EATING MORE (POLYPHAGIA) IN DOGS/CATS
WHAT THIS SYMPTOM USUALLY MEANS
Increased appetite may be behavioral or medical. Medically, it is often linked to endocrine disease, poor nutrient absorption, diabetes, hyperthyroidism (cats), or Cushing’s disease.
MOST COMMON CAUSES
MILD
• Increased exercise
• Minor diet changes
MEDICAL
• Diabetes
• Cushing’s
• Hyperthyroidism (cats)
• Malabsorption
• Steroid medications
EMERGENCY CAUSES (HIGH CONCERN)
• Polyphagia + weight loss
• Polyphagia + vomiting
• Polyphagia + excessive thirst
RED FLAGS: WHEN THIS IS AN EMERGENCY
• Eating more but losing weight
• Breaking into food or eating non-food items
If you’re unsure, treat it as urgent.
WHAT A VETERINARIAN WILL CHECK
• Thyroid panel
• Blood sugar
• Cortisol testing
• GI panel
MOST LIKELY DIAGNOSES (BASED ON 40 YEARS OF CASES)
• Hyperthyroidism (cats)
• Diabetes
• Cushing’s
• GI malabsorption