Why Is My Dog Always Hungry All of a Sudden?
Sometimes, dogs act as if they have bottomless stomachs. They would follow you after consuming the whole meal, looking for scraps. This is indeed a favorable sign for positive reinforcement training. However, you might want to know why your dog is always hungry.
Is it possible that the canine is starving all the time? Do dogs’ appetite is as enormous as it appears to be? Should you be worried about your dog? Let’s find out!
If your dog feels hungry a lot, there may be something wrong. The dog may have a medical condition that often causes it to feel hungry. Some dogs, indeed, prefer indulging in food. However, if you notice a sudden or abrupt increase in their appetite, it indicates an underlying health problem.
Diseases Causing Increased Appetite in Dogs
Certain diseases may increase your dog’s appetite, and you may be unaware of it.
Diabetes
Diabetes can trigger appetite because of the lack of insulin that it induces in the body. Although the dog’s bloodstream will have excessive glucose, insulin deficiency will lock it out of body cells. The cells will then signal the animal that they are still hungry. Hence, your dog will have a peculiarly large appetite.
Hyperadrenocorticism
Also called Cushing’s Disease, Hyperadrenocorticism can enable an increased appetite. It happens because your dog’s body creates excessive glucocorticoids. It is a hormone that helps the canine deal with stress.
Malabsorption
Some health conditions lead to malabsorption. Malabsorption refers to the body’s inability to absorb the nutrients present in the food. When your furry friend experiences any condition that causes malabsorption, they will become extra hungry. Usually, these conditions are followed by other symptoms, such as vomiting.
Examples of Malabsorption Conditions
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) – It is common in German Shephard and creates a deficiency of enzymes necessary to digest food. The food passes through the digestive tract without being broken down into small pieces.
Abnormal Bacterial Growth – It refers to the growth of bacteria in the small intestine that damages the intestine walls. This causes malabsorption of nutrients and a huge appetite. Bacterial growth may be a result of EPI or occur independently.
How to Deal with a Hungry Dog?
If your dog is overweight or gobbles down just about anything, you need to take control of the situation. Dogs either like to be the leader or want to be led. Now it is up to you to become a pack leader and handle the issue or let them be.
- Consult with a Veterinarian: The first step in dealing with a hungry dog is to consult a veterinarian to determine their daily dietary needs.
- Create a Feeding Schedule: Once you clearly understand your dog’s dietary needs, create a daily feeding schedule and stick to it.
- Treats as Rewards: Instead of constantly feeding your dog, treat them as rewards for following your orders or performing a job. This can help control their weight and prevent overeating.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a sudden increase in a dog’s appetite may indicate an underlying health problem. Consult with a veterinarian to determine the cause and to create a healthy feeding plan. Following a feeding schedule and using treats as rewards can help control your dog’s hunger and maintain its health.
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