Dog Not Eating: Causes, When to Worry and What to Do

What it usually means

Vets separate two situations. In true anorexia, a dog simply is not interested in food. In pseudo-anorexia, a dog is hungry but cannot pick up, chew or swallow food comfortably, most often because of mouth, throat or jaw pain. Either type is a warning sign, because a reduced appetite is strongly linked with illness.

That does not mean every refusal is a crisis. Some dogs eat only when the family is home, prefer a certain mealtime, or go off a food after a recipe change. A preference for a certain mealtime is usually fine if your dog eats enough and keeps a healthy weight. Illness becomes more likely when not eating comes with vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy or pain, or when it goes on beyond a day or so.

Puppies, dogs with long-term conditions such as diabetes, and seniors have less margin. They need quicker attention, because they cannot go as long without food. If you are unsure, a phone call to your vet is a sensible first step. Pay particular attention if vomiting or lethargy shows up as well.

Common causes

What you can do at home

These steps are for a dog who is otherwise well, with no vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy. Check the expiration date and smell the food, and replace it if it seems stale. Warm it slightly, soften dry food with a little warm water, or add a splash of low-sodium broth that contains no onion or garlic. Try hand-feeding, or offer a different texture such as wet instead of dry.

Keep mealtimes, the feeding spot and the bowl consistent, and reduce stress where you can with a quiet space and some exercise. Do not coax with lots of treats or table scraps. If your dog will only eat when given toppers or treats, that is a reason to see the vet rather than a fix.

For an otherwise healthy adult dog, some vets approve plain, unseasoned cooked chicken and rice for a short time, but ask first, and always ask first for a puppy, senior or dog with a health condition.

If your dog is still refusing food after about a day, or any red flag appears, call your vet. Appetite stimulants are prescription medicines, and human medicines can be dangerous for dogs, so give nothing without your vet's direction.

What happens at the vet

Your vet will ask when your dog last ate normally, what has changed at home, what medicines your dog takes, and about vomiting, diarrhea, thirst and weight. A thorough exam looks at the mouth, teeth and belly, and checks for pain, fever and dehydration.

Tests depend on what the exam suggests. They can include blood and urine tests, X-rays, ultrasound and sometimes endoscopy to look inside the digestive tract. The aim is to find the reason for the lost appetite, because treatment follows the cause.

Alongside that, your vet may treat nausea, give fluids if your dog is dehydrated, or prescribe a short course of medicine to stimulate appetite once more serious problems are ruled out. If your dog is not taking in enough food, a temporary feeding tube can bridge the gap until they eat on their own. Behavioral and stress-related causes are handled with changes at home, and your vet may also suggest medication for severe anxiety.

Prevention

Change diets gradually over several days rather than overnight, and store food so it stays fresh. Buy bag sizes you can finish before the food loses quality, and keep treats and human food modest so they do not crowd out meals.

Feed at consistent times in a consistent, quiet spot. Introduce new pets and people slowly, and give your dog a safe retreat during upheavals like moves or visitors.

Mouth pain can quietly stop a dog from eating, so look at your dog's teeth and gums now and then and ask your vet about dental care. Our guide to brushing your dog's teeth is a good place to start.

Finally, keep a rough idea of how much your dog normally eats. Spotting a change early, and involving your vet early, matters because the cause can be serious.