My dog is always hungry - what can I do?

Some behaviors may indicate at first glance that your dog is always hungry:

• a constant sniffing in the kitchen
• persistent watching and following while eating
• intense begging
• Eating from unguarded dining table or trash can

While these are all signs that your dog is showing more than a normal interest in food, they are not necessarily signs that he is actually hungry. The distinction between hunger and appetite is important here:Hunger is the body's signal indicating the need for food, whileappetite is more the psychological craving for food, even if your dog isn't really hungry.

There are many factors that can influence your dog's hunger or appetite and that you should have checked by a vet, such as:

• Insufficient nutrition
• Health problems
• Hormonal changes (e. g. B. due to castration
• Changes with age
• genetic predispositions

However, there are also factors related to human behavior such as. B.:

• Arousing positive associations:If your dog associates food intake with positive feelings such as praise, a desire to eat will arise when this association is aroused in similar situations.
• Begging is unconsciously encouraged, if you always give in to your dog's demands and, for example, give him a treat. This teaches your dog that his behavior is rewarded and he will continue to beg.
• Lack of fixed feeding times and clear rules, including unclear amounts and occasions for treats, can upset your dog's sense of satiety.
• Lack of attention can manifest as begging for food.
• Boredom can also trigger an appetite, so it is important to also consider your dog's mental workload.

• Veterinary check-up: Make sure your dog is eating a balanced and nutritious diet. A visit to the vet will provide clarity about medical causes and possible measures.
• Stop begging: Even if you can hardly resist the dog's gaze, remain consistent.
• TheIntroduction of regular feeding times:Stabilizing your dog's eating habits and promoting a healthy routine.
• Restraint with treats:Avoid giving your dog food at every opportunity. Treats should be used specifically as a reward.
• Clear leadership role: Teach your dog clear rules and feeding habits. For example, send your dog to his fixed place during your meals and do not talk to him, as this can further reinforce his begging behavior.
• Exercise and play: Activities are not only good for health, but also distract your dog from constant hunger.
• Professional help:In the case of persistent behavior, targeted behavioral training may be necessary to clearly identify and address the causes.

If your dog is always hungry or has an appetite and eats excessively as a result, this can lead to dangerous obesity. If your dog is already overweight, you can find out herehow your dog can successfully lose weight.