When your dog is vomiting water and not eating, it’s a troubling sign that shouldn’t be brushed off.
While it may appear that your dog is simply regurgitating water, frequent vomiting of clear liquid paired with refusal to eat can signal a deeper problem.
We outline why this happens and when to seek medical care for your dog.
Dog Dry Nose and Not Eating — Why It Happens
When a dog has a dry nose and is not eating, it may be caused by dehydration, fever, overheating, respiratory illness, autoimmune disorders, nausea, or dental problems. A dry nose may signal that your dog isn’t feeling well overall, and the appetite loss is often tied to discomfort, pain, or an illness affecting the whole body.
Dog Dry Nose and Not Eating : Common Causes
1. Dehydration
Dehydration is one of the most common causes of both a dry nose and food refusal.
Dogs can become dehydrated due to vomiting, diarrhea, heat exposure, or illness—and it quickly affects their nose and appetite.
Look for:
Sticky or dry gums
Sunken eyes
Lethargy
Loss of skin elasticity
Mild dehydration can be corrected at home with fluids and rest, but more serious cases need IV fluids and prompt vet care.
2. Fever or Infection
A fever can dry out your dog’s nose and make them feel too unwell to eat. Fevers often result from infections—such as urinary tract infections, respiratory diseases, or internal conditions like pancreatitis.
Signs of fever include:
Warm ears and nose
Shivering or trembling
Loss of interest in water or food
Sleeping more than usual
If your dog feels hot to the touch and isn’t eating, it’s time for a vet visit to uncover the cause and start appropriate treatment.
Related: Dog vomiting and not eating (Causes and when to worry)
3. Overheating or Sun Exposure
If your dog has been outside in the heat or lying near a heat source, their nose may dry out, and they may feel uncomfortable or nauseous, causing a temporary loss of appetite.
Watch for:
Panting
Restlessness
Seeking shade or cool surfaces
Refusing food but still drinking
Move your dog to a cool, shaded area and offer cool water or ice cubes.
If symptoms persist or worsen, seek veterinary advice—especially to rule out heatstroke.
4. Respiratory Illness
Dogs with colds, flu, or kennel cough may have nasal congestion, dry noses, and poor appetite. Just like humans, dogs may not want to eat when they feel congested or tired.
Other symptoms may include:
Sneezing or coughing
Nasal discharge
Noisy breathing
Sleeping more than usual
Mild cases may resolve at home with supportive care, but if your dog refuses to eat for more than 24 hours, see your vet.
Related: Dog diarrhea and not eating (Causes and when to worry)
5. Autoimmune Disorders
Conditions like discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) or pemphigus can cause the nose to appear cracked, crusty, or dry—and may be associated with systemic signs like lethargy and loss of appetite.
Warning signs include:
Scabbing or color change on the nose
Sores or hair loss
Loss of energy or alertness
Not eating or avoiding food due to oral discomfort
Autoimmune diseases require diagnosis and management by a vet, often with immunosuppressive medications and lifestyle adjustments.
6. Dental Pain or Oral Issues
Sometimes, the issue isn’t the nose at all—it’s pain in the mouth. A dry nose and not eating could be tied to discomfort while chewing due to infected gums, loose teeth, or abscesses.
Signs include:
Drooling
Dropping food while eating
Pawing at the mouth
Bad breath
Your vet may recommend a dental cleaning, antibiotics, or even extractions if needed.
7. Nausea or Gastrointestinal Problems
Nausea from gastritis, acid reflux, pancreatitis, or intestinal upset can also cause your dog to avoid food and develop a dry nose from dehydration or excessive licking.
Other GI signs:
Lip licking
Burping or gagging
Lying in a hunched position
Vomiting or diarrhea
If your dog won’t eat but tries to vomit or shows discomfort, a vet exam is essential to rule out dangerous causes.
What to Do If Your Dog Has a Dry Nose and Isn’t Eating
If your dog seems otherwise alert and hydrated, here are some ways to help:
Offer soft, aromatic foods like warm chicken broth or baby food (no onions or garlic)
Encourage hydration with water, ice chips, or oral electrolyte solutions
Use a cool-mist humidifier if your home is dry
Apply a vet-approved balm to moisturize the nose if cracked
Keep them calm and monitor closely
If your dog still refuses to eat for 24 hours, becomes lethargic, or shows other symptoms like vomiting or trouble breathing, call your vet.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Seek veterinary care if:
Your dog hasn’t eaten for more than 24 hours
The nose is cracked, bleeding, or discolored
You notice vomiting, diarrhea, or coughing
There are signs of fever, pain, or lethargy
Your dog is very young, old, or has other health conditions
Your vet may recommend bloodwork, X-rays, or other diagnostics to get to the root cause.
Key Takeaway
A dry nose and refusal to eat can be more than just a coincidence—it may be a sign your dog is unwell. From simple dehydration to infections or autoimmune disease, it’s important to assess the whole picture. While some causes are mild and short-lived, others require timely veterinary care.
Always listen to your gut. If your dog’s dry nose is accompanied by other symptoms or they haven’t eaten in a day, reach out to your vet. With your attention and care, your dog has the best chance to recover comfortably.