Why is my Maltese always hungry
Why Is My Dog Always Hungry?
Although dogs may seem perpetually interested in food, an excessive appetite (called polyphagia or hyperphagia) may signal a more serious issue that should be examined by a veterinarian.
If your dog is always hungry, they could have a problem with their metabolism, leaving them abnormally hungry, and they may be begging or whining even after eating.
So how can you tell if your dog is just very interested in food or has an underlying problem?
Heres what to look for, possible causes, and when to see a vet.
What to Check For if Your Dog Is Always Hungry
If your dog doesnt have any other symptoms and appears to be fine other than wanting to eat all the time, schedule a vet visit within 1-2 weeks or at the earliest time available.
Dogs that are suddenly hungrier than usual often have other symptoms. As a rule of thumb, any change in eating or bathroom habits should prompt a visit to the veterinarian.
Call your vet if you see any of the following:
Increased thirst and urination
Vomiting or diarrhea
Changes in weight (gain or loss)
Changes in body shape, such as a growing potbelly and shrinkage of muscle
Eating non-food items
Causes of Increased Appetite in Dogs
Theres no clear-cut cause for why a dog might be obsessed with eating. It could stem from a psychological issue, such as stress or learned behavior, or a medical issue, such as not getting the right nutrients or an underlying health condition.
Thats why youll need your vets help in getting the root of the problem. They can perform tests and ask questions to rule out certain causes. Here are some of the most common causes of increased appetite in dogs:
Psychological issues, such as anxiety or stress
Learned behavior, due to poor nutrition (either fed too much or too little)
Aging process (as dogs age, some will begin to crave food more)
Medication, such as prednisone
Metabolic disorders, such as diabetes mellitus and hypoglycemia
Cushings disease (hyperadrenocorticism)
Gastrointestinal disorders that interfere with nutrient absorption, which can include:
Parasites/infections that interfere with nutrient absorption
How Vets Find the Cause for Increased Appetite in Dogs
Your veterinarian may want to run a range of tests to determine the underlying cause for the sudden increase in appetite. They will usually start with the least invasive tests to try to rule things out. Here are some diagnostics your vet may want to do:
Completemedical history and physical examination
Blood panels, such as a complete blood count
Urinalysis
Tests for parasites, such as fecal flotation and Giardia tests
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test or low-dose dexamethasone suppression test(LDDS) to check for Cushings disease
Imaging tests such as ultrasound
Serum trypsin-like immunoreactivity test (TLI) to check for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
Endoscopy examination (may be considered after additional testing is completed)
Treatment of Increased Appetite in Dogs
Dont delay in getting your dog examined by a veterinarian if they appear to be suffering from constant hunger. Treatment will include giving your dog supportive care for the symptom of polyphagia as well as dealing with any underlying conditions:
Behavioral-related causes may be addressed by feeding smaller portions more frequently and carefully supervising your dogs food consumption.
A metabolic issue, such as diabetes mellitus, may be treated with daily insulin injections and dietary changes.
If Cushings disease is diagnosed, medication may be prescribed.
Infection or parasites will be treated with medication and/or deworming.
For exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, your vet will recommend dietary changes and medications.
Treatment for cancer can include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation treatments.
Increased Appetite in Dogs FAQs
Do dogs eat more as they get older?
Yes. Sometimes this is due to underlying health conditions, such as diabetes mellitus or Cushings disease, or a medication theyre taking, like prednisone.
Why does my dog eat like hes starving?
Many conditions can trigger increased appetite in dogs. A dog may have learned the behavior because they were not properly fed or became anxious about food. Or, they may have developed a metabolic condition or infection or have parasites. Your vet will need to do an exam, ask questions, and do some tests to rule out certain causes.
When is overeating a concern for dogs?
You should call your vet if you notice a sudden and dramatic change in your dogs dietary habits.
Why Is My Puppy Always Hungry?
Its easy to be blinded by love when you get a new puppy. All you see is a cute little bundle of energy and joy whos ready to snuggle and play the day away.
However, you must not allow those large, precious eyes to trick you into giving him everything he wants.
I know its hard!
While growing up, my dog always seemed to be starving, and I, a concerned parent, felt that I had to feed him whenever he batted his lashes in my direction.
Thats the absolute wrong move. Your puppy may seem hungry 24/7, but hes likely just trying to con you into giving him a snack.
Though, how can you know for sure?
Why Your Puppy Seems So Hungry All the Time?
Adjustment
Puppies need training in every aspect of their life including eating! When your pup was still with his mom, he got to eat whenever he wanted. That kind of schedule wont fly in his new domesticated lifestyle.
Youre going to want to feed your puppy multiple times a day at set times. It will take him a while to adapt to your schedule, but be patient and stick to it!
Your Own Bad Habits
Thats right! You might be responsible for making your puppy appear so ravenous.
Similar to how you have to train your dog to eat on a schedule, you also need to ensure your dog is not learning how to beg for food. Therefore, you should never feed dogs table scraps, especially while theyre still young and impressionable.
Health issues aside, after your puppy gets his first taste of human food, he will keep coming back for more. This inevitably means youll continue feeling bad for him and feeding him more than he needs.
Natural Instincts
While most of their wild nature has been bred out over decades of domestication, your dog has some leftover instincts from his wolf relatives.
Since your puppy doesnt yet know when his next meal is coming, hes thrilled whenever you feed him. He will likely scarf it down in seconds flat because he wants to make sure his belly is full.
If your puppy is a bit older or came from the streets, this habit may be even more severe since he has lived experience dealing with food insecurity.
Medical Problems
Though it is rare, your puppy may be suffering from a medical issue thats influencing his appetite (such as worms, diabetes, malabsorption, etc.)
If it seems like his hunger doesnt die down after a few months, you should contact your vet to discuss your concerns.
How to Deal with a Hungry Puppy?
Schedule, Schedule, Schedule!
As previously mentioned, youve got to make sure youre maintaining a regular feeding schedule for your puppy.
When youre first starting out, you should try feeding him several small meals a day. Its recommended you give him 3-4 meals per day at the beginning of your training. Then, after a couple of months, you should be able to switch to 1-2 meals instead.
Separate for Meal Times
When it comes time for you to eat, put your puppy into a different room. This will not be easy, but you can 100% do it!
If your puppy is separated from you while youre enjoying your meals, he wont be able to learn how to beg for food, and you wont be tempted to feed him.
In case youre crate training your pup, you can always use this time to your advantage.
Slow Down Eating
There are two recommended methods for slowing your puppys food consumption:
The first is to put a large obstacle, such as a ball or a cup, inside of his bowl, so he will have to work around the intrusion. That way, it will take him much longer to finish his food.
Specially made puzzle bowlsalso exist for this purpose!
The second option is to water down your dogs kibble. I know it sounds pretty gross, but some puppies do better with slightly wet food. Since it gets a bit mushy and sticky, theyll have to eat a bit slower than average.
How Do I Know If Im Feeding My Puppy Enough?
Weight
Dogs, like humans, need to consume a certain amount of calories per day.
You could calculate an exact calorie count for your puppy, but lets be real: if Im not going to count my own calories, I dont think Im going to do that for my dog!
Its going to be easiest to keep up with his weight and make sure its consistent with his breeds typical growth patterns.
You can also check the information on the back of his puppy food bag. Most bags will overestimate how much your dog will need, but its mostly accurate.
Physical Examination
Its probably self-explanatory, but you can simply look at your puppy and tell whether hes healthy.
When you touch your dog, you should be able to feel his ribs under the surface of his skin. However, you should never be able to see any of his bones. He should also have a visible waistline.
How to Tell if Youre Overfeeding Your Puppy?
Upset Stomach
If your puppy is overfed, trust me, he will let you know. The best clue lies within his digestive behavior.
For example, if hes vomiting or experiencing excessive diarrhea, you may be overfeeding him. Since his little belly cant handle the food, he will try to expel it as quickly as possible in order to relieve his distended stomach.
Weight Gain and Body Growth
Your puppy will need a lot more food while hes young, but you should be able to see a physical difference when he has been overfed. When your dog has gained too much weight, you wont longer be able to feel his ribs or see his waistline.
He may also start to appear like hes in pain. This could be caused by fast body growth putting too much stress on his skeleton.
Bottom Line
Feeding your puppy can be a tricky task. Theres a fine line between feeding too much and feeding too little. The best advice I can give? Trust your gut.
Your puppy will tell you when hes hungry or not feeling well, and youll be able to see a difference in his body and his behavior.
If youre ever unsure, do not hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian. Your vet will undoubtedly become your best friend during these next few months!
Why Is My Chihuahua Always Hungry? Possible Causes
Many Chihuahuas seem to always be hungry, but is this the case? Why do some Chihuahuas constantly beg for food, and is there anything you can do to help them?
Dogs are said to eat everything you place in front of them, regardless of whether they are hungry, and chihuahua is no exception. However, this does not necessarily mean that your chihuahua is always hungry.
There are several possible reasons why your chihuahua may seem to be constantly begging for food. This article will explore some of the most common reasons and what you can do to help.
Is an Always Hungry Chihuahua a Problem?
The dogs nervous system controls an increased appetite in your chihuahua. If it is not functioning properly, your chihuahua will experience an increased appetite. Wherein they will beg for food more often than usual.
Polyphagia or increased appetite is not a disease but can indicate an underlying health problem. If your chihuahua is always hungry, it is best to take them to the vet for a check-up.
How Much Food Should a Chihuahua Eat?
Feeding a chihuahua the accurate amount of food is essential to keeping them healthy and at a good weight. Chihuahuas are small dogs and dont need as much food as their larger counterparts.
There are some factors to consider when determining how much to feed your chihuahua. These include:
- Weight: if your chihuahua is on the smaller side, it will need less food than a larger chihuahua.
- Age: puppies and seniors need more frequent meals than adult dogs.
- Activity level: a more active chihuahua will need more calories than a sedentary dog.
- Metabolic rate: some chihuahuas have a higher metabolism and will need more food to maintain their weight.
- Food type: some foods are higher in calories than others. For example, a cup of dry food will have more calories than a cup of wet food.
A good rule of thumb is to feed your chihuahua about to cup of food per day, divided into two meals. It is a general guideline, and you may need to adjust the amount depending on your chihuahua.
Signs and Symptoms of Chihuahua Increase Appetite
If you notice that your chihuahua is always hungry, there are other signs and symptoms you should look for. These include:
Weight Gain
If your chihuahua begins eating more than usual and they are not getting enough exercise, they will start to gain weight. This is because they are consuming more calories than they are burning.
Excessive Thirst
A chihuahua that is always hungry may also drink more water than usual. Their body is trying to eliminate the excess calories by urinating more often.
Panting and Restlessness
If your chihuahua is always hungry, it may also seem panting and restless as its body is trying to burn off the excess calories.
Picky Eating
Some chihuahuas may become picky eaters when they are always hungry. They will only want to eat certain foods or beg for food more often than usual.
Begging for Food Constantly
One of the most common signs that your chihuahua is always hungry is if they are constantly begging for food. They may follow you around the house or whine when they see you eating.
Lethargy
If your chihuahua is always hungry, it may also seem lethargic as its body is trying to conserve energy.
Abdominal Bloating
Another sign that your chihuahua is always hungry is if its abdomen appears bloated. It is usually caused by eating too much food or drinking too much water.
If an increased appetite is due to some medical condition, these symptoms will also be present:
Depression
This condition is often seen in dogs with a chronic illness or pain. However, if your chihuahua is always hungry and has no other medical conditions, it may be due to depression.
Neurological Signs
Neurological signs such as seizures or circling can also be seen in chihuahuas with increased appetite. These signs are often caused by a brain tumor or other neurological condition.
Weak Muscle Tone
The muscles of a chihuahua that is always hungry may seem weak or flaccid since the body is trying to conserve energy by not using the muscles as much.
Panting and Trembling
Since the body is trying to regulate its temperature and burn off the excess calories, a chihuahua that is always hungry may pant and tremble more often than usual.
Diarrhea or Soft Stool
Diarrhea or soft stool is often seen in chihuahuas with increased appetite. It is because the body is trying to get rid of the excess food and water.
Regurgitation or Vomiting
It is a sign that your chihuahua is always hungry if they are regurgitating or vomiting after eating. This is usually caused by overeating or drinking too much water.
Possible Causes of Why Your Chihuahua Is Always Hungry
Once you have observed the signs and symptoms, you next need to find out the possible causes of why your chihuahua is always hungry. These include:
A Change in Diet
One of the most common reasons a chihuahua is always hungry is that they are not getting enough nutrients from their food. It can be due to a change in diet, such as switching to a cheaper brand of food or not eating enough.
Psychological Problem
Another possible cause of your chihuahuas always hungry is a psychological problem such as anxiety or boredom. It is often seen in dogs that are left alone for long periods or do not have enough to do.
Poor Nutrition
If your chihuahua is always hungry, it may also be due to poor nutrition. It can be caused by not feeding them a balanced diet or not giving them enough food.
CNS Lesion
As mentioned above, the central nervous system is responsible for regulating hunger. If there is a lesion or damage to the CNS, it can cause your chihuahua to be always hungry.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is a condition that occurs when the blood sugar levels drop. This can be caused by not eating enough or if the body is not able to absorb the sugar from the food. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include weakness, tremors, and seizures.
Overfeeding
Sometimes, your chihuahua is not the problem. You might be overfeeding them without realizing it. It can expand their stomach and make them always hungry. This is essential to measure the food properly and not to give them table scraps.
Learned Behavior
Your chihuahua may have learned they will get it if they beg for food. This can be hard to break, but it is essential not to give in to their begging.
Lactation or Pregnancy
Just like humans, dogs can also experience hunger during pregnancy or lactation. A mother needs to provide nutrients for their growing puppies.
Too Much Exercise
If your chihuahua is always hungry, it might be because they are getting too much exercise. It can cause the body to burn off more calories than usual and make them always hungry.
Hyperadrenocorticism or Diabetes Mellitus
Hyperadrenocorticism, also known as Cushings disease, is a condition that occurs when the body produces too much of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol regulates metabolism, and an excess can lead to an increase in appetite. Diabetes mellitus is another potential cause of hunger in Chihuahuas. This condition occurs when the body cannot properly use insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. As a result, glucose builds up in the blood, causing hunger and weight gain.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine. This hormone regulates metabolism, and an excess can lead to an increase in appetite.
Bacterial Overgrowth
Bacterial overgrowth is a condition that occurs when there is an abnormal increase in the number of bacteria in the intestine. This can cause inflammation and lead to hunger.
Maldigestion or Malabsortption
Maldigestion is a condition that occurs when the food is not properly digested. It can be due to a lack of enzymes or stomach acid. Malabsorption is a similar condition that occurs when the nutrients from the food are not properly absorbed. These conditions can lead to hunger since the body is not getting the nutrients it needs.
Empty Gastric Sleeve or Intestine
An empty stomach or intestine can also make a chihuahua always hungry. This is because there is nothing for the body to absorb and use for energy. As a result, the body will continue to feel hungry even after eating.
Cancer
Cancer is a rare but potential cause of hunger in Chihuahuas since cancer cells can interfere with the hormones that regulate appetite.
Gastrointestinal Problems
Gastrointestinal problems such as gastroenteritis, colitis, and inflammatory bowel disease can also lead to hunger. Since these conditions can cause the stomach and intestines to become inflamed, making it difficult for the body to absorb nutrients.
Medications
Certain medications such as anticonvulsants, sedatives, corticosteroids, or thyroid supplements can also increase appetite. If your chihuahua is taking any of these medications, it could be the reason why they are always hungry. It is not a cause for concern unless the hunger is accompanied by other symptoms such as weight gain or vomiting.
Diagnosing the Underlying Cause of Your Chihuahuas Hunger
If your chihuahua is always hungry, it is important to find the underlying cause. This will help you determine the best course of treatment. Your veterinarian will start with a physical examination and review your chihuahuas medical history. They will then likely recommend some or all of the following tests:
- Blood tests: This test will evaluate your chihuahuas blood count, hormone levels, and glucose levels. An increased level of white blood cells could indicate an infection. An abnormal hormone level could indicate Cushings disease or diabetes mellitus.
- Urinalysis: This test will check for the presence of glucose, protein, and ketones in the urine.
- X-rays or ultrasounds: It may be necessary to take X-rays or ultrasounds of the abdomen to check for tumors or other abnormalities.
- Stool sample: A stool sample will be evaluated for parasites, bacteria, and inflammatory cells.
- Gastric emptying study: This test determines if the stomach is emptying properly.
- Endoscopy or biopsy: This procedure involves inserting a small camera into the stomach or intestine. A biopsy is a tissue sample that is taken during this procedure.
Treating the Underlying Cause of Your Chihuahuas Hunger
Once the underlying cause of your chihuahuas hunger is diagnosed, it can be treated. Not much can be done if the cause is something like pregnancy or lactation. However, treatment will be necessary if the cause is something like Cushings disease or diabetes mellitus. Treatment for these conditions may include:
- Medications: Medications can be used to treat infections, inflammation, and hormone imbalances.
- Dietary changes: Specialized diets may be necessary to manage gastrointestinal problems.
- Surgery: Surgery may be necessary to remove tumors or correct anatomical abnormalities.
- Weight Loss Program: If your chihuahua is overweight, a weight loss program may be necessary. Your vet can help you create the right plan for your chihuahua.
With the proper diagnosis and treatment, your chihuahua should no longer always be hungry. If you have any concerns, be sure to talk to your veterinarian.
Tips to Help Curb Your Chihuahuas Appetite
If your chihuahua is always hungry, you can do a few things to help curb their appetite.
Reduce the Amount of Food
If you are overfeeding your chihuahua, try reducing the amount of food. It will help to shrink their stomach and make them less hungry. However, if your chihuahua has learned to beg for food, reducing the amount of food might be difficult without them getting upset. But you can try to feed them smaller meals more often throughout the day.
Provide the Right Food
Making sure your chihuahua is getting the right food is also important. This means giving them food that is high in protein and fiber and low in fat. You should also avoid giving them table scraps as this can make them always hungry.
However, you can give them light cooking, fresh food like chicken, fish, lean beef, brown rice, sweet potatoes, and broccoli. You should also avoid giving them processed food, which can worsen their hunger.
Create a Feeding Schedule
Creating a feeding schedule can also help to curb your chihuahuas appetite. It means setting specific times for meals and sticking to them. This will help train their body to expect food at certain times and make them less likely to beg for food between meals.
Exercise Them More But Not Too Much
Exercising your chihuahua more can also help to curb their appetite since exercise can help to regulate hormones and reduce stress. However, you should not overdo it since it can drain their energy and make them even hungrier.
A good rule of thumb is to exercise them for 30 minutes a day. This can be done by going on walks, playing fetch, or going to the dog park.
Avoid Kibbie With Water and Air Fillers
Kibble is a type of dry food made with water and air fillers. These fillers can make your chihuahua always hungry since they are not getting the nutrients they need. Instead, you should give them food that is high in protein and fiber and low in fat.
You can also add some wet food to their diet to help them feel fuller. Wet food is more nutrient-dense and will help to keep your chihuahua satisfied for longer.
Give Them a High-Quality Dog Food
Giving your chihuahua high-quality dog food is also essential. This means avoiding foods made with fillers, preservatives, and artificial ingredients. Instead, you should give them food made with whole, natural ingredients.
Fiber Diet
A fiber diet can also help to curb your chihuahuas appetite. This is because fiber can help to regulate hormones and make them feel fuller for longer. You can give them high-fiber dog food or add some pumpkin to their diet.
Pumpkin is a great source of fiber and is safe for dogs. Just make sure to avoid giving them the canned pumpkin, as this can cause diarrhea.
How to Tell if Your Chihuahua Is Satisfied
Once you have implemented some of the tips above, you should start to see a difference in your chihuahuas hunger. But how can you tell if they are satisfied?
There are a few things you can look for, such as:
Stops Eating When Full
If your chihuahua is no longer eating when they are full, this is a good sign that they are satisfied.
Eats Slowly
Eating slowly, instead of gulping their food down, is another sign that your chihuahua is satisfied.
Eats Regularly
If your chihuahua is regularly eating, they are getting the right amount of food and are not over or under-eating.
Has a Healthy Weight
A healthy weight is another sign that your chihuahua is getting the right amount of food. You should be able to feel their ribs without them being too visible. If you cant, this means they are overweight, and if you can see their ribs, they are underweight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does your chihuahua always want to eat?
Any pet owner will tell you that their furry friend has a bottomless appetite. But why is that? Well, there are a few reasons. First, animals have a higher metabolism than humans, meaning they burn through energy more quickly. This is especially true for puppies and young dogs, who are growing at an accelerated rate.
In addition, many breeds of dogs, including chihuahuas, have been bred to be hunting dogs. As a result, they have a strong instinct to eat as much as possible to survive. And lastly, some dogs simply enjoy the taste of food! No matter the reason, its important to ensure that your dog is getting the proper nutrition to maintain a healthy weight.
Why is your chihuahua always hungry all of a sudden?
One possibility is that they are going through a growth spurt. Puppies and young dogs tend to eat more as they grow and develop, so if your chihuahua is in this stage of life, it may be hungrier than usual. Another possibility is that they have an underlying medical condition such as diabetes or a thyroid issue. If youre concerned that your chihuahuas hunger is due to an illness, its best to talk to your vet.
Lastly, some chihuahuas simply have a higher metabolism than others, which means they burn calories more quickly and need to eat more often. If youve ruled out any medical causes for your chihuahuas hunger, you can try feeding them smaller meals more often throughout the day.
What if your chihuahua puppy is still hungry after eating?
If your chihuahua puppy is still hungry after eating, there are a few possible explanations. First, it is possible that the food was not nutritious enough, and your puppy still feels hungry. In this case, you may want to switch to a food with more protein or fat. Another possibility is your puppy is used to being fed small meals throughout the day and is expecting another meal.
If this is the case, you can try slowly increasing the amount of food at each mealtime. It is also possible that your puppy is restless and needs some exercise. A short walk or play session may be all that is needed to tire out your puppy and reduce its hunger.
How do you stop your chihuahua from eating everything?
Small breeds like chihuahuas are known for being particularly curious and resourceful. If youre finding that your chihuahua is constantly getting into things they shouldnt, you can do a few things to help prevent it. Ensure all food and trash are properly stored and out of reach. You may also want to keep your chihuahua on a leash when you cannot closely supervise them or create a designated safe space where they cant get into trouble. With a little patience and effort, you can help your chihuahua learn what they can and cannot chew on.
Is your chihuahua hungry or just begging?
One way to tell if your chihuahua is truly hungry or just begging for food is to observe their behavior. They may be trying to tell you that theyre hungry if they are pacing around the kitchen, whining, or pawing at you. On the other hand, if they are sitting calmly by their bowl or stealing food from your plate, they may just be begging for a treat.
Is it cruel to feed a chihuahua once a day?
Many believe it is cruel to feed a chihuahua only once a day. However, there are several reasons why this may be the best diet for your pet. Chihuahuas are very small dogs, and their stomachs are correspondingly smaller. As a result, they cant eat as much food as larger breeds. They also have a very high metabolism, which means that they burn calories more quickly.
For these reasons, its often best to feed them smaller meals more frequently throughout the day. Additionally, chihuahuas are prone to obesity, and feeding them only once a day can help to control their weight. You should consult your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your pet.
Should you let your chihuahua puppy eat as much as it wants?
Most experts recommend against letting your chihuahua puppy eat as much as it wants. Chihuahuas are very small dogs, and their stomachs are correspondingly small. As a result, they cant eat as much food as larger breeds.
Bottom Line
If youre wondering why your chihuahua is always hungry, a few possible explanations are mentioned above. If youve ruled out any medical causes for your chihuahuas hunger, you can try feeding them smaller meals more often throughout the day. Follow the suggestions above, and if you have any concerns, be sure to consult with your veterinarian. They will be able to give you the best advice for your pets individual needs.
Here at ILoveChihuahua, we share our personal experiences as owners of this feisty breed. We talk about recommended methods, dog supplies picks, and advice on common Chihuahua problems. Our goal is to promote responsible dog ownership, so there would be fewer Chihuahuas in shelters.
