Q: I have a 16-year-old dog who has stopped eating much at all. Should I worry?
A: A gradual appetite loss can be a normal part of aging. However, if your older dog has not been eating at all for more than one day, it is time to visit your veterinarian. There are many medical causes for a loss of appetite, especially in an older animal. Food may lose a lot of its appeal because senses of smell and taste are not as keen in senior pets.
If the lack of interest has been very gradual, or if the veterinarian has determined there are no life-threatening causes, try these tricks to make food more interesting: Warm the food to increase the smell and taste appeal. Add warm, unsalted chicken broth to soften the food and make it soupy. For variety, add a few chunks of boneless chicken, rice or cooked vegetables.
Introduce these additions gradually and in small amounts so your dog doesn’t end up with an upset stomach, too. Veterinarians also have special canned additives that may tempt your senior pet.
– Karen Walsh, executive director McKamey Animal Care and Adoption Center