Eating disorders are common in humans, and most people are aware of just how dangerous they are. But what you probably don’t know is that eating disorders can also affect dogs, and if left untreated, they can become very dangerous.
One of the most common eating disorders in dogs is overeating. Dogs aren’t as logical as humans, and they don’t consider issues such as obesity when they decide if they want to eat or not. And they are opportunistic eaters. When they beg, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are hungry or need food.
You should never give your dog too much food, or have it laying around at all times. You need to research how much dog your pet needs per day, and give them just that amount. But dogs can also suffer from anorexia or under-eating. While they might skip a meal from time to time, when this behavior becomes regular, that’s when you should be concerned.
Anorexia can lead to fever, weak lungs and heart, shortness of breath, and many other issues. When you notice your dog doesn’t eat enough, go see a vet. Some dogs get in the bad habit of eating feces. It can happen for a couple of reasons. And all you can do about it is make sure you always clean up after them and keep them away from other dogs’ feces.
Along the same lines, your dog might be suffering from pica, which is when your dog eats things they shouldn’t, like metal objects or rocks. In both cases, a vet can help you figure out how to tackle the issue.