Why are Boxer dogs always hungry

Why are dogs always hungry?

If your dogs always hungry, youll be well aware of how difficult it can be to keep refusing them snacks, especially when they pull out their secret weapon those large puppy dog eyes! But is every dog like this, or is it just yours who melts hearts for a morsel or torments you for a tasty treat? Every dog is different, which means that there are many complex reasons why some dogs are forever famished. Lets delve into the reasons why your dog may always want food and what you can do to help them.

Should I be worried if my dog is always hungry?

Some dogs are fussy eaters, while others seem to be a bottomless pit on legs. Apart from bothersome begging for food, is having a hungry dog a problem? Well, potentially, yes!

If you always give in to your dogs request for food then their daily intake of calories increases, along with their waistline. Overweight dogs are more likely to suffer from other health complications, which can shorten their lifespan too. Understanding if and why your dog is hungry is really important, not only to make sure that theyre getting the right type and amount of food but to rule out any underlying health issues.

Why is my dog always hungry?

Dogs can be hungry because: its genetic, theyve exercised a lot, they have health issues (such as diabetes or worms), its a side-effect of medication, theyre stressed, theyre bored or because theyre not getting enough of the right type of food. It can also be a learned behaviour, so theyre not in fact truly hungry at all. If youre concerned about your dogs appetite, always talk to your vet.

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Stress and boredom

Sometimes, dogs that dont get enough mental stimulation may become food-focused. Providing your dog with more mental stimulation and physical exercise could help to stop them from being so snack-orientated. Try giving them puzzle feeders, playing obedience games with them or taking them for longer or more stimulating walks.

Their personality

Some dogs only eat what they need, while others will eat all that is given to them, and then some! Each dog is a complex mix of genetics and learned behaviours and some dogs are just more food-focused than others.

Genetics

Although any dog can become overweight, research has found that some dogs from certain breeds may be more prone to being overweight and hungrier than others, suggesting a possible genetic component.

Breeds said to be predisposed include:

About one in four Labradors, for example, carries a variant of a gene called POMC which affects how their brain perceives hunger and fullness after a meal.* Although some dogs in these breeds may have genes linked to obesity, it doesnt mean that all dogs in these breeds are more susceptible.

Exercise

How active your dog is plays a big part in how many calories they need, which in turn determines how hungry they are. Its important that your dog gets enough exercise so that they can burn up the calories they eat during the day. Similarly, its just as important that your dog gets enough food to replace the energy theyve burnt.

Medications

Certain medications, such as prednisone, can cause dogs to have an increased appetite. For some medicines, these effects can gradually improve over time, as your dog gets used to it. These effects should stop after your dog stops taking the drug but talk to your vet if youre concerned about any effects from your dogs medication.

Habit

Its easy for certain habits to creep into your daily life, like giving your dog treats whenever they show their sad eyes face. But dogs are smart, and theyve learnt that pulling on your heartstrings can get them a tasty snack. When your dog asks for food, they may not even be hungry but may be doing it out of habit and also dont want to pass up the chance for a tasty treat.

Health concerns

Some dogs may eat because theyre bored or because they have large appetites, but sometimes certain health conditions could make your dog hungrier. These include:

The amount of food you give them

Its important to try to find the Goldilocks zone of how much to feed your dog. Feeding them too much can lead to weight gain, while not feeding enough can lead to weight loss and a very hungry dog. How much you feed them depends on their:

• Age
• Neuter status
• Breed
• Level of activity
• How often you feed them
• The calorie content of the food
• Whether they need to lose or gain any weight

The type of food you give them

Typically, food thats high in protein and fibre is good to help your pet feel fuller for longer. Combined with a lower fat content, this type of food can help keep weight down in pets prone to weight gain. Some working dogs will need more energy in their diet, which can be helped by providing more calories through fats. Your vet will be able to help you work out a diet thats right for your dog.

When to speak to your vet

A trip to the vet is usually sparked by a change in a dogs health or behaviour. If your dog has always been a hungry hound, then it might be worth mentioning it at their next vet check-up. If you notice a sudden change in your dogs appetite, contact your vet. Its especially important to contact your vet if their insatiable appetite is accompanied by other signs, such as:

• Changes in how thirsty they are
• Being sick or having an upset stomach
• Eating things that arent food
• Changes in their weight

Sudden changes to your dogs feeding habits can also be caused by stress or anxiety. Take your dog to your vet as your first port of call but try speaking to an animal behaviourist if you think your dog is unhappy or if the vet has ruled out any illness.

Tips on dealing with a hungry dog

If your dog often begs for food or tries to hypnotise you with a please feed me look, you could:

• Offer them some fresh water - sometimes quenching their thirst may distract them
• Take them for a walk, as this may help to take their mind off food
• Give them a healthy snack, such as carrot sticks or slices of apple. Alternatively, you could give them a small amount of kibble, but make sure if you give any treats these are taken into consideration when calculating your dogs total calorie intake for the day. Remember that some healthy fruits that we eat, such as grapes, can be dangerous to dogs, so make sure the food you give them is suitable for dogs.
• Give them some attention, such as petting them or playing with them
• Give them small meals throughout the day to keep them feeling full
• Time your dogs meal so that you feed them before you prepare your own meal or before you eat
• Try giving them their food in a puzzle feeder or any treats in a Kong to keep them mentally stimulated
• Make sure that everyone in the house is aware not to give in to begging for food
• It may be tough for your dog if you suddenly cut off their supply of treats, so try gradually reducing the amount you give

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If you're looking for a vet practice near you, why not visit the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons'Find a vetpage.

Think your dog may be affected?

If you're worried about your dog's health, always contact your vetimmediately!

We are not a veterinary organisation and so we can't give veterinary advice, but if you're worried about any of the issues raised in this article, please contact your local vet practice for further information

Why is my dog always hungry? Vet's guide to increased appetite in dogs

Why is my dog always hungry is a common question amongst pet parents, but its worth noting that theres a difference between the perpetual enthusiastic interest our pups naturally show in the best dry dog food and an excessive appetite that may have an underlying medical cause.

Figuring out how to stop dogs begging for food or trying to swipe a tasty tidbit off the countertop can feel like an ongoing battle and usually, this is just part and parcel of owning a dog. But if your pups regular ravenous appetite seems to have increased recently, thats something to pay attention to.

Causes of an increased appetite in dogs can include things like anxiety and stress, certain medications, metabolic disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, and parasites. Changes in eating habits may also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as vomiting or diarrhea, weight gain or loss, and drinking and urinating more often.

Any changes in your dogs eating habits - whether increased or decreased - can indicate a medical problem, so its important to keep a close eye on their food intake and report these to your vet. Below, Dr. Elizabeth Racine gives her advice on why your dog may be hungrier than usual and what to do about it.

Elizabeth RacineSmall Animal General Practice Veterinarian

Dr. Elizabeth Racine is a small animal general practice veterinarian with a bank of knowledge on all things pet health and wellness. She is especially interested in veterinary behavior, nutrition, and internal medicine.Dr. Racine also has experience writing content for the American Kennel Club, Merck Animal Health, Bayer PetBasics, Elanco, and CareCredit.

Symptoms of an increased appetite in dogs

Dogs with an increased appetite may eat more than their usual ration, especially if allowed free access to food.

Pet owners may find that they are filling the food bowl more frequently or buying dog food more often than usual.Dogs with an increased appetite may also show more food-seeking behaviors such as counter surfing or begging at the table more frequently than usual.

Begging, in particular, may become a nuisance for pet owners and is sometimes what drives them to seek veterinary attention. Depending on the underlying cause of the increased appetite, some dogs may gain weight while others may maintain or even lose weight despite eating more than usual.

Why is my dog always hungry?

There can be several reasons why a dog may develop polyphagia, or an increase in appetite. Some possible causes of an increased appetite in dogs include:

• Inadequate nutrition
• Diabetes mellitus
• Cushing's disease
• Hyperthyroidism
• Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
• Primary gastrointestinal disease
• Use of steroid medications
• Parasitism
• Hypoglycemia
• Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration (SARDs)
• Portosystemic shunt
• Liver disease
• Gastrointestinal lymphoma
• Behavioral changes

To determine the underlying cause of your dog's increased appetite, it is important to see your veterinarian for a diagnosis.

Often the increase in appetite is also accompanied by other symptoms, such as changes in drinking behavior, changes in urination and defecation habits, or changes in energy level. Make note of any other symptoms your pet may be experiencing and be sure to discuss these with your veterinarian as well.

Diagnosing increased appetite in dogs

If your dog has experienced a change in appetite, the first step is a visit to your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will start by taking a thorough history of the problem and will ask you questions about your dog's appetite and behavior, as well as any other symptoms you may have noticed.

Your veterinarian will also perform a full head to tail physical examination, and will likely recommend some additional diagnostic testing. This may include blood work, urinalysis, evaluation of a fecal sample, and diagnostic imaging such as radiographs (x-rays) or ultrasound. This testing will help your veterinarian narrow down the underlying cause of your dog's change in appetite.

Treating increased appetite in dogs

The treatment for an increased appetite will vary depending on the underlying cause of the condition. For example, some medical conditions such as Diabetes Mellitus, Cushings disease, and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency can be treated with medications that your dog will need to take for life.

Other causes of increased appetite, such as a portosystemic shunt, may require surgery to correct.If your dogs increased appetite is due to taking medications such as steroids, stopping the medication, if it is safe to do so, will allow your dogs appetite to return to normal.

Your veterinarian will help you determine the best course of treatment for your dogs increased appetite based on the underlying cause and your dogs health status.

How to stop a dog begging for food

What if your dog is just a food lover and his appetite is simply behavioral, rather than medical? In these cases, managing your dogs appetite is important to prevent excessive weight gain.

Overweight and obese dogs are more prone to health conditions like arthritis, heart disease, and certain cancers, so keeping your pet at a lean body weight is essential for their health:

1. Never feed your dog from the table

To stop your dog from begging, never feed your dog from the table, especially when you are eating. Stick to portioned meals of dog food two or three times daily and try to avoid adding any extras like table scraps or human food.

2. Use an automatic feeder

Using an automatic feeder is a great way to discourage begging - not only is the food pre-portioned so youre less tempted to add extra, but it also separates the food from you, so your dog is less likely to come begging to you for more!

3. Limit treats

Its also important to limit treats to discourage begging and keep your dog at a healthy weight. Remember, treats arent a necessary part of your dogs diet.

If you must give treats, limit them to no more than 10% of your dogs daily calorie intake and give them only at specific times of day or as a reward for specific behaviors, so your dog will be less inclined to beg for them.

4. Consider using fruits and vegetables

Consider using fruits and vegetables as low calorie treats to prevent weight gain. Green beans, carrots, and blueberries are great options that will still be rewarding for your dog while minimizing his calorie intake!

Monitoring your dogs appetite is a key factor in keeping track of his overall health and wellness. Changes in your dogs appetite may come on gradually or occur suddenly. Any changes in your dogs appetite should be reported to and evaluated by your veterinarian, as well as any other symptoms such as changes in drinking habits, changes in elimination habits, and changes in energy level and behavior.

Your veterinarian will help you determine the best course of diagnosis and treatment for your dog depending on the underlying cause of the appetite change. In many cases, treating the underlying cause will improve or resolve your dogs increased appetite, allowing you both to get back to life as usual!

Enjoyed this piece and looking for more helpful canine content? Then be sure to check out our guide to the symptoms, causes and treatments for an upset stomach in dogs.