My injured dog is eating less. Is a decreased appetite normal?

Poor Lucy! If she's not eating anything it's possible she may be in some pain. If your vet didn't prescribe pain medications, talking with them to see if that is an option may help Lucy feel well enough to eat. If she is on pain medications or other medications, these can sometimes cause some stomach upset. Offering a bland meal of boiled rice and chicken may help with minor tummy upset, however if she continues to refuse food or looks very sad and lethargic, scheduling a recheck with your vet to make sure there isn't anything else ongoing is best.

If his mouth is a little sore, then yes he may not eat as much. This may also come with maturity as they realize they don't have to scarf all their food because it will still be there later. Although, we cannot rule out something else is going on. If his food intake decreases more, he starts losing weight or he becomes lethargic, I would have your vet take a look at him. Your vet can make sure nothing else is causing the decreased appetite and make sure he gets the proper treatment. You can offer him a little canned food if you feel like it is just a sore mouth. Honestly, if it is just that, his appetite should pick back up within 24-48 hours. I hope this helps!

Yes, this can be normal. A TPLO is a big surgery and Coco will have some pain from it. It's good that she is eating, and her appetite should increase. If it's still low on Monday, bring her into her vet.

The onesies may be uncomfortable or stressful for her. Try taking them off at feeding time. Watch her closely though so she doesn't get to her incision. You can also warm her food slightly or mix in a teaspoon of plain baby food to stimulate the appetite.

Occasionally after spaying, dogs will have no appetite for the first 12-24 hours. This may be due to the lingering effects of [anesthesia](https://www.petcoach.co/article/pets-and-anesthesia-everything-you-need-to-know) and/or some post operative discomfort. If she still has no appetite two days after spaying, I would be concerned that she may be in [pain](https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-measure-your-dogs-pain) or there may be another underlying concern affecting her[ recovery](https://www.petcoach.co/article/6-ways-to-rest-your-pet-after-surgery-or-injury). Call your veterinarian to discuss your concerns. He or she may recommend a recheck, and some more [pain medication](https://www.petcoach.co/article/7-pain-relief-solutions-for-dogs). In the meantime, take a look at her incision site. If it is red, swollen and hot to the touch, she needs to see your veterinarian right away as these symptoms may indicate infection. You can also try offering her a bland diet of boiled chicken and white rice or some treats to stimulate her appetite.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Hallie! She is possibly not eating due to pain associated with the injury which often times can affect a dog's appetite. Of course other unrelated causes for her not to eat cannot be completely excluded. With these types of injuries, there is usually more trauma than what can be seen from the outside. I recommend that you have Hallie evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They may take radiographs to check her bones in the affected leg. They would be able to check the extent of her injuries and proceed with therapy as indicated. She may require antibiotics, further local wound therapy and pain control medications. Good luck and best wishes!

This is a quite generic but concerning sign. Differentials are many, from gastrointestinal diseases (infection/inflammations often dietary related) to any disease that can spread systemically (causing lethargy for example) like infection, and anything that can cause pain/discomfort. The approach must be logic, starting from offering different kind of food. A check up is needed if inappetence last for more than 24hours. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.