Updated September 25, 2026. Fact-checked against veterinary sources; review by a licensed veterinarian is in progress. See our editorial policy.
Quick answer: A decreased appetite in an older dog is often a sign of something treatable, like dental pain, nausea from kidney or liver disease, arthritis pain, or medication side effects. Vets treat the cause and may prescribe capromorelin (Entyce), an FDA-approved appetite stimulant for dogs, plus anti-nausea medication. Call your vet if your senior dog skips meals for more than a day or two or loses weight.
Common causes
- Dental disease
- Nausea from kidney disease, liver disease, or medications
- Pain that makes reaching the bowl hard
- Reduced smell or taste
- Cancer
- Cognitive decline
Treatments
- Treating the underlying problem
- Capromorelin appetite stimulant
- Anti-nausea medication such as maropitant
- Pain relief
Tips at home
- Warm wet food or moisten kibble
- Raised bowls for dogs with neck or joint pain
- Small, frequent meals
- A quiet feeding spot
- Hand-feeding for encouragement
What to avoid
- Fatty table scraps, which can trigger pancreatitis
- Frequent food switching
- Waiting if weight loss continues
Sources
- US FDA: Approval of Entyce (capromorelin) oral solution for appetite stimulation in dogs
- AAHA Senior Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. 2023
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for care from your own veterinarian. Learn about The Pet Vet and our editorial policy.