Increased appetite is completely normal in pets that have high energy requirements, such as growing puppies and kittens, pets that exercise strenuously such as hunting dogs, and pregnant or nursing females. Also, pets eating a poor quality diet may eat more to meet their energy requirements. It is also possible that some form of medication that has been prescribed for your dog may be the reason for its increased appetite, and thus its polyphagia. Polyphagia can also be the result of diabetes onset, because the body often can not assimilate blood sugar when diabetic conditions are present.
Why is my dog’s appetite increasing?
Leading causes of increased appetite, or polyphagia, include: If the polyphagia is related to a behavioral problem, the underlying cause could stem from old age. When dogs increase in age so can their appetite, too. The reason? Medications prescribed for old dogs can cause an increase in appetite. Like humans, dogs can develop diabetes.
Why is my dog eating so much more food than normal?
Increased appetite or polyphagia can be brought on by various circumstances. If the polyphagia stems from a disease, you will most likely notice one of two physical effects: weight gain, or weight loss. But a dog’s increased food consumption can also stem from a psychological condition.
Can hyperthyroidism cause increased appetite in dogs?
However, in hyperthyroidism, the excessive hormone levels push the cells and body into overdrive, resulting in increased metabolism and often increased appetite. Hyperthyroidism is rare in dogs (more commonly occurring in senior cats), so consult your veterinarian if you suspect there is a health issue.
Why is my old dog hungry all the time?
During old age, some dogs are known to be extremely hungry. It is also possible that some form of medication that has been prescribed for your dog may be the reason for its increased appetite, and thus its polyphagia.
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