Do you know what DOG ESSENTIALS you are missing out? Find out now!
Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.
If you’re a Boston Terrier owner, you know how precious these little pups are. They’re known for their adorable “tuxedo” coat, big eyes, and playful personalities.
But what happens when you find your Boston Terrier not eating?
There could be a number of reasons why this happens, and it includes a recent change in diet, feeling lots of stress and anxiety, or a toothache, among others. While it can be concerning, there are several steps you can take to help your dog eat well again.
In this post, you will learn in more detail about the reasons for this behavior and all the help you need to get your American Gentleman up to speed again.
Medical Questions? Talk to a Veterinarian 24/7.
Connect one-on-one with a licensed vet who will answer your questions in minutes.
*Article may contain affiliate links to retailers like Amazon and Chewy. Learn more on our disclosure page.
Navigate this post
6 Reasons Why Your Boston Terrier is Not Eating Like It Usually Does
Firstly, let’s understand that you must ensure your dog is properly hydrated regardless of the cause of its lack of appetite.
Although dogs can go up to 5 days without eating, water is a must.
Send your pooch to the vet straight away if it isn’t drinking any more water.
Right, now let’s get down to business.
Doggy says, you might wanna read this too: How to help a dog with broken leg poop?
1. Your Boston Terrier might be sick
Similar to how we feel when we’re sick, dogs may not want to eat when they are under the weather.
This might be the result of a lot of things, like eating something toxic, having diarrhea, or suffering from painful joints.
You gotta keep a close eye on your dog’s behavior if you discover it isn’t eating regularly because some symptoms may not be immediately obvious.
What to look out for? Symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, tiredness, or weakness are telltale signs.
Doggy says, you might be interested in reading this too: Withholding water for dogs at night
2. Your Boston Terrier’s diet has been altered lately
Have you recently changed your dog’s diet? If so, it’s possible that your pet is still getting used to it and may be experiencing stomach trouble.
This is especially true if you’ve changed your dog’s diet to one that is richer in protein or one that contains more sugar than it did previously.
Be patient with your dog at this time as it can take them a few days to get used to it.
For a few days, they might not seem to be eating well, but as they grow used to the new food, this should pass.
3. Your Boston Terrier may have a toothache
If your dog isn’t eating as it should, you should rule out the potential of any dental problems.
A dog who has a toothache is probably going to lose a lot of weight and might even stop eating completely.
This should come as no surprise since it would find it difficult to chew its food, vomit more frequently, or may sleep more than usual.
You might want to check the teeth and gums of your dog as they might provide some information about its dental health.
Notice anything amiss? Arrange a vet appointment as soon as you can, or an alternative would be to speak with a vet online.
Hey there, sorry to interrupt but I wanted to tell you about an online vet service I’ve been using for years.
An in-person visit with one is great, but it’s not always an option.
Now, thanks to technology, you can speak to one without leaving your home.
Got something to ask a vet?
Talk to one anytime, 24/7.
* Don’t use this service for emergencies.
Thank you. The rest of the article continues below.
4. Your Boston Terrier’s food may have gone stale
If you feed your dog fresh food, there are some things you need to be mindful of.
For instance, there could be issues with the way you prepare your dog’s meals that could impact their appetite.
Always follow the instructions to a T.
Also, if you leave cooked meat out at room temperature for an extended period of time, bacteria can develop, making it unsafe for dogs to eat.
In such cases, you need to reheat leftovers before serving them again.
While some dogs may not mind eating “old” food, it’s not necessarily healthy for them.
If you wanna ensure your dog’s well-being, it’s best to present their food to them as soon as it’s prepared and stick to a fixed feeding schedule.
5. Your Boston Terrier has gone through emotional trauma
One of the main causes of your dog’s lack of appetite could be mental stress.
Moving into a new home, having a new infant around, altering routines and environments, or even bringing a new pet into the home are some events that could cause stress in dogs.
Due to their propensity for being sensitive to environmental changes, Boston Terriers may become lethargic when under stress, quickly losing their appetite.
I recall that our dog was really upset when a friend who had lived with us for a while moved out.
Yes, this does happen. She didn’t want to do anything and held out on her favorite food for almost 48 hours.
6. You may be giving your Boston Terrier too many goodies
Feeding your dog a healthy meal is a good thing, but if you are also giving it lots of treats, it may just go against all your good intentions.
Giving your pet snacks every day might seem innocent at first, but it is likely to cause some health problems later on such as obesity or diabetes.
You’re not the culprit? Then think about whether anyone else in the home is doing it and speak to them about working out a plan.
How to Get Your Boston Terrier to Eat
Look, your Boston Terrier might just be being fussy and rejecting everything you provide, and this kind of behavior can be the result of a brief mood swing that passes in a day or two.
Having said that, there are a number of ways you can motivate your dog to resume eating.
It’s important to know that some tactics, such as force-feeding or spitting food into your dog’s mouth, are ineffective, potentially harmful, and must be avoided!
Instead, encourage them by offering a variety of healthy and enticing food options, such as small amounts of lean meat or cooked vegetables.
You can also try hand-feeding your dog or adding a small amount of low-sodium chicken broth to their food to make it more appealing.
Don’t force your dog to eat
Don’t try to make your dog eat if it seems distressed or upset about it.
By doing so, it might result in gastrointestinal problems and definitely a lot of discomfort for your dog.
I suggest letting your pet eat whenever he feels like it and leaving the food out for a short period of time (if it takes more than 15 minutes, you can cover the food and reopen it when your dog starts sniffing around).
Just make sure it gets plenty of fresh water in the meanwhile, and monitor its health until this goes away.
Feeding your Boston Terrier the right food
The truth is, not all of us know what to feed our pets on instinct.
The first thing you should do if you notice that your dog has suddenly stopped eating is to double-check that it’s getting the right kind of dog food.
A veterinarian or other knowledgeable animal specialist is your best bet if you’re unclear about which foods are best for your pet.
Furthermore, keep in mind that if you have recently introduced a new food, there is a good chance it won’t eat it because it’s not yet accustomed to it.
I’ve personally had very good experiences with Ollie fresh food for all my dogs as they have the right balance of nutrition and taste. You get 60% off your first box of meals and a FREE Welcome Kit right now.
Stop feeding it treats
Have you been giving your dog too many delicious treats?
If you overfeed your dog snacks, including table scraps, you might be to blame if the main course doesn’t whet his appetite.
It also encourages picky eating and sloppy table manners.
So, it might be time to cut back on the treats!
Mixing different foods together
Dogs are naturally curious and love to play with their food.
By combining several different kinds of food together, you can keep your dog interested in its meal and even stop finicky eating habits from taking hold.
You might also try blending some of his favorite goodies with canned dog food or concealing some of them inside kibble.
This always seems to do the trick!
Ensure lots of exercises for your Boston Terrier
Dogs that exercise frequently tend to be happy and healthier, and that’s a fact.
The common reason for picky feeding habits in dogs is boredom, which can be corrected by giving them plenty of exercises.
If you have an indoor dog, think about taking it outside at least twice a day for walks or playtime in a big yard.
This can also reduce a dog’s tendency to overeat and form unhealthy eating habits.
Do not change its food abruptly or too often
I know it’s tempting for any dog owner to be attracted by that brand-spanking-new dog food or treat. I know I have.
The thing is, frequent changes in what your dog eats on a regular basis can upset its stomach and cause intestinal problems.
Not to mention, your dog is going to have a hard time smelling different kinds of food each time it goes to its bowl.
The likelihood that your dog may develop an eating disorder increases as you modify its diet more frequently.
If you wish to switch dog food brands, do it gradually by blending a little of the new brand with the old over a few days.
Signs That Your Boston Terrier is a Picky Eater
Generally, if your dog does not eat its food within 20 minutes, it can be considered a picky eater.
Here are some other common scenarios that might indicate you have a finicky one.
Take note though, it is not its fault every time.
- If your dog turns his head away when you present his normal food and he eats only treats
- Not willing to eat its own food but happy to accept table scraps
- It eats only at a particular spot
- Too much playtime before meals will cause it not to want food (especially in some small breeds such as Yorkies and Dachshunds who craves attention)
- Bad experiences due to poor food or getting punished
When Should You Worry About Your Boston Terrier Not Eating?
If your dog stops eating for a few days, then starts again, there may be nothing to worry about.
On the other hand, if your Boston Terrier has suddenly stopped eating, especially if it lasts for more than a day or two, you need to pay extra attention to it then.
If the problem persists and you see any symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and not drinking water, it’s time to consult a doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long can a Boston Terrier go without eating?
A Boston Terrier, just like most other dogs, can go up to 5 days without eating. During this time, it must be given access to fresh water, otherwise, it might become dehydrated and suffer from its effects such as loss of moisture in its skin and gums, dry nose, and thick saliva.
How often should Boston Terriers eat?
It is advised to feed your dog twice a day. Boston Terriers don’t require a lot of food because they are very little and have low energy levels. Give your dog one to one and a half cups of premium dry food twice a day, in the morning and in the evening.
Are Boston Terriers picky eaters?
Boston Terriers are not known to be particularly picky eaters. In fact, they usually have a hearty appetite and enjoy mealtime. However, like any dog, there may be individual Boston Terriers who are picky or have a specific preference for certain types of food.
In Conclusion: Boston Terrier Not Eating
At the end of the day, keeping your Boston Terrier healthy and happy is a top priority for you.
If your furry friend isn’t eating, it’s essential to address the issue promptly and thoroughly, and I’m confident the tips in this post will be able to help you out.
Enjoyed this article? Check out these other ones too:
- Puppy not eating much and sleeping a lot
- Chlorophyll for dogs in heat
- Puppy poops 2 hours after eating
