Call us: 555-555-5555

Refusing to Eat

Solving Yorkie Lack of Appetite: 
Guide on Refusal to Eat

Overview

When it comes to our beloved Yorkshire Terriers, noticing a decrease in their appetite can be both concerning and puzzling for any pet parent. These spirited little dogs are known for their energy and vivacity, but various factors can lead to a sudden disinterest in food, ranging from health issues to changes in their environment or routine. Understanding the potential reasons behind your Yorkie's reduced appetite is crucial, as it can be indicative of underlying health problems, dietary issues, or emotional stress.


In this article, we'll explore a comprehensive list of factors that may cause your Yorkshire Terrier to eat less, stop eating, or become finicky with their food. Additionally, we'll provide practical tips and strategies to encourage your little guy or gal to eat more, ensuring they receive the nutrition they need to thrive. 

Yorkshire Terrier Refusing to Eat
Yorkshire Terrier Refusing to Eat

Assess Food Intake First:

Before exploring potential diagnoses and treatments for a Yorkshire Terrier's refusal to eat, it's essential to accurately assess their food intake. Due to their small stature, Yorkshire Terriers require relatively little food. With quality, manufactured dry kibble, an adult Yorkie weighing about 7 pounds generally needs less than 1 cup daily, a quantity that might seem small to their human caretakers when compared to human portions or the needs of larger dogs. This perception can lead to concerns of underfeeding.


However, the actual metric for assessing whether a Yorkshire Terrier is eating adequately should be their health and weight stability rather than the volume of food. Proper growth in puppies or weight maintenance in adults and seniors indicates that their dietary needs are being met, regardless of how minimal their food intake seems. It's vital to adjust our perspective to the specific needs of Yorkies, focusing on their overall wellbeing rather than comparing their intake to that of larger breeds or our own, to ensure they receive the right amount of nutrition.


Keep this in mind, as we move forward into some common reasons for a sudden drop in appetite. 


Dental Problems:

Signs:


Yorkshire Terriers with dental issues like tooth decay, gingivitis, or periodontal disease exhibit several signs, including reluctance to eat, especially hard foods; chewing on one side due to discomfort; excessive drooling, sometimes blood-tinged; persistent bad breath from bacteria accumulation; and pawing at their mouth.


Visible signs include plaque or tartar buildup, red or swollen gums, and possibly loose or missing teeth. Changes in eating habits, such as preferring soft foods or eating slowly, along with potential weight loss, can also indicate dental discomfort. These symptoms necessitate a prompt veterinary consultation to prevent further health complications and ensure the dog's well-being.


What to Do:


  1. Consult a Vet: Rule out or treat any dental conditions affecting their appetite.
  2. Regular Dental Check-Ups: Prevent dental issues with routine at-home dental cleanings which includes brushing the teeth, alternatively using sprays or wipes, and offering dental chews.
  3. Adjust Food: For ongoing dental problems or tooth loss, warm the food or offer moist food. You can drizzle warm, low-sodium chicken or beef broth over kibble or switch to wet dog food.

Gastrointestinal Issues:

Signs:


Yorkshire Terriers with gastrointestinal issues, such as gastritis, pancreatitis, or intestinal parasites, display symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, and reduced appetite. Signs of abdominal pain, like whining, an arched back, or reluctance to abdominal touch, are common. Lethargy, behavioral changes like irritability, and  changes in stool consistency or the presence of worms can also indicate GI distress. These symptoms require prompt veterinary evaluation to diagnose and treat the underlying condition, ensuring the health and comfort of your Yorkie.

What to Do:


  1. Veterinary Diagnosis: Seek a professional diagnosis to identify specific gastrointestinal issues.
  2. Diet Adjustment: Based on your vet's advice, it may be necessary to temporarily switch to a bland diet made with easily digestible ingredients. This usually includes a simple protein like boiled, skinless chicken or low-fat ground turkey, with a carbohydrate source, such as plain boiled white rice or sweet potatoes, avoiding any seasonings or additives. The typical ratio is 1 part protein to 2 parts carbohydrates. Portions should be small but frequent, gradually reintroducing their regular food as recommended by the vet.
  3. Medication: Follow your vet's recommendations for medications to treat the underlying condition.

Post-Vaccination:

Info and Signs:


Some Yorkshire Terriers may experience a temporary decrease in appetite following vaccinations. This is a normal immune response as their body reacts to the vaccine, working to build protection against diseases. After receiving vaccinations, it's common for some dogs to show signs of lethargy, slight fever, and a reduced interest in food. These symptoms are generally mild and short-lived, usually resolving within 24 to 48 hours.


What to Do:


  1. Monitor Closely: Keep a close eye on your Yorkie for the first 24 to 48 hours post-vaccination. A temporary decrease in appetite is normal, but if your dog shows signs of severe discomfort or the appetite doesn't return to normal within a couple of days, consult your veterinarian.
  2. Offer Comfort: Make sure your Yorkie has a comfortable, quiet place to rest. The less stress they experience during this time, the quicker their recovery is likely to be.
  3. Hydration is Key: Encourage your dog to drink water to stay hydrated. If they're not interested in their regular food, try offering a small amount of wet food or a little chicken broth to entice them to eat and drink.
  4. Small, Appealing Meals: If your Yorkie is only slightly interested in food, offer small, more frequent meals that are easy to eat and digest. A bland diet can also be beneficial during this recovery period.
  5. Consult Your Vet: If your little guy or gal's appetite doesn't improve after 48 hours or if you notice any other concerning symptoms, it's important to contact your veterinarian. They may need to assess whether your Yorkie is having an adverse reaction to the vaccine or if there's another underlying issue.


Remember, while a brief period of decreased appetite following vaccinations is normal, keeping a watchful eye on your Yorkshire Terrier will ensure they recover quickly and continue to thrive.


Stress or Anxiety:

Signs: 


Yorkshire Terriers experiencing stress or anxiety due to environmental or routine changes may show signs including a reduced appetite or complete disinterest in food. Other indicators of stress or anxiety include increased vocalization, such as whining or barking, restlessness, or pacing. Some dogs may become more clingy or show avoidance behavior, hiding or withdrawing from social interactions. Changes in sleep patterns, excessive grooming or licking, and even aggression can also be symptoms.


These behavioral changes, particularly a sudden lack of interest in eating, highlight the need for a closer look at the dog's environment and potentially seeking advice from a veterinarian or an animal behaviorist to address the underlying causes of stress or anxiety.


What to Do:


When addressing stress or anxiety in Yorkshire Terriers that affects their appetite, a multi-faceted approach can help mitigate these feelings and encourage eating:


  1. Consistent Routine: Establish and maintain a consistent daily routine, especially regarding feeding times. Consistency can provide a sense of security and predictability for your Yorkie, reducing stress related to unpredictability in their environment.
  2. Quiet Dining Area: Create a quiet and comfortable eating space for your Yorkie, away from loud noises and high-traffic areas of the home. A tranquil dining environment can help minimize distractions and make mealtime a more relaxed and enjoyable experience for your pet.
  3. Comfort and Reassurance: During periods of change or high stress, providing extra comfort and reassurance is crucial. Spend more time with your little guy or gal, offering gentle petting, soothing words, and calm interaction. This can help reduce anxiety levels.
  4. Gradual Introduction to Changes: If changes in the environment or routine are unavoidable, introduce them gradually. Allow your Yorkshire Terrier to adjust at their own pace, providing positive reinforcement and treats to associate the new changes with positive experiences.
  5. Safe Haven: Ensure your Yorkie has a safe, cozy spot to retreat to if they feel overwhelmed. This could be a canine playpen with comfortable bedding, a quiet corner with their favorite toys, or any area where they feel secure.
  6. Professional Guidance: If your Yorkie's stress or anxiety persists, consider seeking the advice of a professional. A veterinarian can rule out any underlying health issues, while an animal behaviorist can offer strategies tailored to your dog's specific needs, helping to alleviate anxiety and improve their overall well-being.

Boredom with Food

Info and Signs:


Boredom with food is not an uncommon issue among some dogs, including Yorkshire Terriers, who are fed the same diet day in and day out. This monotony can lead to a noticeable decrease in enthusiasm for meals, manifesting as a reluctance to eat, picking at food rather than eating it eagerly, or waiting for something better to come along before starting their meal. This behavior indicates that your Yorkie might be seeking variety in their diet.


Signs that your Yorkshire Terrier is bored with their food can include a sudden lack of interest in meals they previously enjoyed, leaving their food untouched for long periods, or showing excitement for treats and human food but not their own meals. They might also eat only when they are very hungry, ignoring their food bowl at their usual meal times.


What to do:


To combat boredom with food and encourage a healthy appetite in your Yorkshire Terrier, consider the following steps:


  1. Incorporate Healthy Food Toppers: Add a dash of fish oil like Zesty Paws Wild Alaskan Fish Oil, low-sodium chicken or beef broth or juicy blueberries, raspberries or strawberries (great for antioxidants and hydration). 
  2. Use Mealtime as an Opportunity for Enrichment: Give meals through feeding toys to make eating a more engaging activity. A fun option is a snuffle mat which is a type of interactive feeding toy that turns mealtime into an engaging treasure hunt for dogs. These are designed with a myriad of fabric strips that mimic the grass or other natural landscaping, and you place treats or dry kibble within their folds. Yorkshire Terriers, with their hunting instincts can love this sort of foraging 'work' and it can make eating lots of fun. One that we like a lot is the Snuffle Mat for Dogs by Oliumt, which looks like a colorful flower garden..

Overfeeding or Too Many Treats:

Info and signs:


Overfeeding or indulging your Yorkshire Terrier with too many treats can significantly impact their appetite for regular, nutritionally balanced meals. This issue arises because treats, while often delicious for your dog, may not provide the comprehensive nutrition they require and can lead to a preference for these less nutritious options over their regular food. Additionally, overfeeding can cause weight gain and associated health problems.


Signs your Yorkshire Terrier might be overfed or receiving too many treats include a noticeable disinterest in regular meals with a preference for treats, weight gain due to their small size, selective eating habits where they ignore balanced meals for treats or scraps, and increased begging behavior as they come to expect treats over their regular diet. These signs indicate a need to reassess and adjust their feeding regimen to ensure a balanced diet.

What to do:


To address this issue, consider implementing a more structured feeding and treat regimen:


  1. Limit Treats: Ensure that treats do not exceed 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake. Choose healthy treat options and use them sparingly.
  2. Establish Meal Routines: Set specific times for meals and stick to them, removing the food bowl after a certain period to encourage eating at meal times.
  3. Monitor Portion Sizes: Be vigilant about the amount of food and treats you're providing, adjusting portions to ensure they're appropriate for your dog's size, age, and activity level.
  4. Encourage Exercise: Regular exercise for your Yorkshire Terrier can help regulate their appetite and keep their metabolism running as it should.

Refusal to Eat a New Brand or Flavor:

Info and Signs:


Yorkshire Terriers, like many dogs, can be particular about their food. A change in their diet, such as introducing a new brand or type of food, can lead to refusal to eat. This behavior often stems from their unfamiliarity with the new taste, texture, or smell of the food.


The most obvious sign is your Yorkie outright refusing to eat or only eating very small amounts when the new food is introduced. They may sniff the food, lick it, and then walk away, showing a clear lack of interest. This can be concerning, especially if your dog was previously not picky.


What to Do:


  1. Gradual Introduction: Rather than switching to the new food all at once, gradually mix the new food with the old over a period of 7-10 days. Start with a small amount of new food mixed with the old, gradually increasing the proportion of new food while decreasing the old. This slow transition helps your Yorkie get used to the taste and texture of the new food without overwhelming them.
  2. Consistency is Key: Try to stick to regular feeding times during the transition. Consistency helps establish a routine, making your Yorkie more likely to eat when food is offered.
  3. Enhance Palatability: If your Yorkie is still hesitant, you can try warming the food slightly or adding a small amount of low-sodium beef or chicken broth to enhance the flavor. These small changes can make the new food more appealing.
  4. Limit Treats: Make sure you're not overfeeding treats, as this can reduce a puppy or dog's appetite for regular meals. If they're filling up on treats, they're less likely to be interested in any type of dog food, new or old.
  5. Consult Your Vet: If your Yorkie continues to refuse the new food or shows signs of gastrointestinal upset, consult your veterinarian. They can rule out any potential health issues and recommend a diet that suits your Yorkie's specific nutritional needs.


Switching foods can be a challenge, but with patience and the right approach, you can help your Yorkshire Terrier adjust to and even enjoy their new diet.


Less Common but Possible Reasons for Lack of Appetite with Yorkshire Terriers

In exploring the reasons behind a Yorkshire Terrier's refusal to eat, it may be necessary to look beyond the usual suspects such as dental issues or dietary preferences. Let's take a look at other possible reasons, while rare, that can be at the root of the problem. 

Systemic Diseases:


  • Liver Disease: Symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
  • Kidney Failure: Indicated by increased thirst and urination, vomiting, weight loss, and decreased appetite.
  • Diabetes: Watch for increased thirst and urination, weight loss, and reduced food intake.
  • Pancreatitis: Especially relevant to Yorkies, causing abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of appetite.


Environmental and Situational Factors:


  • Hot Weather: Can significantly decrease a dog's appetite due to discomfort.
  • Uncomfortable Eating Area: A noisy or high-traffic dining spot can deter eating.
  • New Pets or People: A new addition to the household might stress your Yorkie, causing them to shy away from their bowl.
  • Proximity Issues: A Yorkie may refuse to eat if another pet comes too close to their eating space, feeling threatened or stressed.


Each of these factors can contribute to a Yorkie's reluctance to eat, ranging from serious health issues requiring veterinary intervention to environmental stressors that can be managed at home. It's important to observe your pet closely and consult with a veterinarian if you notice persistent changes in appetite or behavior, ensuring they receive the appropriate care and treatment.

Are You a YorkieInfoCenter Member? 

Take a moment to become a YorkieInfoCenter Member; it's 100% free. You'll receive a Welcome Booklet and our informative newsletters. Additionally, you can suggest topics for us to explore in future articles. It's a fantastic way to stay connected, and we look forward to having you with us.

Share by: