When a dog suddenly starts hiding in the closet and refuses to eat, it signals more than quirky behavior — it often points to a deeper issue, whether physical or emotional.
We outline the common causes of dog hiding in closet and not eating, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Hiding in Closet and Not Eating — Why It Happens
Dogs hide in closets and refuse food when they’re scared, stressed, unwell, or in pain. This odd behavior can be triggered by illness, anxiety, poisoning, injury, or cognitive decline.
Sometimes, it’s their instinctual way to protect themselves when they feel vulnerable. Not eating in conjunction with hiding intensifies the concern, as it could indicate serious discomfort or medical distress.
Common Causes of Dog Hiding in Closet and Not Eating
Illness or Pain
Dogs often isolate themselves when they feel physically unwell or are in pain. This is a survival instinct seen in the wild.
A dog may retreat to a dark, quiet place like a closet to rest and avoid stimulation. The lack of appetite reflects internal discomfort — from infections, digestive issues, to injuries.
Other signs like lethargy, whining, limping, or shivering may also appear. Because dogs can’t verbalize pain, hiding becomes their way of coping.
Anxiety or Fear
Anxiety — whether from thunderstorms, fireworks, or household changes — can push dogs into hiding.
Closets offer a dark, enclosed space where they feel safe. In high-stress situations, many dogs won’t eat. They may even associate food bowls or mealtimes with anxiety triggers if something traumatic happened recently.
Noise-phobic dogs, in particular, often exhibit this behavior.
Read more: Dog Acting Weird and Not Eating (What’s going on?)
Toxic Ingestion
If your dog ate something toxic — like chocolate, certain houseplants, medications, or chemicals — they may feel nauseous or weak.
This can lead them to isolate in a dark place and avoid food. Vomiting, drooling, trembling, or diarrhea may follow.
Time is critical if poisoning is suspected — symptoms can escalate quickly.
Cognitive Dysfunction in Older Dogs
Senior dogs experiencing Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (doggy dementia) may become confused or disoriented.
They might accidentally wander into a closet and stay there. They may also forget normal routines, including eating.
If this behavior is new in an older dog, it could indicate cognitive decline rather than immediate pain.
Depression or Grief
Yes, dogs can grieve.
Loss of a human or animal companion, or sudden household changes, may cause your dog to withdraw and refuse food.
Hiding in closets is similar to how we might curl up in bed — it’s their way of coping with emotional overload. These changes may be slow, but they’re very real.
Read more: Dog Hiding Food and Not Eating (Strange behavior? Here’s what it means)
What to Do If Your Dog Is Hiding in Closet and Not Eating
Start by gently coaxing your dog out without forcing them. Offer soft encouragement, a quiet voice, and familiar items like a favorite toy or blanket.
Observe their body language. Are they trembling, panting, whining, or stiff? These signs can help narrow down whether it’s anxiety or physical pain.
Tempt them with bland food like boiled chicken or rice. If they still refuse to eat, don’t delay action — fasting beyond 24 hours is concerning, especially when combined with isolation.
If it’s fear-related (e.g., fireworks), close windows, play calming music, and let them self-soothe in a safe space — but keep monitoring them.
Avoid scolding or dragging them out. This may reinforce the behavior or create distrust.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Call your vet immediately if:
Your dog has been hiding for several hours and won’t come out.
They haven’t eaten for more than 24 hours.
You see vomiting, diarrhea, trembling, or disorientation.
There’s a possibility they ingested something toxic.
They are older and have shown other signs of confusion.
These combinations suggest a medical issue that needs prompt attention.
Even if symptoms seem mild, a professional exam is better than waiting — early intervention can prevent worsening conditions.
Read more: Dog Hiccups and Not Eating (What’s normal and what’s not?)
Key Takeaway
If your dog is hiding in the closet and not eating, trust your gut — something is wrong.
This behavior is rarely just quirky and often suggests stress, pain, illness, or emotional strain.
While minor anxiety may pass, prolonged refusal to eat or continued hiding should not be ignored.
Be gentle, stay observant, and seek veterinary guidance when in doubt. Your quick response can make all the difference.