Dog Cold and Not Eating: What It Means

When your dog has a cold and isn’t eating, it can be concerning—especially if they usually love mealtime.

Just like humans, dogs can catch respiratory infections that leave them feeling stuffy, tired, and uninterested in food. But while some cases are mild and pass with rest, others may need more serious attention.

We outline the reasons why a dog with cold-like symptoms might stop eating, what you can do at home to help them recover, and when it’s time to call your vet.

Dog Cold and Not Eating: Why It Happens

A dog cold and not eating can be caused by viral or bacterial infections (like kennel cough or canine influenza), nasal congestion, sore throat, fever, fatigue, or secondary complications like pneumonia.

These issues can dull your dog’s sense of smell, cause nausea, or make it physically uncomfortable to eat, leading to temporary appetite loss or even vomiting.

Dog Cold and Not Eating

Dog Cold and Not Eating: Common Causes 

1. Upper Respiratory Infections (Dog Cold)

Colds in dogs—commonly caused by viruses like parainfluenza or bacteria like Bordetella—affect the upper respiratory tract, including the nose, throat, and sinuses. The result is congestion, coughing, and fatigue.

Common symptoms:

  • Sneezing or nasal discharge

  • Coughing, especially at night

  • Mild fever or shivering

  • Lethargy and decreased interest in food

Dogs rely heavily on their sense of smell to stimulate appetite. When their nose is congested, even their favorite meals lose appeal.

A dog with a cold may avoid eating until the infection starts to clear and breathing improves.

Related: Dog vomiting and not eating (Causes and when to worry)


2. Nasal Congestion and Blocked Sinuses

When your dog’s nose is stuffed up, they may not only lose their sense of smell—they may also struggle to breathe while eating. This makes mealtime physically unpleasant.

Look for:

  • Snorting, wheezing, or open-mouth breathing

  • Pawing at the nose or face

  • Thick green or yellow nasal discharge

  • Sniffing food but turning away

In cases of severe nasal congestion, a vet might recommend decongestants, antihistamines, or even steam therapy to help clear airways and restore appetite.


3. Sore Throat or Tonsillitis

Some dog colds cause inflammation in the throat, which makes swallowing painful. This can result in a dog refusing to eat, even when they’re hungry.

Symptoms may include:

  • Gagging or swallowing noises

  • Drooling or licking lips

  • Coughing after eating or drinking

  • Refusal to chew hard kibble

Soothing the throat with moist or warmed food and avoiding dry kibble can make eating easier. In some cases, anti-inflammatory meds or antibiotics may be needed.

Related: Dog diarrhea and not eating (Causes and when to worry) 


4. Fever and Fatigue

Fever is a common symptom of a viral or bacterial infection, and just like humans, dogs with fevers often lose their appetite. Fever also causes fatigue, dehydration, and reduced physical activity.

Signs of fever and fatigue include:

  • Warm ears or nose

  • Lethargy or reluctance to move

  • Shivering or trembling

  • Sleeping more than usual

If your dog has a fever and won’t eat, hydration and rest are key. If symptoms persist more than 24 hours or worsen, a vet visit is warranted.


5. Canine Influenza (Dog Flu)

The canine flu is more serious than a mild cold and can cause a deeper loss of appetite due to full-body fatigue and inflammation.

Symptoms include:

  • Wet, productive cough

  • Green nasal discharge

  • Muscle soreness or stiff walking

  • Severe tiredness and appetite loss

In older dogs or puppies, the flu can turn into pneumonia.

If your dog has a lingering cough and no interest in eating, testing for influenza may be needed, and supportive care like IV fluids or medications can be critical.


6. Kennel Cough

Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory condition often picked up in places like boarding kennels, daycares, or dog parks.

While it sounds worse than it is in most cases, the persistent coughing and throat irritation can discourage eating.

Watch for:

  • Dry, honking cough

  • Retching after coughing fits

  • Occasional vomiting from gagging

  • Slight drop in energy and appetite

Most dogs recover from kennel cough within 1–2 weeks, but appetite should be monitored.

If your dog is coughing and refuses to eat for more than a day, they may need medications to reduce throat inflammation and nausea.


7. Secondary Infections or Pneumonia

Sometimes a simple cold can turn into something more serious—like a secondary bacterial infection or pneumonia. These conditions can cause more severe appetite loss and vomiting due to increased inflammation and internal discomfort.

Symptoms of progression include:

  • Labored or fast breathing

  • Deep coughing or wheezing

  • Weakness and weight loss

  • No interest in food or water

If your dog’s cold seems to be getting worse rather than better, or they stop eating entirely for over 24 hours, it’s time to visit your vet for chest X-rays, antibiotics, or fluids.


What to Do If Your Dog Has a Cold and Isn’t Eating

If your dog is mildly sick but otherwise stable, try these supportive measures at home:

  • Warm their food slightly to make it more aromatic and appealing

  • Switch to soft or wet food if dry kibble is unappetizing

  • Offer bland options like boiled chicken, rice, or baby food (without garlic/onion)

  • Run a humidifier or use steam from the shower to help ease congestion

  • Encourage rest in a quiet, warm space

Keep an eye on hydration—offer small amounts of water frequently or add broth to meals.


When to Call or Visit Your Vet

See your vet if your dog:

  • Refuses food for more than 24 hours

  • Has yellow or green nasal discharge

  • Is coughing non-stop or vomiting after coughing

  • Shows signs of fever, lethargy, or labored breathing

  • Is a puppy, senior, or immunocompromised dog

Veterinarians can prescribe medications to reduce inflammation, fight infection, and improve your dog’s comfort so they can start eating again.

 

Key Takeaway

Seeing your dog with a cold not eating can be worrying, especially when their energy seems low and their nose won’t stop running.

In many cases, a dog’s appetite returns as soon as congestion clears and their sense of smell comes back.

But don’t ignore extended food refusal or symptoms that worsen over time.

With your attentive care, plenty of rest, and the help of a trusted vet when needed, your dog will be back to sniffing and snacking in no time.

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