If your dog is barking excessively and refusing to eat, it can be distressing and confusing. These symptoms may indicate behavioral, medical, or environmental issues.
We outline the possible causes of dog barking and not eating, what these symptoms could mean, and when it’s time to seek veterinary help.
Dog Barking and Not Eating: What It Means
Dog barking is a normal part of communication, used to express excitement, anxiety, fear, hunger, or alertness. However, excessive barking coupled with not eating is a red flag. It often signals that something more serious may be going on.
Loss of appetite, also known as inappetence, can be triggered by a wide range of factors including stress, illness, changes in environment, or dental problems. When these two symptoms—dog barking and not eating—occur together, it is often a sign of discomfort, pain, or emotional distress.
Is Dog Barking and Not Eating Normal?
It’s normal for dogs to skip a meal occasionally or bark at something unusual. However, if your dog continues to bark excessively and avoids eating for more than 24 hours, it’s a cause for concern.
This combination of behaviors may mean your dog is in pain, experiencing stress, or dealing with an underlying health issue that requires professional attention.
Possible Causes of Dog Barking and Not Eating
1. Stress or Anxiety
Stress is one of the most common reasons for dog barking and not eating.
Dogs are sensitive animals and can react to changes in their environment, such as:
Moving to a new home
New pets or people in the house
Loud noises like fireworks or thunderstorms
Separation from their owners
When a dog is anxious, they may bark excessively as a coping mechanism.
Simultaneously, anxiety can suppress a dog’s appetite, leading them to avoid food even when they’re hungry.
Signs of stress in dogs may include:
Pacing
Panting
Trembling
Whining or howling
Hiding or clinging
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2. Pain or Illness
A dog who is barking a lot and not eating could be trying to signal discomfort.
Illness or injury may be causing pain that leads to both behaviors.
Common medical conditions that could cause these symptoms include:
Dental disease
Gastrointestinal upset
Kidney or liver disease
Infections
Pancreatitis
For example, a dog with tooth pain may bark more due to discomfort and refuse to eat hard food.
Similarly, a digestive issue may cause nausea, making your dog reject food and vocalize their discomfort through barking.
3. Separation Anxiety
Dogs that suffer from separation anxiety often bark excessively when their owners leave and may refuse to eat until their human companion returns.
This condition is more common in breeds that are very bonded to their owners.
Typical signs of separation anxiety include:
Destructive behavior when left alone
Barking or howling for hours
Pacing or scratching at doors
Ignoring food or treats when alone
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4. Changes in Environment or Routine
Dogs thrive on routine. If their usual schedule is disrupted—such as a change in feeding time, the absence of a family member, or relocation—they might respond by barking and refusing to eat.
Even small changes, like moving their feeding area or introducing a new pet, can affect their behavior and appetite.
5. Dietary Issues
Sometimes, a dog won’t eat simply because they don’t like their food, or it has gone stale.
However, if a dog is barking and not eating, the issue may be more complex.
Dogs may bark at their food if:
The food is spoiled or smells off
They associate the food with a previous negative experience (e.g., vomiting after eating)
They’re dealing with food aversion due to illness
Always check your dog’s food for freshness and ensure it’s stored properly.
6. Cognitive Dysfunction in Older Dogs
Senior dogs may bark more and lose their appetite due to Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD), which is similar to dementia in humans. Dogs with CCD may:
Bark for no apparent reason
Forget where their food bowl is
Wander aimlessly
Seem disoriented
If your older dog is barking and not eating, consult your veterinarian about potential age-related cognitive changes.
7. Boredom or Attention-Seeking Behavior
Dogs that are left alone or unstimulated for long periods may begin to bark for attention.
If barking has become a habitual way of seeking engagement, and they’re not eating, it may be due to lack of mental or physical stimulation.
In these cases, your dog may be turning to barking because they’re not receiving enough enrichment.
Providing toys, puzzles, and regular walks can help reduce this behavior.
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8. Reaction to Medications
Certain medications may cause nausea, discomfort, or agitation in dogs.
These side effects can lead to excessive barking and a loss of appetite.
If your dog starts showing these symptoms after beginning a new medication, speak with your vet about alternative treatments or dosage adjustments.
What To Do If Your Dog Is Barking and Not Eating
If your dog is barking a lot and refusing food, it’s important not to ignore the symptoms.
Here’s what you can do:
1. Evaluate the Situation
Have there been any recent changes in your dog’s environment?
Has your dog started new medications?
Are there signs of pain, vomiting, or lethargy?
Answering these questions can help identify if the issue is behavioral or medical.
2. Offer Appealing Food
Try offering bland food like boiled chicken and rice. If your dog eats this, it may be a temporary upset stomach.
However, if they continue to refuse food, a vet visit is necessary.
3. Reduce Stressors
If your dog is barking and not eating due to anxiety, reduce environmental stressors:
Create a calm space
Use calming aids like pheromone diffusers
Stick to a routine
4. Provide Enrichment
Increase playtime, introduce puzzle feeders, and ensure your dog is getting regular walks.
Mental stimulation can decrease attention-seeking barking and improve appetite.
When To See the Vet
You should seek veterinary help immediately if your dog is:
Barking and not eating for more than 24–48 hours
Showing signs of pain (whimpering, limping, flinching)
Vomiting or has diarrhea
Losing weight rapidly
Lethargic or disoriented
If your dog barking and not eating is accompanied by sudden behavioral changes or physical symptoms, it may indicate an emergency that requires professional evaluation.
Key Takeaway: Dog Barking and Not Eating
A dog that is barking excessively and not eating is likely experiencing discomfort—whether emotional, behavioral, or physical.
Common causes include stress, illness, separation anxiety, pain, medication, or changes in routine.
While an occasional refusal to eat isn’t always serious, persistent dog barking and not eating warrants a closer look.
Keep an eye out for other symptoms and don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian.
By understanding the root cause and addressing it promptly, you can help restore your dog’s comfort and appetite—leading to a healthier, happier companion.