Why Is My Dog Not Eating? Causes and How to Help

What it usually means

Mild illness is the most common reason: an upset stomach after eating something they should not have, a short-lived infection, or nausea for any reason. Dental pain is another, especially in older and small-breed dogs, and it often shows as dropping food, chewing on one side, or eating soft food but refusing kibble.

Stress plays a big part. A house move, a new pet or baby, boarding, a change in routine, hot weather, or a loud event like fireworks can put a dog off food for a day or two. Some medicines, including some antibiotics and pain relievers, reduce appetite. Less often, poor appetite is an early sign of a more serious illness such as kidney, liver, or heart disease, pancreatitis, or cancer.

Not eating, or just picky?

It helps to know whether your dog is refusing all food or only their usual food. A dog who turns down kibble but happily accepts treats or table scraps may simply be holding out for something tastier, which is a habit table scraps teach quickly. Food that is stale, a new recipe from the same brand, or a bowl in a busy spot can also put a dog off.

A dog who refuses even favorite treats, or who approaches the bowl and then walks away, licking their lips, is more likely to feel unwell or nauseous. Watch for other changes, too: energy, thirst, stools, weight, and whether they are still interested in walks and play.

When to call your vet today

Call your vet if an adult dog has not eaten for 24 hours, even if they otherwise seem fine, or sooner if they are a senior, have a medical condition such as diabetes, or are on medication that should be given with food. Call right away for a puppy who refuses more than one meal, because young puppies can develop low blood sugar quickly.

Also call the same day if poor appetite comes with vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weight loss, drooling, pawing at the mouth, coughing, or a change in thirst or urination. A dog who is drinking but not eating can still have a problem that needs treatment.

When it's an emergency

Go to an emergency vet now if your dog is not eating and also has a swollen belly with retching that brings nothing up, repeated vomiting, a very painful belly, pale gums, weakness, or collapse. Bloat, intestinal blockages, and severe pancreatitis can all start this way and can become life threatening within hours.

Treat it as an emergency, too, if your dog might have swallowed a toy, sock, or bone, or eaten anything toxic. For a possible poisoning, call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661; a fee may apply.

How to get your dog to eat

If your dog is otherwise well, try warming wet food slightly, softening dry food with warm water, or adding a spoonful of low-sodium chicken broth with no onion or garlic. Offer food in a quiet spot away from other pets, and try hand feeding a few pieces. Check the food is fresh and has not gone stale.

Pick the bowl up after 15 to 20 minutes rather than leaving food out all day, and avoid a stream of treats and scraps, which teaches some dogs to wait for something better. Do not give human medicines to settle the stomach or boost appetite; if the problem continues, your vet can prescribe medicine to help.

What the vet will likely check

Your vet will ask how long your dog has been off food, whether they will eat anything at all, and about any other signs, then examine the mouth, teeth, belly, temperature, and weight. Many dogs who will not eat turn out to have dental pain or nausea that the exam uncovers.

If the cause is not obvious, the next step is usually blood and urine tests to check organ function, and sometimes X-rays or an ultrasound to look for blockages or other problems in the belly. Treatment depends on what is found, and may include anti-nausea medicine, fluids, dental treatment, or a special diet.

Preventing appetite problems

Feed at regular times in a calm place, and keep treats to a small share of the day's food. When changing foods, switch gradually over about a week, mixing in more of the new food each day. Store dry food sealed and use it within the time on the bag.

Keep up with dental care and yearly checkups, especially as your dog gets older, because dental disease and early organ disease often show first as fussiness with food. Keep garbage and small objects out of reach to avoid upsets and blockages.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.