Changes in appetite

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Measure the meal change

You will replace ‘eating less’ with amounts, timing, and paired signs.

Use the same scoop or scale and record what was offered, what remained, treats, water, vomiting, stool, and recent weight when available.

Measure before and after the meal.
Keep treats and table food in the same record.
Add medication timing and any recent food change.

Which note gives the clearest amount?Offered 2 cups at 6 p.m.; ate about ¾ cup and no treats.Did not seem hungry.Probably bored with the food.

Watch how eating happens

You will spot mouth, nausea, or effort clues worth reporting.

The way your dog approaches food can be as useful as the amount eaten.

Note dropping food, chewing on one side, or preferring soft food.
Record lip licking, repeated swallowing, approaching then leaving, or hiding.
Do not add supplements or make a restrictive diet change without veterinary guidance.

Which behavior should be recorded separately?Drops kibble and chews only on the left side.Likes chicken better than kibble.Finishes when hand-fed after repeated prompting.

Prepare the appetite call

You will know what to report and when waiting is not appropriate.

Combine the timeline with the whole routine: water, bathroom, energy, weight, medicines, and medical history.

List dental history, conditions, and all current medicines.
Ask how soon your dog should be examined.
Confirm what food, water, weight, vomiting, and stool changes to monitor next.

Which update changes the urgency of the call?Has not eaten, vomited twice, and seems weak.Prefers one flavor.Uses a blue bowl.

Create a food and comfort record

Show what was offered, what was eaten and which mouth or stomach clues appeared.

Portion, texture and behavior together help the care team see whether the change looks related to appetite, chewing, nausea or comfort.

Measure the portion offered and remaining instead of writing ‘ate less.’
Note food texture, chewing side, dropped food, lip licking, nausea signs and water intake.
Add dated weights, medicine changes and two clear questions for your veterinary visit.

Which record gives the clearest appetite picture?She was picky.She ate about half of 1 cup, dropped dry food twice, then ate the softened portion.I changed three foods in one meal.

Call sooner when you see this

Repeated vomiting, abdominal swelling, marked weakness, blood, pain, dehydration, known diabetes with poor appetite, or a dog who stops eating needs prompt veterinary advice.

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