Naturally, dog parents want the best for their dogs in order to keep them happy and healthy. So when a dog is not drinking or eating, this can cause concern and is a common sign that your dog is not feeling well. Your dog may not be drinking or eating due to picky eating habits, a dental or medical issue, anxiety/stress, or changes in their routine or environment. In this article, we help dog parents understand the potential reasons why their dog is not eating or drinking, what to do to help them, and when to seek veterinary advice. Since dogs can quickly become ill without food or water, it’s essential that dog parents find the root cause behind their dog’s reduced appetite and water intake as soon as possible, to support them in feeling better again.
Illness or pain
Since dogs are notoriously good at hiding their pain, loss of appetite is usually the first sign that your dog is unwell. If your dog is not eating or drinking water and appears lethargic, this could be because they are experiencing pain or discomfort from an illness. Your dog may have a dental problem, such as tooth damage or infection, which is making it difficult for them to eat their food. Gum disease in dogs is also a common issue, which can cause lack of appetite. There are also countless other health reasons that can cause dogs to go off their food, so it’s important to seek veterinary advice as soon as possible if you suspect your dog is unwell.
Anxiety or stress
When dogs feel anxious or stressed, they may lose their appetite. Dogs can experience anxiety or stress from changes in their environment or routine. Situations such as moving to a new house, renovations in the home, and the arrival or death of a family member or pet, can all cause a dog to stop eating or drinking. Dogs can also be frightened by loud noises such as construction work, fireworks and thunderstorms. They may also experience separation anxiety from family members starting a new job or children returning to school, which can change their routine, as well as cause boredom and loneliness. Dog parents can identify which situation is causing their dog’s loss of appetite and try to remedy it if possible. Creating a comfortable, safe and stimulating environment for your dog can help to reduce their anxiety and stress levels.
Change in diet
Dogs can become accustomed to their diet, so if you change their food suddenly, this may cause your dog to stop eating. If you are changing the brand or flavour of your dog’s food, it’s important that you do this gradually over the course of a week. You can add small amounts of the new food to their usual food so they become familiar with the taste, and slowly increase the amount of new food until they’re ready for the change. On the other hand, the food you are serving may be spoiled or stale, which is why your dog is not eating it. Make sure to check the expiration dates on your dog’s food packaging, store it in a cool environment, and throw out any leftovers in your dog’s bowl.
Gastrointestinal upset
Your dog may not be eating or drinking water if they feel nauseous. Nausea in dogs can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection, eating something they shouldn’t have, intestinal parasites, or some type of obstruction in their gut. Your dog may also show other signs of gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation, alongside their loss of appetite. If you notice these signs and your dog is not drinking water or appears lethargic, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible to prevent dehydration
Fussy eaters
Besides changes in diet, dogs can also become fussy eaters for a number of other reasons. If you regularly feed your dog table scraps, this may be why your dog is not eating their main meals. It is generally not advised to feed dogs human foods, as some foods can be toxic or unsafe for your dog to consume. You may have also inadvertently taught your dog that if they refuse their food, they will get an alternative option instead - and your dog may wait for this. You’ll know if your dog is a picky eater if they refuse their meals, but are happy to eat a treat or what’s on your plate instead, as dogs who are unwell will likely not want to eat or drink anything. Try to establish a meal schedule for your dog, and create safe boundaries on human foods and treats.
How to identify the underlying cause and address the issue of dog not eating
It’s important that dog parents observe their dog’s overall behaviour, including changes in their appetite, as well as any other physical signs or symptoms. This can help you and your vet identify the root cause of why your dog is not eating or drinking.
You can check for dental problems by inspecting your dog’s mouth, including their teeth and gums, to check for signs of damage, inflammation (red or bleeding gums) or infection. You can also keep an eye on your dog’s bowel movements, in case they are experiencing diarrhoea or constipation, and check if your dog is urinating even if they’re not drinking water. If your dog appears to be lethargic and less active than usual, this is another indicator that they may be unwell, and may be accompanied by a high temperature making their ears and paws feel hot to the touch if they have a viral or bacterial infection. If all else seems well with your dog, consider any situations or changes to their environment that may be causing them stress or anxiety.
Whatever the reason for their loss of appetite, it’s crucial that you seek veterinary guidance to rule out any underlying medical illnesses, as well as advice on how to support your dog eating or drinking again.
What do I do if my dog won't drink or eat?
If your dog won’t eat or drink, you should look out for any signs of a dental or medical problem, and consider any changes to their food, environment or routine. Seek veterinary advice if your dog won’t drink or eat for more than 24 hours, as this can cause dehydration.
Below we have listed 5 practical strategies to help stimulate your dog’s appetite and promote proper hydration:
- Identify the root cause of why your dog is not eating or drinking. Certain medical illnesses can cause reduced appetite and water intake, so consult your veterinarian for professional guidance and treat the underlying cause.
- Consider serving wet food if your dog is eating but not drinking water to support their water intake. You can also add small amounts of warm water to their dry food to increase hydration. Learn more about what you should feed your dog .
- Stimulate your dog’s appetite. You can try slightly warming your dog’s wet food to enhance its aromas and make it more appealing - just check the temperature before serving.
- Make mealtime more exciting. If your dog is not eating, it could be that they are bored with their meals being served in a bowl. Try using a puzzle feeder that dispenses your dog’s dry food to keep them stimulated.
- Rearrange your dog’s feeding area. It may help your dog’s appetite to change where you place their food and water bowls. If you have multiple pets, keep your dog’s feeding area separate, in a safe and private location.
What do I do if my dog won't drink water?
If your dog is eating but not drinking water, ensure your dog’s water bowl always has fresh and cool water in it by replacing and cleaning it regularly. Consider placing it in a more comfortable location, or use a water fountain as encouragement. You can also try serving wet food.
If your dog is eating but not drinking water, this can quickly lead to dehydration and make them unwell. Wet food has a high moisture content, so if your dog is not drinking water but urinating and eating wet food, this is less concerning as they are still getting hydrated. You can also support their water intake by adding some warm water to their dry food.
When should I seek veterinary help for my dog's refusal to eat or drink?
If your dog is not drinking water or eating as usual, it’s essential that dog parents closely observe their behaviour and look out for any other signs or symptoms. For example, if your dog is not drinking water and is lethargic, this is a serious sign of dehydration and requires immediate veterinary attention. Also, if your dog is not eating properly for a prolonged period of time, this can cause significant weight loss and lead to other complications.
If it has been 24 hours since your dog has last eaten or drank water, consult your veterinarian immediately as dogs can quickly become unwell without food or water. In the case that your dog is also vomiting or has diarrhoea, you should not wait longer than 12 hours to speak to a veterinarian.
You should also seek veterinary help if your dog is not eating or drinking and they are puppies or seniors, underweight or overweight, have a medical condition or illness, are in pain, or if you suspect your dog has eaten something inappropriate or toxic, including an object that can cause gastrointestinal blockage.
Making sure your dog is eating a complete and balanced diet and drinking plenty of water is essential for their overall health and well-being. Dog parents should choose high-quality dog food, such as PEDIGREE® Dog Food, which has been specially formulated to provide essential nutrition, as well as all the nutrients, vitamins and minerals in the right amounts and correct ratios that they need to thrive. With a range of flavours and textures, you can find what your dog enjoys best, and hopefully tempt their appetite.
