Lack of Appetite - Page 1

My 1 1/2 year old GSD has started to lose his appetite the past two weeks.  I have always made him sit and wait to eat his food until I give him the release command (which has helped him to not be food agressive).  He always salivates, waiting the few seconds before I tell him 'okay', and then he would dive in the food like it was filet mignon.  Over the past two weeks, when I would say 'okay', he would just look at me and then would walk around, with no interest in the food.  I would tell him 'okay' again and then he would hesitantly eat (he still finished his food)...this morning I told him okay multiple times, and he had no desire to eat...so I let him out to use the bathroom...when he came back in, he ate hesitantly again, but he still finished....I probably shouldn't be worried, but it is so out of the norm for him.

Should also mention...that I have given him a hot spot relief spray from vets best...which was supposed to be all natural, but it has tea tree oil in it...I wonder if he ingested it...and its making him feel bad.

Is he kept outside or is he an inside dog?  Sometimes the heat will kill their appetite.  My girl is an indoor dog and she did the same thing and it turns out she was just bored with the food.  I add cottage cheese or yogurt from time to time and since she loves raw carrots I will chop up a baby carrot and mix it in too.  That seems to keep her interested.  If she doesn't eat it after 15 minutes I take it up and don't worry about it unless she doesn't eat anything for a full 3 days then it's off to the vet.  We wet her food so I don't like to let it lie around.  I also feed her twice a day.  How often do you offer it to him and how much?  Maybe you are overfeeding?  Just a thought.  I feed my girl 1.5 cups in the am 1 cup (Canidaie) in the evening plus 1/2 smooth peanut butter once a day from time to time along with treats during training or when earned.  If she will take a treat then I know she is ok just not hungry.  Is he drinking plenty of water and peeing & pooping ok?  Keep us informed as to how he does.

Sorry to hear about your boy going off his food. Are there any females in heat nearby? My male will go off his food for several days when my female is in season and won't eat his food with the same vigour. His growth spurt will have slowed right down now at the at the age he is. If you are still feeding him the same quantity of food as when he was younger, he probably isn't as hungry. I would try reducing the portions of food. Do you feed him twice a day? How is he in himself, has he got good energy levels or is he a bit lethargic? If his energy levels have changed, I would possibly take him to the vets for a check up just to be on the safe side and for peace of mind.

Just another thought, have you checked his mouth and teeth to make sure he hasn't hurt himself and he isn't eating properly as a result of this? x