Is your dog not eating at dinnertime? It can be so stressful. We love our dogs and want to take care of them. And when they don’t eat, it makes us worry. First thing you need to do is determine if your dog’s not eating is a physical or psychological problem.

Before diving into this problem, if you have a dog with a medical condition, or a puppy, pregnant dog, or nursing dog, you need to take them to the vet immediately. These dogs have certain nutritional requirements that are better if looked at professionally.

Is this a sudden problem? First, is he listless, or in any type of pain? If so, take him to your vet immediately. If there are no apparent problems, just wait a day or two. Sometimes your dog gets into things that upset his stomach and he doesn’t feel like eating. Make sure he has plenty of fresh water and the chance to got outside as needed. If after two days he still doesn’t eat, take him to your vet as he may have an internal parasite problem.

So if your dog doesn’t have a physical problem that keeps him from eating, then it must be mental/emotional. But this can be fixed, by following these tips.

1. Is your dog getting enough attention from you? It may just be that he is bored and lonely. When you fuss over him not eating, he is getting the attention he wants. Try playing with your pet more or taking him for a daily walk. This may be all that is needed to get your dog eating again.

2. Perhaps your dog is just spoiled, not trying to just get attention. You have given in to him so much, he thinks he is the master, not you. It’s time to step up your game and start being the master – the alpha dog. To do this, put his food bowl down, leave, and come back in 20 minutes. Throw away any food he did not eat. Make sure you do not give him any treats at any time during this exercise. Make his meals be the only time he has a chance to get food. Usually, after 3 days he will succumb to his master and eat his dog food. If not, take him to your vet for evaluation.

3. Do you hover over your dog or are otherwise anxious about his eating, or not eating? You may be making him nervous or suspicious with your always being around. Dogs can easily pick up on our feelings and fears, without knowing the why’s of our feelings.

Give your dog his dinner, and leave. If he follows you instead of eating, put him in a room with his food and close the door. Do not return for 20 minutes – just let him be. If it doesn’t work the first day, try again for a couple more days. Once he senses, or rather doesn’t sense, your problems, he may be able to eat.

4. Did you ever think it might just be his dog food that he just doesn’t like – plain and simple. If you are feeding an economy dog food, it is pretty much like junk food and fast food rolled into one for your pet. And he may be tired of it. His body needs more. Or there may be a certain ingredient in your current dog food that your dog is allergic to. Take a look at some super-premium or all-natural dog food alternatives. This may be what he needs to start eating again.

Use these tips and you may well be on your way to getting your dog to eat his dinner again.

If you have problems with your dog not eating because he dislikes his dog food, check out the Healthy Dog Food Blog to learn more about how to find the healthiest food for your dog to stay in optimal health. This article is for informational purpose only and is NOT intended to replace the advice of a veterinarian or pet care professional.