EATING LESS (SENIOR ANOREXIA RED FLAG)
WHAT THIS SYMPTOM USUALLY MEANS
Eating less in seniors is rarely behavioral. It is usually a sign of pain, nausea, kidney disease, dental disease, organ dysfunction, or early cancer.
MOST COMMON CAUSES
MILD
• Stress
• Food temperature or texture changes
MEDICAL
• Dental disease
• Nausea
• Pancreatitis
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Pain from arthritis or spine issues
EMERGENCY
• Not eating + weakness
• Not eating + dehydration
• Not eating for >24 hours in dogs or >12–18 hours in cats
RED FLAGS
• Complete refusal of food
• Eating less + vocalizing
If you’re unsure, treat it as urgent.
AT-HOME CARE YOU CAN START NOW
• Warm food
• Try canned food
• Add water or broth
These steps do not replace a veterinary exam if symptoms continue or worsen.
WHAT A VETERINARIAN WILL CHECK
• Oral exam
• Abdominal palpation
• Bloodwork
• Imaging
MOST LIKELY DIAGNOSES
• Dental disease
• Kidney disease
• GI inflammation
• Liver disease
• Pain
LONGEVITY IMPACT
Reduced appetite is one of the most important markers of early organ decline in senior pets.