When a dog stops eating and drinking? Here’s the Answer

What About a Dog Who’s Not Drinking Water?

It’s very unusual for a dog to not drink enough water if their food intake is normal.

One possible cause for decreased water intake could be a food change. If you feed your dog dry food and start incorporating canned food or another higher moisture content food into your dog’s meals, your pet may not drink as much water from their bowl since they’re getting more water at mealtimes. This is perfectly normal, so no need to worry.

But if your pup is also eating less than usual, or if you are concerned, go ahead and schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.

On the other end of the spectrum, if your dog is drinking more water than usual in combination with not eating, this could be a symptom of an underlying health problem, and it’s important you speak to your vet.

What Causes a Dog to Stop Eating?

A loss of appetite is referred to as “anorexia,” whereas “Hyporexia” or inappetence means a pet is eating less than normal (although the term anorexia is commonly used to describe both scenarios).

Refusal of food may happen suddenly or develop slowly over time. And it may be due to a variety of reasons, ranging from picky eating habits to a serious illness.

Here are some of the most common reasons why a dog might stop eating:

An upset stomach for any reason (for example, eating spoiled food, garbage, sweets, poisonous plants, or table scraps).

Finicky eating habits.

A food change.

Stress or emotional causes (for example, while boarding, while an owner is out of town, or when there’s a change at home. Your dog may have a hard time adjusting.).

Dental problems that make it difficult to chew food.

Pain anywhere in the body.

Parasites (such as Giardia).

Infections (for example, Leptospirosis, digestive system infections, anything that causes a fever or sore throat, or an upper respiratory infection that affects a dog’s ability to smell their food).

Food allergies, IBD, or other digestive issues.

Toxin ingestion.

Foreign body ingestion (for example, swallowing a sock, toy, or other item that could get stuck and cause an intestinal blockage).

Medication side effects.

An underlying medical condition (kidney disease, kidney failure, liver disease, diabetes, cancer, etc.).

Find food that fits your pet’s needs

Your dog hasnt been eating his food lately, and you dont know what to do. Youre wondering how to get a dog to eat, but more importantly, how to figure out why he stopped eating in the first place. Take time to learn why your dog wont eat and how you can help.

Stressful situations and changes in your dogs environment might be the cause for his temporary refusal to eat. Has anything changed in your pets life recently? It could be something major, like a move to a new home or starting doggy day care, or minor, like a family member leaving for a weekend trip. These changes in your pets life might upset his eating habits. While this is certainly alarming, stressful situations and environmental changes tend to be temporary issues. If they last much longer or your dog shows other signs of stress and anxiety (like soiling in the house or destroying furniture), contact your veterinarian.

A change in cuisine could also be to blame. Just like humans, dogs have opinions on what food they do or do not enjoy. Your pet may be simply snubbing his nose at his kibble, especially if youve recently changed flavors or brands. Dont rule out the possibility that the food youre serving your pet might have spoiled; make sure to check the expiration on the packaging. You can follow these helpful tips if your dog is a picky eater.

Loss of appetite may be a major sign that something is physically wrong with your pet . Your dog may be suffering from dental problems, making it difficult to chew and swallow. Other medical issues could range from an infection to even cancer or liver failure. If you suspect an illness as the cause of your pets sudden decision to stop eating, make an appointment with your vet to run some tests immediately.

Look for other signs beyond not eating that might be pointing to a health related reason. For instance, if your dog has been having diarrhea or even hasnt pooped in a couple of days, he might be having some GI upset. Is he acting particularly lethargic or withdrawn? A dog that is still active and excited typically means he feels fine, so it might just be him being picky, but not eating combined with other signs can be a good indication of a health concern and you should take him to the vet to get checked.

Also, be sure to check his water intake. If he is not eating, but is drinking water he could potentially just be a picky eater. Monitor him for a day or two and see if his appetite changes. If not, and he still only continues to drink water, you should consult your vet. If he is not eating or drinking, you need to call your vet immediately. Dogs should not go a single day without drinking water.

Medication can be another potential reason your dog is eating less. While medicines and vaccinations help keep your dog healthy, sometimes an animal experiences side effects. You should monitor your dog after he is given medication and call your vet if his poor appetite lasts longer than 24 hours.

Discover Reasons Why a Dog Stops Eating

It can be a really worrying time when your dog is off their food. Unfortunately ‘anorexia’ or loss of appetite can be caused by a whole host of reasons. In order to determine the treatment to give to your dog, it is important to identify what the underlying cause of the reluctance to eat is.

Loss of appetite in a dog can be a sign of illness so it’s important to seek veterinary help if you notice changes in your dog’s normal eating habits – particularly if your pooch is normally a good eater. It’s best to get to the bottom of the problem as early as possible, as if left untreated for several days it can lead to dehydration and malnourishment.