If your dog is not eating and not pooping, it can be a concerning situation for any pet parent. These two vital functions — appetite and bowel movement — are key indicators of your dog’s health.
When both stop or slow down, it often signals that something is wrong internally.
We outline the causes of a dog not eating and not pooping, explain the symptoms you should watch for, and help you understand when it’s time to seek veterinary care.
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Why Does a Dog Stop Eating and Not Poop?
A dog not eating and not pooping often indicates a slowdown or blockage in the digestive system. This could be due to dietary changes, illness, or physical obstruction. Sometimes it’s a temporary issue, such as stress or a minor digestive upset, but other times it could be a sign of a more serious health problem.
Because these symptoms often go hand-in-hand, understanding the connection between appetite and bowel function can help you identify the underlying cause.
Common causes of a Dog Not Eating and Not Pooping
1. Dietary Changes or Poor Diet
Sudden changes in diet can cause a dog to lose appetite and disrupt normal bowel movements.
Switching dog food abruptly may upset their stomach and cause constipation or even a temporary loss of appetite.
Similarly, feeding low-fiber or inappropriate food may lead to reduced stool production and digestive sluggishness.
When a dog stops eating due to diet, they often also stop pooping because the digestive system is not processing food regularly.
Gradual transitions to new foods and choosing high-quality, balanced diets help avoid this problem.
Related: Dog eating grass and not eating (Here’s why)
2. Constipation
Constipation is one of the most common reasons why a dog may stop pooping.
When feces become hard, dry, and difficult to pass, dogs may experience discomfort that also reduces their desire to eat.
Constipation can be caused by dehydration, lack of exercise, ingestion of bones or foreign objects, or underlying medical conditions such as hypothyroidism.
If your dog is constipated, they might strain during bowel movements, have infrequent or absent pooping, and may lose appetite due to abdominal discomfort.
3. Gastrointestinal Blockage
A more serious cause of a dog not eating and not pooping is a blockage in the digestive tract.
Dogs are notorious for eating things they shouldn’t — toys, socks, bones, or other foreign bodies.
These items can get stuck and prevent the passage of stool and food, leading to appetite loss and constipation.
Gastrointestinal obstruction is a medical emergency.
It usually causes additional symptoms like vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, and bloating.
Related: Dog not eating and peeing blood (Here’s why)
4. Illness and Infection
Several illnesses can cause your dog to stop eating and stop pooping.
Viral or bacterial infections affecting the digestive tract, such as parvovirus or gastroenteritis, often cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation.
Systemic diseases like kidney failure, liver disease, or pancreatitis can also reduce appetite and disrupt bowel habits.
5. Pain and Discomfort
Pain, whether from arthritis, injury, or internal conditions, can cause a dog to stop eating and reduce bowel movements.
Pain during defecation or abdominal discomfort may cause your dog to avoid pooping altogether.
Additionally, pain often suppresses appetite.
6. Stress and Anxiety
Dogs can react to stress by changing their eating and bathroom habits.
Moving to a new home, introduction of new pets, loud noises, or separation anxiety can cause a dog to eat less and stop pooping temporarily.
Stress-induced loss of appetite combined with reduced bowel movement can usually be reversed with a calm environment and routine.
7. Medications and Side Effects
Certain medications can cause nausea, constipation, or loss of appetite in dogs.
For example, painkillers, dewormers, or antibiotics sometimes upset the digestive system, leading to these symptoms.
If your dog recently started new medication and is not eating or pooping, consult your vet to evaluate side effects.
Signs to Watch For When Your Dog is Not Eating and Not Pooping
While a dog not eating and not pooping is concerning, other symptoms can help clarify the severity of the problem. Watch out for:
Lethargy: A dog that is unusually tired or inactive.
Vomiting: Frequent or severe vomiting alongside loss of appetite.
Abdominal Pain: Signs of discomfort when you touch their belly, whining, or restlessness.
Bloating: Distended or swollen abdomen.
Straining: Excessive effort to poop without success.
Dry, Hard Stools or No Stool at All: Very infrequent or no bowel movements for more than 48 hours.
Dehydration: Sunken eyes, dry gums, and loss of skin elasticity.
Weight Loss: Rapid or noticeable drop in body weight.
If you notice any of these symptoms along with your dog not eating and not pooping, prompt veterinary care is needed.
What to Do When Your Dog Stops Eating and Pooping
1. Check Their Environment and Diet
Start by reviewing recent changes in your dog’s routine or diet. Has there been a switch in food?
Have they been stressed or exposed to new environments or pets?
Minor adjustments like returning to previous food, ensuring access to fresh water, and reducing stressors can sometimes resolve mild cases.
2. Encourage Hydration
Dehydration can worsen constipation and loss of appetite.
Make sure your dog has constant access to clean water.
You can also offer ice cubes or water-rich foods like wet dog food or broth to encourage hydration.
3. Exercise
Regular movement helps stimulate normal bowel function.
Gentle walks or playtime can help your dog’s digestive system stay active.
4. Monitor Their Bathroom Habits
Keep track of how long your dog goes without pooping.
If it exceeds 48 hours, or if you notice straining or discomfort, it’s time to contact your vet.
5. Avoid Home Remedies Without Guidance
Do not give human laxatives, enemas, or medications without veterinary advice, as some can be harmful to dogs.
Related: Dog not eating and sleeping a lot (Here’s why)
When to See a Veterinarian
You should contact your veterinarian immediately if:
Your dog has not eaten or pooped for more than 48 hours.
There is vomiting alongside loss of appetite and no pooping.
Your dog shows signs of severe pain, bloating, or abdominal swelling.
You suspect your dog has ingested a foreign object or toxin.
Your dog is lethargic, weak, or dehydrated.
There is blood in the stool or vomit.
Your dog is a puppy, senior, or has underlying health issues.
Veterinary care will usually include a physical exam, diagnostic tests such as X-rays or blood work, and treatment tailored to the cause.
Early intervention can prevent complications like severe constipation, bowel obstruction, or systemic illness.
How Vets Treat Dogs That Are Not Eating and Not Pooping
Treatment depends on the diagnosis but may include:
Fluid Therapy: To correct dehydration and soften stools.
Medications: Laxatives, stool softeners, or appetite stimulants.
Dietary Adjustments: Prescription diets or feeding tubes if needed.
Surgery: In cases of bowel obstruction or foreign body removal.
Supportive Care: Pain management and treatment of underlying illnesses.
Key Takeaway: Don’t Ignore When Your Dog Is Not Eating and Not Pooping
A dog not eating and not pooping is a serious sign that should never be ignored.
While it can sometimes be due to mild, temporary causes like stress or dietary changes, it often signals digestive issues, illness, or blockages that require veterinary attention.
Monitoring your dog’s behavior, diet, and bathroom habits closely will help you catch problems early.
If your dog refuses food and goes without a bowel movement for more than two days, or shows other worrying signs like vomiting, lethargy, or abdominal pain, see your vet immediately.
With timely intervention, many dogs recover fully and return to their normal happy selves.
Keeping your dog hydrated, providing a balanced diet, and ensuring regular exercise are simple steps to support their digestive health and prevent issues.