Food aversion in dogs can be alarming, especially if it escalates to weight loss, vomiting, and costly trips to the vet. The lack of eating can be stressful to both the pet and the owner. The causes of food aversion are varied and often unexplained, ranging from cancer, digestive issues, medication or poison. It is important to keep a careful watch on your pet's diet. Recurring or persistent food aversion should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death among canines, and one of the symptoms of cancer is food aversion. According to the University of Pennsylvania's OncoLink Vet, any illness in the dog will have an impact on its metabolism. When a dog has cancer it requires more of some nutrients than others, and often the food isn't quite to the dog's taste, and the dog refuses to eat. The pet experiences rapid weight loss and rapid muscle deterioration.
When a dog has a stomach problem with symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting, they will often avoid eating. Just as in humans, the animal does not want to take in food, only to throw it up again or experience cramping later. Dogs that have these symptoms should be taking in plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Normal eating should return after the illness passes. If the symptoms persist, the dog should be taken to see the veterinarian.
Medications such as those used for arthritis and pain, can cause food aversion in dogs. Carprofen is one such drug, and according to its maker it may cause digestive upset (vomiting and/or diarrhea), liver disease, kidney disease or a bleeding disorder. Prednisone and other corticosteroids used in the treatment of joint pain and arthritis may also cause similar side effects. They also increase the risk of ulcers.
Many human foods are poisonous to dogs and can make them sick. If a dog is continually being given table scraps, it might be ingesting a food that its body does not tolerate. After time, the dog will learn to avoid the food because it causes illness. The ASPCA warns that foods such as onions, garlic, chives, milk, salt, chocolate, coffee, caffeine, avocados and alcohol not be fed to dogs.