When your Pomeranian turns up their nose at their food bowl, it can be a worrying sign. Understanding why this might be happening is crucial in ensuring your furry friend remains happy and healthy. Here, we’ll explore the common causes of why your Pomeranian might not be eating and offer practical advice on how to address this issue.
Common Causes of Loss of Appetite in Pomeranians
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Dental Issues: Pomeranians are prone to dental problems, which can make eating painful. Check their mouth for signs of gum disease, loose teeth, or inflammation.
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Illness: Loss of appetite can be a symptom of illnesses ranging from minor infections to more serious conditions. Other symptoms might include lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhea.
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Vaccinations: Sometimes, Pomeranians might not eat due to the mild side effects of vaccinations, such as low-grade fever or discomfort.
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Environmental Changes: Moving to a new home, changes in the household, or even a new food brand can affect their eating habits.
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Behavioral Issues: Like humans, dogs can be emotional and may refuse food due to anxiety or depression.
What to Do If Your Pomeranian Isn’t Eating
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Check for Obvious Health Issues: Start by checking their mouth for any dental problems and observe if there are any other signs of illness.
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Enhance Food Appeal: Try warming the food or adding a little bit of chicken broth to enhance its aroma and flavor.
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Stick to a Routine: Consistency can help. Keep feeding times regular and try to minimize stress during these periods.
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Consult Your Veterinarian: If your Pomeranian refuses to eat for more than a day or shows other concerning symptoms, it’s essential to consult with a veterinarian. They can provide a thorough examination and possibly recommend tests to determine the underlying cause.
5 Foods to Give to Pomeranians That are not Eating
1. Cooked Chicken
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Benefits: Lean and easy to digest, cooked chicken is often a favorite among dogs. It’s high in protein and low in fat, making it a healthy choice for your Pom.
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How to Serve: Make sure the chicken is cooked without any seasonings, onions, or garlic, which are harmful to dogs. Shred it into small pieces and mix it with their regular dog food or serve it alone.
2. Pumpkin
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Benefits: Pumpkin is great for digestion and can help regulate your dog’s digestive system. It’s rich in fiber and beta-carotene.
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How to Serve: Use plain canned pumpkin, not the spiced pie filling. Add a teaspoon to their food to entice them to eat.
3. Rice
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Benefits: Plain white rice is a good option for a dog with a sensitive stomach. It’s easy to digest and can help bind stools in dogs with diarrhea.
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How to Serve: Cook white rice and mix it with a protein like cooked chicken or turkey. Ensure it’s bland and free from spices and oils.
4. Baby Carrots
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Benefits: Carrots are low in calories and high in fiber and vitamins. They can also help maintain dental health as chewing them can help remove plaque.
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How to Serve: Steam or boil the carrots until soft, then cut them into small, manageable pieces for your Pom.
5. Sweet Potato
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Benefits: Sweet potatoes are another great source of dietary fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and beta-carotene. They support healthy digestion and are generally loved by dogs for their sweet taste.
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How to Serve: Cook the sweet potato thoroughly (boiling or baking), mash it up, and mix it with their regular food or serve it plain in small amounts.
Key Benefits of Tomlyn Nutri-Cal for Pomeranians
Tomlyn Nutri-Cal Malt Flavored Gel High Calorie Supplement for Puppies is often recommended for dogs that need an extra nutritional boost, especially if they’re not eating their regular food. Here’s how this supplement could be beneficial for your Pomeranian:
- High Calorie Content:
- This supplement is calorie-dense, which means even a small amount can provide a significant energy boost. This is particularly useful for Pomeranians that might not be eating much but still need the energy to support their metabolism and daily activities.
- Essential Vitamins and Minerals:
- Nutri-Cal includes a variety of essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health. This can help ensure that your Pomeranian receives their necessary daily intake of nutrients, which is crucial when their regular diet is compromised.
- Appetite Stimulation:
- The malt flavor of the gel is generally appealing to dogs, which can help stimulate appetite in Pomeranians who may be reluctant or picky eaters. The taste can entice them to eat when mixed with their regular food.
- Easy to Administer:
- The gel form of Nutri-Cal makes it easy to administer directly from the tube, mixed into food, or even placed on a paw for dogs to lick off. This is convenient for pet owners, especially when dealing with a dog that may resist eating.
- Support During Stressful Times:
- During times of stress, illness, or recovery from surgery, Pomeranians might lose their appetite. Nutri-Cal can provide an immediate source of energy and nutrients to support them through these challenging periods.
When to Seek Immediate Help
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Extended Loss of Appetite: If your Pomeranian hasn’t eaten for more than 24 hours, it’s important to seek veterinary assistance.
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Accompanied by Other Symptoms: Such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, which could indicate a serious health problem.
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Behavioral Changes: Significant changes in behavior or activity level alongside not eating could warrant a quicker response.
When to Return to Normal
Once your Pomeranian resumes normal eating habits and any underlying issues have been resolved, you can gradually return to your routine pre-issue feeding practices. However, continue to monitor their health and behavior closely, as some conditions can recur.
Your Pomeranian’s health and well-being are paramount. Addressing eating issues promptly and effectively can help ensure they live a long, joyful life. Remember, when in doubt, a visit to the vet is always a safe bet. This not only reassures you but also keeps your furry friend in the best possible health.