Dealing with Anorexia
Loss of appetite (inappetence and anorexia) is one of the most challenging side effects of Librela® / Beransa® or Solensia®. Your pet may be refusing even their favorite foods and treats making it hard to provide them with adequate nutrition. Loss of appetite is cognitive while the hunger sensation is physical. They may retain the physical sensation of hunger yet lack the cognitive impulse to eat. When you give them several food options at once yet they still look at you with hungry eyes it is both heartbreaking and terrifying. What they eat one day they will not eat the next making every meal a challenge.
Trial and error is the best course of action. Do your best to avoid foods that are known to be problematic, but you may need to use favorite, less-than-ideal-foods to entice them to eat. Be careful not to cause further digestive disruption. Hand feeding can help, also holding their dish at shoulder height and assisting them to locate and pick up the food. In addition to lack of appetite, reported side effects include spatial awareness, digestive tract distress, and fatigue which may hinder their ability to eat, chew, and swallow. For suggestions on food visit our page: https://petadvocare.com/food
Alternatives to pharmaceuticals for appetite stimulation
Acupuncture
while it cannot cure a condition it is known to reduce pain, inflammation, and nausea. Dogs with decreased appetites due to medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney or liver failure, inflammation of the pancreas, or hormonal conditions such as Addison’s disease, are known to benefit and have an increase in appetite after acupuncture sessions. There is an appetite acupuncture point on the dog’s nose. .
CBD
CBD may be able to support wellness that encourages your dog to fill its belly again. These potential CBD benefits may support a healthy appetite:
· Promotes feelings of calm and ease – CBD potentially promotes feelings of relaxation and calmness. If stress is causing your dog to ignore its meals, CBD may help with those emotional disturbances.
· Eases joint stiffness – CBD may help with joint stiffness and discomfort due to an active lifestyle (in humans and dogs). If joint discomfort causes your dog’s weakened appetite, you can give them CBD in the form of a digestible chew or as an oil rubbed directly on the offending joints.
· Aids healthy digestion – Stomach discomfort can certainly lead to a poor appetite, but CBD treats may facilitate your dog’s digestion and support a healthy bowel.
If your dog is shunning its food bowl due to stress, sadness, joint stiffness or an upset stomach, try incorporating CBD treats or other products into its daily routine. Giving your dog an appetite stimulation supplement in the form of CBD tablets or topicals can help your pet experience increased appetite.
https://zebracbd.com/blogs/cbd-dog-blog/how-to-stimulate-a-dogs-appetite-with-cbd
Food Suggestions to Help Spur Appetite
Boiled Chicken or Other Special Treats:
For a sick or geriatric dog that’s picky about eating, one of the easiest (and most affordable) options to try is tempting them to eat chicken. When giving your dog chicken, make sure it’s plain (with no seasonings or spices), skinless, and boneless. For this reason avoid the rotisserie chickens at the grocery store deli.
Bone broth and rice
Simple, easy on the digestion, filling and bone broth provides vital nutrients. Serving it warm is also helpful. Bone broth added to anything can help this situation.
Pumpkin puree
Easy on the tummy so if stomach discomfort is an issue this is a good choice.
Crushed up liver treats
Freeze-dried liver treats (like Stella & Chewy brand) can be crushed up into a powder and sprinkled on food.
Newman’s Own Jerky Treats
Many dogs love this treat and it has a strong enough smell it may get them to notice. Easy to tear into small pieces and top off a bowl of food. Or even bury into soft food the dog has to eat in order to get to the treat.
Anorexia: a serious side effect of Librela and Solensia.
Baby food
The ones made with turkey or ham. Smooth consistency, basic ingredients.
Eggs and other proteins
Add some bone broth and mix up in a food processor.
Graham crackers
This is an odd one, and only cautionary because of the sugar, but some dogs really like these. You can use them to spur the appetite and then offer a more substantial meal.
Canned (or cooked) fish
From the human food aisle. Alaskan salmon packed in water or olive oil is good for dogs. Avoid packed with lemon or seasoning. Sardines are a great source of Omega3's and fatty acids to help with skin ailments. Often the smellier the better to get an appetite piqued.
SYRINGE FEEDING
If your pet has not eaten consistently and you need a syringe that can handle more than liquid, this product comes in a syringe with a good sized cylinder and a nice large opening at the tip. It is also easier to depress with a single hand than most cheap medical syringes.