If your dog is not eating and sleeping a lot, it can be both confusing and concerning. Just like humans, changes in a dog’s behavior—especially related to appetite and energy—often signal that something is going on with their health or environment.
We outline the causes behind a dog not eating and sleeping a lot, what it could mean, and when it’s time to seek help from your vet.
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Understanding Why Dog Not Eating and Sleeping A Lot Happens
If your dog is not eating and sleeping a lot, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue or emotional distress. This combination of symptoms may point to conditions like infections, pain, organ dysfunction (such as kidney or liver disease), or even depression.
Dogs naturally rest a lot, but excessive sleep paired with a loss of appetite is not normal and can signal that your dog’s body is trying to conserve energy due to illness or discomfort. Stress, medication side effects, or changes in environment may also trigger these behaviors.
If your dog shows these signs for more than 24–48 hours, it’s important to consult your veterinarian.
Causes of Dog Not Eating and Sleeping A Lot
1. Illness or Infection
The most common cause of a dog not eating and sleeping a lot is illness.
Dogs can experience a wide range of infections and diseases—viral, bacterial, or parasitic—that result in a loss of appetite and increased fatigue.
Common illnesses: Canine parvovirus, kennel cough, leptospirosis, and gastrointestinal infections.
How illness leads to symptoms: When sick, a dog’s immune system is working hard. This can suppress appetite and make them sleep more to recover.
If your dog is not eating, sleeping a lot, and showing other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, or fever, consult your vet immediately.
2. Pain or Injury
Pain is another major reason a dog may become withdrawn. If your dog is not eating and sleeping a lot, it may be due to discomfort from:
Arthritis
Dental pain
Abdominal pain
Muscle or joint injuries
Dogs tend to hide pain, but changes in sleep and appetite are often the first red flags.
If you notice your dog is also limping, whimpering, or avoiding movement, seek veterinary care.
Related: Dog not eating and sick? (Here’s why)
3. Gastrointestinal Problems
Issues in the digestive tract can directly affect your dog’s desire to eat.
Dogs experiencing nausea, bloating, constipation, or indigestion may avoid food altogether.
In turn, the lack of energy from not eating can lead them to sleep more.
Common GI causes:
Eating spoiled or toxic food
Sudden change in diet
Food allergies or intolerances
Parasites like worms or giardia
If your dog is not eating, sleeping more, and having abnormal stools, gastrointestinal distress may be the culprit.
Related: Dog diarrhea and not eating (Here’s why)
4. Stress or Anxiety
Emotional health plays a big role in a dog’s behavior. If your dog is not eating and sleeping a lot, stress could be to blame.
Dogs can become stressed or anxious due to:
Moving to a new home
Loud noises (e.g., fireworks, thunderstorms)
Changes in the family dynamic (new baby, pet, or absence)
Separation anxiety
Stress may suppress a dog’s appetite and cause them to sleep excessively as a coping mechanism.
Look out for other stress indicators like trembling, hiding, pacing, or licking.
5. Age-Related Changes
Senior dogs naturally begin to slow down. If your older dog is not eating and sleeping a lot, it could be due to:
Decreased metabolism
Dental issues making it harder to chew
Cognitive decline (canine dementia)
Chronic health issues like kidney or heart disease
While some slowing down is normal, significant behavior changes warrant a vet visit to rule out any health concerns.
6. Recent Vaccination or Medication
If your dog recently received a vaccination or started a new medication, mild side effects could explain why your dog is not eating and sleeping a lot.
Common post-vaccine side effects include:
Low energy
Mild fever
Reduced appetite
Soreness at the injection site
Similarly, some medications may cause lethargy or nausea, especially when first introduced.
Always monitor your dog after new treatments and report prolonged or severe symptoms to your vet.
7. Environmental or Routine Changes
Dogs are creatures of habit. A disruption to their routine—whether it’s a change in feeding schedule, mealtime location, or people in the household—can result in your dog not eating and sleeping more than usual.
Even things like extreme weather or being left alone for longer than usual can affect their appetite and energy.
Related: Dog clingy and not eating (Here’s why)
8. Toxic Ingestion
If your dog ate something toxic (like chocolate, xylitol, plants, or household cleaners), one of the early symptoms might be not eating and sleeping a lot.
Other signs of poisoning may include:
Vomiting or diarrhea
Trembling
Drooling
Seizures
If you suspect your dog ingested something harmful, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
What to Do if Your Dog Is Not Eating and Sleeping a Lot
While a mild appetite drop or extra nap time can happen from time to time, persistent symptoms should not be ignored.
Monitor Closely
Watch for additional symptoms such as:
Vomiting or diarrhea
Coughing or sneezing
Weight loss
Pale gums
Trouble walking or standing
Offer Appealing, Easy-to-Digest Food
If your dog is not eating, try offering boiled chicken and rice or canned food.
Warming the food slightly can also make it more enticing.
Keep Their Environment Calm
Create a stress-free environment by minimizing loud noises, offering a comfortable resting area, and spending quality time with your dog.
Stay Consistent with Routine
Feed your dog at the same times each day and avoid switching foods abruptly.
When to Seek Veterinary Help
It’s time to call the vet if your dog is not eating and sleeping a lot and:
Symptoms persist for more than 24–48 hours
Your dog is vomiting or has diarrhea
They show signs of pain, limping, or confusion
There’s noticeable weight loss or bloating
Your dog is a young puppy, senior, or has a pre-existing condition
Key Takeaway
When a dog is not eating and sleeping a lot, it could be due to a range of factors—from illness and stress to dietary issues and aging.
While some causes may resolve on their own, others require veterinary intervention.
Don’t ignore these changes. Your dog’s behavior is their way of communicating that something isn’t right.
By identifying the root cause early and taking appropriate action, you can help your dog recover quickly and stay healthy in the long run.