gets into things that upset his stomach and he doesn't feel like eating. Make sure he has plenty of fresh water and the chance to got outside as needed. If after two days he still doesn't eat, take him to your vet as he may have an internal parasite problem.

If you have ruled out a physical problem that is keeping your dog from eating, then you've got a psychological problem on your hands. Keep these tips in mind when trying to get your dog to eat.

1. Does your dog get enough attention? Some dogs get lonely and bored if they don't get enough attention. When that happens, they will do anything to get attention from you. So they don't eat their dinner - and you freak out! Hey, the attention they desire. This soon develops into an eating problem for your dog. Start interacting with your pet more - play with him and take him on daily walks.

2. What if your dog is not trying to get attention, but is just plain spoiled? Then you need to step up and start acting like the master. Simply put his food bowl down and after 20 minutes pick it up and throw the food away. Do not give your dog any treats at any time during the day. Make his mealtime the only time he gets to eat. If he still has not eaten after 3 days of this, you may want to take him to the vet and make sure there are no physical problems.

3. What is your behavior during dinnertime? Do you watch your dog? Hover over him to see if he eats? If you are anxious about your dog not eating, you may be making him nervous. Your dog is more in tune with your feelings than you realize. You may be telling him to eat, but your dog can tell if you are afraid. You are afraid he won't eat, but all your dog knows is that you are afraid.

Give your dog his dinner, and leave. If he follows you instead of eating, put him in a room with his food and close the door. Do not return for 20 minutes - just let him be. If it doesn't work the first day, try again for a couple more days. Once he senses, or rather doesn't sense, your problems, he may be able to eat.

4. Did you ever think it might just be his dog food that he just doesn't like - plain and simple. If you are feeding an economy dog food, it is pretty much like junk food and fast food rolled into one for your pet. And he may be tired of it. His body needs more. Or there may be a certain ingredient in your current dog food that your dog is allergic to. Take a look at some super-premium or all-natural dog food alternatives. This may be what he needs to start eating again.

Try using these tips and you may solve your dog eating problems. Don't let your dog's dinnertime be a time of anxiety for you or your dog.

If your dog is not eating because he dislikes his dog food, please visit the Healthy Dog Food Blog to learn more about how to find the healthiest food for your dog to stay in optimal health. This article is for informational purpose only and is NOT intended to replace the advice of a veterinarian or pet care professional.

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Written by K.C. Jones using tags: dog, dog food, dog food allergies, dog food ingredients, dog is not eating, dog not eating, healthy dog food, pet food, Pets