- Dr. Pansy Suzuki
- 6 days ago
- 6 min read
Has your dog stopped eating suddenly? Are you worried about what’s causing your pet to avoid food? You may have even tried everything including giving them their favorite treats with no luck. While this problem is not uncommon, it's important not to ignore when your dog stops eating as it could be a sign of a more serious underlying issue.
In this article, we'll cover:
Reasons why your dog may not be eating—from common to moderate to severe causes, and when it's an emergency situation
What to do if your dog is not eating, but is drinking water
What to do if your dog hasn't eaten in two days
At-home ways to try to get your dog to eat
You can use this as a guide to narrow down the possibilities on what may be wrong with your pet and when to take your dog to the ER vet. Read on to find out more!
Why your dog won't eat: possible causes
You are no doubt concerned about your poor pup not eating. Since there are many reasons why a dog has no appetite, we'll break it down from mild to severe causes, and perhaps you'll identify what the cause could be for your not-hungry hound. Remember, VEG is open 24/7 if you have any questions or need emergency care for your dog.
Mild causes for dog not eating
Food change could cause loss of appetite in dogs
One of the most common and least concerning causes of a loss of appetite in dogs is a change of food or treats. If you have suddenly changed your dog’s food brand, blend, or flavor, or if you’ve started giving different treats than they are used to, then your pup may not be interested in the new food for a while.
The best method for changing your dog’s food to a new type is to slowly mix in a little bit at a time, increasing every couple of days until they are eating only the new food and none of the old.
Dog may have stomach upset
Stomach upset can be caused by a wide range of problems, and sometimes it is caused by nothing really at all. If your dog has a minor upset stomach, they may lose their appetite for a day or two. This is normal, and it is typically nothing to worry about if their appetite returns after a couple of days.
If your dog continues to have no appetite after about 48 hours, or if her appetite loss comes and goes very frequently, then you should probably take her to the veterinarian to be checked out.
Dog's stomach is gurgling, but dog won't eat
Rumbling and grumbling sounds (also called borborygmi) happen when gas or fluid moves through your dog’s intestines. A little gurgling is normal—but when it’s loud and your pup’s skipping meals, it could signal discomfort.
The causes below are common but do require emergency vet care, as they can be or lead to serious illness:
Dietary indiscretion: Eating something bad like trash or greasy table scraps
Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas
Gastroenteritis: Inflammation of the stomach and intestines
Intestinal obstruction: Blockage in the digestive tract
Behavioral or environmental causes
If your dog is not eating food but acting normal, it may simply be due to behavioral or environmental reasons, including:
Stress & anxiety
New environments
Travel
Change in routine
Picky eating
Moderate causes for dog not eating
Pain can cause a dog to avoid food
Pain is a moderate, general cause that may contribute to a loss of appetite in your dog. If your dog has any type of pain—from arthritis to dental pain and everything in between — they may stop eating temporarily because it is uncomfortable for them to try.
Dogs who are in pain from dental issues or from a sore throat may not feel like chewing or swallowing food. Dogs in pain from other sources may feel nauseated or simply unwell.
Illness may cause dog to lose appetite
Most types of canine illness cause a loss of appetite. Dogs may stop eating for a while if they have any type of illness, including common respiratory problems, stomach bugs, and more. Chronic and terminal illnesses may also lead to longer-term trouble eating.
On the other hand, some dogs may also be sick if they have excessive appetites but lose a lot of weight anyway. This can be an indicator of certain types of cancers as well as hyperthyroidism. Take your dog to the vet if they have any changes in their eating behavior that last for more than a couple of days.
Severe causes for dog not eating
Intestinal blockage can cause a dog's disinterest in food
One of the more serious potential causes of a loss of appetite in dogs is intestinal blockage. If your dog swallows a foreign object that becomes lodged somewhere in the digestive system, it may cause an intestinal blockage that can become fatal if left untreated.
If your dog is vomiting, has loose or bloody stool, or has severe pain when the abdomen is touched, you should take your pup to the emergency vet right away. Surgery may be warranted in some cases.
A dog may stop eating at the end-of-life stage
Sadly, one of the signs that a dog is nearing the end of their life is a loss of appetite. If you have a senior dog who has stopped showing much interest in food or water, and especially if they have known underlying health problems already, there is a chance that they’re in their end-of-life stage, as it can affect their appetite. If you know or strongly suspect this might be the case, contact your primary care vet to discuss quality of life options.
When it's an emergency if your dog won't eat
If your dog refuses to eat or drink, it can certainly raise a few red flags. Below you’ll find out how you can determine the severity of the situation.
Mild/short-term issues causing loss of dog's appetite
If your dog hasn’t eaten all day, it’s important to monitor the situation closely to ensure it doesn’t worsen. If this is a short-term problem then your dog may simply be showing symptoms of:
mild upset stomach
recent vaccination
Or they may simply be bored of their food! You might want to try
Emergency situations
If your dog hasn’t eaten in 2 days, this can be a sign of a more serious issue which requires urgent veterinary care. Warning signs that your dog may be facing an emergency include: lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, sudden weight loss, or refusing both food and water
If your dog hasn’t eaten in 2 days or their refusal to eat lasts more than 24 hours and is paired with other symptoms, take them in to see an emergency vet right away.
At-home remedies to help get a dog to eat
IMPORTANT: While the loss of appetite can be a short term issue, if accompanied with more severe symptoms like abdominal pain, bloody stools or vomit, it can be a sign of something more serious in your dog which requires immediate attention from either your primary care vet or VEG.
Listed below are tips on how to get your dog to eat:
Switch to wet food or try heating food up slightly
The strong scent and softer texture can make food more appealing and easier to chew, especially for picky eaters or older dogs. Try microwaving the food for just a few seconds to release the scent. Adding some wet food into the mix can also pique your dog’s interest to eat again.
Hand feed or offer a bland diet
Sometimes, feeding by hand can provide comfort if your dog is feeling anxious. That, alongside a gentle meal like boiled chicken and rice, may just convince your picky pup to eat. Be aware that some human foods a dog shouldn't eat. Read our blog on what not to feed your dog and some healthy alternatives.
Check for spoiled food or damaged bowls
Be sure to check that your dog’s food hasn’t gone bad and that their bowls are clean and undamaged. Even small cracks or lingering odors can be enough to make your dog avoid eating.
Reduce stressors in their environment
Loud noises, visitors, or schedule changes can cause stress and impact appetite. Try feeding your dog in a quiet, familiar space and keep mealtimes consistent.
Dog not eating? When to call the emergency vet
If your dog skips one or two meals but seems otherwise fine, home care is usually okay. But if they refuse food for more than 24 hours, show other symptoms, or you’re just not sure what’s going on with your dog, don’t wait – a quick visit to the vet can help catch problems early and give you peace of mind.
At VEG you’ll always have immediate vet attention from an emergency vet. Call or come in if your dog won't eat and we can help diagnose and come up with a plan to help your dog become a real chow hound again.
