Dog Not Eating and Drinking: Causes and What To Do

1. Illness or Underlying Health Issues

One of the most common reasons for a dog not eating or drinking is illness.

Just like humans, dogs tend to lose their appetite when they’re unwell.

Health conditions that cause these symptoms include:

• Kidney or liver disease

• Pancreatitis

• Gastrointestinal infections

• Cancer

• Dental issues like abscesses or broken teeth

These conditions often affect a dog’s ability to digest food properly or make them nauseous, leading to food and water avoidance.

A dog refusing food and water due to illness may also become lethargic, vomit, or show signs of pain.

Related: Dog diarrhea and not eating (Explained)

2. Pain or Discomfort

A dog not eating and drinking water might be dealing with internal pain.

Pain in the mouth, throat, abdomen, or other parts of the body can make eating or swallowing uncomfortable. Common sources of pain include:

• Dental problems

• Injuries or fractures

• Infections

• Arthritis in senior dogs

You may notice your dog drooling, pawing at their mouth, or whining when they try to eat.

3. Upset Stomach or Nausea

An upset stomach is a leading cause of a dog not eating or drinking for a day or two.

Dogs who feel nauseated will often avoid both food and water.

Causes include:

• Eating spoiled food or trash

• Sudden changes in diet

• Ingesting toxins or foreign objects

Nausea may also lead to vomiting, which makes dehydration even more likely.

If your dog is not eating and drinking and throwing up, it’s time to call your vet.

Related: Dog not eating and sleeping a lot (Explained)

4. Stress or Anxiety

Just like humans, dogs experience stress, which can lead to a loss of appetite and refusal to drink.

A dog not eating or drinking water due to stress may also show signs like:

• Hiding

• Whining or barking excessively

• Shaking

• Licking lips or pacing

Common triggers for stress include:

• Moving to a new home

• A new baby or pet in the house

• Loud noises (fireworks, thunderstorms)

• Separation anxiety

Stress-induced anorexia in dogs can last for several days if not addressed.

5. Environmental Changes

Sudden changes in a dog’s environment or routine can affect their behavior around food and water.

A dog refusing to eat or drink might just need time to adjust, especially if:

• You’ve just moved homes

• Changed the brand or type of food

• Introduced a new feeding location

• Are using unfamiliar water or bowls

Sometimes even a different smell or texture in their food can throw them off, especially for picky eaters.

6. Vaccination or Medication Side Effects

If your dog stopped eating and drinking shortly after receiving vaccinations or starting a new medication, it may be a side effect.

Common drugs that cause appetite loss or nausea include:

• Antibiotics

• Anti-inflammatories

• Chemotherapy agents

In many cases, side effects wear off after a day or two. However, continued symptoms require veterinary consultation.

Related: Dog not eating and sick? (Explained)

7. Old Age and Cognitive Decline

Older dogs may show a gradual loss of interest in food and water due to aging or conditions like canine cognitive dysfunction (similar to dementia in humans).

A senior dog not eating or drinking might also forget where their bowl is or lose the ability to recognize hunger or thirst cues.

If your older dog is showing signs like confusion, pacing, or accidents in the house along with reduced appetite, it could be cognitive decline.

What to Do If Your Dog Is Not Eating and Drinking

If your dog is not eating or drinking for 24 hours or more, especially with other symptoms, do not ignore it. Here are steps you can take:

1. Assess Their Environment

• Has anything changed recently? New food, bowls, or stressors?

• Make sure their food and water are fresh and easily accessible.

• Try offering bland food like boiled chicken and rice.

2. Monitor for Other Symptoms

• Are they vomiting, lethargic, or showing pain?

• Check their gums. Pale, dry gums can indicate dehydration.

• Gently press on their abdomen to see if they react with pain.

3. Encourage Hydration

• Offer ice cubes or ice chips

• Use unsalted chicken broth to encourage drinking

• Add water to their kibble or switch to wet food temporarily

Hydration is more critical than food in the short term.

A dog not eating or drinking and sleeping a lot may be rapidly approaching a dangerous level of dehydration.

When to See a Vet

You should contact your veterinarian if your dog hasn’t eaten or drunk anything for more than 24 hours, or immediately if they show:

• Severe vomiting or diarrhea

• Blood in stool or vomit

• Signs of dehydration (dry nose, sunken eyes, loss of skin elasticity)

• Lethargy or collapse

• Sudden weight loss

These can be signs of serious underlying conditions like organ failure, poisoning, or severe infections.

Puppies, senior dogs, or those with chronic illnesses are particularly at risk and should be evaluated sooner.

Preventing Appetite and Hydration Issues in Dogs

To help avoid future instances of your dog not eating and drinking, follow these preventative tips:

• Stick to a consistent feeding schedule

• Avoid sudden food changes—introduce new diets gradually

• Keep food and water bowls clean and accessible

• Minimize stress and provide a safe, calm environment

• Regular veterinary checkups to catch health issues early

• Monitor for changes in behavior or bathroom habits

Key Takeaway

A dog not eating and drinking could be facing anything from temporary digestive upset to a serious medical condition.

Whether caused by illness, stress, pain, or environmental changes, it’s crucial to address the issue early.

While occasional missed meals may not be serious, a dog refusing food and water for more than 24 hours, especially with additional symptoms, should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

By identifying the underlying cause and acting promptly, you can help your furry friend recover and stay healthy for years to come.