Dog Not Eating and Barking a Lot: What’s Causing the Behavior?

Dog Not Eating and Barking a Lot: Common Causes 

1. Anxiety or Stress

One of the most common reasons for increased barking and appetite loss is anxiety. Dogs under stress may bark excessively to release tension, seek reassurance, or react to changes in their environment.

Common stress triggers include:

• Loud noises (fireworks, storms)

• Changes in routine or environment

• Separation from a family member

• Introduction of a new pet or visitor

Stressed dogs may pace, pant, bark at seemingly nothing, and lose interest in food due to their elevated stress hormone levels. Barking becomes a coping mechanism while appetite suppression is a physiological stress response.

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

2. Pain or Physical Discomfort

A dog in pain may bark excessively—either from frustration, vocalizing discomfort, or seeking attention—and may avoid eating because the pain makes it difficult or unappealing.

Sources of pain that may cause this combination include:

• Dental issues like abscesses or broken teeth

• Joint or muscle pain from arthritis or injury

• Gastrointestinal discomfort or bloating

• Ear infections or skin irritation

Pain increases irritability and can lead to reactive barking. At the same time, discomfort reduces the desire to eat—especially if chewing or posture is involved.

3. Hunger or Frustration Barking

Dogs that are used to scheduled feeding may bark more when they’re hungry or confused about food availability—especially if their meals are delayed or the food has changed.

However, barking combined with refusal to eat may indicate:

• Food bowl aversion (smells, discomfort, negative association)

• Not liking the new food

• Expectation of treats instead of regular meals

This form of barking can be loud, persistent, and accompanied by pacing or guarding behavior.

It’s more common in small breeds or spoiled eaters but can also signal underlying emotional or behavioral tension.

4. Cognitive Dysfunction (Dog Dementia)

In senior dogs, canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) can lead to confusion, disrupted sleep cycles, increased vocalization (especially at night), and appetite changes.

Signs may include:

• Excessive barking at walls, shadows, or nothing at all

• Disorientation or staring blankly

• Forgetting food routines or seeming confused about eating

• Repetitive pacing or circling

This is often mistaken for simple aging but is a degenerative brain condition.

Dogs with CCD may become restless and anxious, bark excessively, and forget mealtimes or lose their sense of hunger.

5. Hyperthyroidism or Hormonal Imbalance

While rare in dogs, thyroid imbalances can cause behavioral changes, including agitation and increased vocalization. Dogs with hormonal disruptions may also show:

• Weight loss despite not eating

• Excessive barking or restlessness

• Hair loss or skin issues

• Sensitivity to heat or cold

These symptoms can affect appetite directly or lead to anxiety-driven behaviors like barking, pacing, or whining.

6. Gastrointestinal Issues

Stomach upset, nausea, or bloating can cause food aversion and discomfort—sometimes prompting excessive vocalization. A dog may bark due to:

• Cramping or gas pain

• Feeling hungry but nauseous

• Trying to alert their owner they feel sick

You might also notice lip licking, drooling, or retching. These dogs often want food but back away at the last moment, barking out of frustration or unease.

7. Behavioral Triggers 

If your dog is barking more and not eating, don’t overlook environmental triggers or behavioral causes. Dogs that are bored, understimulated, or not exercised enough may:

• Bark for attention or entertainment

• Ignore food due to overstimulation or distraction

• Bark at sounds, people, or animals outside

This is particularly common in energetic breeds (like Terriers or Shepherds) without enough mental or physical engagement.

If barking seems situational (like near windows or fences), behavioral enrichment may help.

What to Do If Your Dog Isn’t Eating and Barking Excessively

If your dog is otherwise stable but showing these symptoms:

• Provide a calm, structured environment to reduce overstimulation

• Try hand-feeding or offering soft, warm food to entice eating

• Avoid reinforcing the barking (don’t give treats or affection during the outbursts)

• Use interactive toys or puzzle feeders to engage their brain

• Limit access to overstimulating views (windows, doors) if barking is territorial

Track when and where the barking happens.

Patterns can help determine whether the cause is medical, behavioral, or environmental.

When to Call or Visit Your Vet

Seek veterinary attention if your dog:

• Has gone more than 24 hours without eating

• Is barking persistently for no clear reason

• Shows signs of pain, trembling, or panting

• Displays confusion, restlessness, or aggression

• Is a senior and showing possible cognitive changes

A vet can check for dental pain, infections, stomach upset, or neurological issues.

In some cases, anti-anxiety medication or behavior modification plans may be recommended.

• Related: Dog Acting Weird and Not Eating (What it means)

• Read more: Dog has bad gas and not eating (What’s going on?)

Key Takeaway

When your dog isn’t eating and is barking excessively, it’s important to look beyond behavior alone.

Barking is your dog’s language—and when it’s paired with a loss of appetite, it’s often a call for help.

Whether the cause is emotional distress, physical discomfort, or illness, trust your instincts.

You know your dog best. With the right guidance, support, and care, your dog can return to a balanced, peaceful routine—both at mealtime and throughout the day.