Dog Not Eating But Drinking Water and Acting Normal

Dog Not Eating But Drinking Water and Sleeping A Lot: Common Causes 

Digestive Upset or Gastrointestinal Issues

One common reason a dog is not eating but drinking water and sleeping a lot is digestive upset.

Just like humans, dogs can experience stomach issues such as indigestion, gas, or mild gastroenteritis.

In such cases, the dog may avoid food due to nausea but continue drinking water to stay hydrated.

These gastrointestinal issues might be triggered by:

• A sudden change in diet

• Eating something they shouldn’t (e.g., spoiled food or trash)

• Mild food poisoning

• Intestinal parasites

Although many minor digestive upsets resolve on their own, if your dog’s appetite doesn’t return within 24 hours or if vomiting or diarrhea occurs, veterinary attention is warranted.

Related: Dog drinking a lot  of water and not eating (Causes and when to worry) 

Infection

A bacterial, viral, or fungal infection can leave your dog feeling lethargic, uninterested in food, and more inclined to drink water and rest.

Common infections that may cause a dog not to eat but drink water and sleep a lot include:

• Urinary tract infections

• Respiratory infections

• Parvovirus (especially in unvaccinated puppies)

• Tick-borne diseases

Infections often bring other symptoms like fever, coughing, nasal discharge, or swollen lymph nodes.

Drinking water becomes vital to counteract fever-related dehydration.

Pain or Injury

Pain, whether from an internal issue or physical injury, can cause a noticeable behavior change in dogs.

A dog not eating but drinking water and sleeping a lot may be silently dealing with pain. Causes might include:

• Dental disease

• Abdominal pain

• Arthritis or joint pain

• Internal injury from trauma (e.g., a fall or accident)

Dogs may avoid eating due to discomfort in their mouth or stomach, but they’ll drink water and rest in an effort to self-soothe.

Always investigate unexplained lethargy combined with a loss of appetite.

Organ Dysfunction

One of the more serious causes of a dog not eating but drinking water and sleeping a lot involves issues with vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, or pancreas. Conditions like:

• Kidney disease

• Liver failure

• Pancreatitis

• Diabetes

These illnesses may cause increased thirst and urination, nausea, fatigue, and appetite loss.

In such cases, your dog may drink water excessively but have little interest in food due to nausea or toxin buildup in the body.

Blood tests and imaging are usually required to confirm these conditions and begin appropriate treatment.

Stress or Anxiety

Stress is an often-overlooked factor when a dog is not eating but drinking water and sleeping a lot.

Just like people, dogs can suffer emotional upset due to:

• Moving to a new home

• Introduction of a new pet or person

• Changes in routine

• Loud noises (thunderstorms, fireworks)

In response, your dog may retreat, drink more water, and rest more than usual as a way to cope.

If this is the case, symptoms typically improve once the dog feels safe and secure again.

Related: Dog not eating but  drinking water but acting normal (Causes and when to worry) 

Aging or Cognitive Dysfunction

In senior dogs, a gradual loss of appetite paired with increased thirst and sleepiness can sometimes be part of the natural aging process.

However, if a dog is not eating but drinking water and sleeping a lot consistently, cognitive dysfunction syndrome (similar to dementia in humans) could be a factor.

Older dogs with cognitive decline may:

• Seem disoriented

• Forget mealtimes

• Pace at night

• Sleep more during the day

While aging-related behavior changes can’t be completely stopped, they can often be managed with a combination of diet, supplements, and routine modifications.

Side Effects from Medications

Certain medications prescribed for existing health issues can also make a dog not eat but drink water and sleep a lot.

Drugs like antibiotics, pain relievers, or anti-inflammatories may cause:

• Nausea

• Fatigue

• Changes in taste or smell

If your dog started new medication recently, and you notice a decline in appetite and energy, consult your vet to determine if a dosage adjustment or alternative treatment is needed.

Poisoning or Toxin Ingestion

Ingesting toxins or harmful substances can cause your dog to act sick, including not eating, drinking more water, and sleeping a lot.

Common culprits include:

• Chocolate

• Xylitol (in sugar-free gum)

• Grapes or raisins

• Household cleaning products

• Human medications

Other symptoms like vomiting, drooling, shaking, or seizures may also appear, depending on the toxin involved.

This situation is an emergency, and immediate veterinary care is necessary.

What to Do if Your Dog Is Not Eating but Drinking Water and Sleeping a Lot

If your dog is showing these symptoms, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to respond:

1. Monitor Closely for 24 Hours

If your dog suddenly stops eating but continues to drink water and sleep, observe them closely.

Some minor issues resolve on their own within a day. Make sure they are drinking clean water and staying hydrated.

Related: Dog drinking a lot  of water and not eating (Causes and when to worry) 

2. Check for Other Symptoms

Watch for signs like vomiting, diarrhea, pain, limping, coughing, nasal discharge, or changes in urination.

These may point to an underlying cause that requires a vet’s input.

3. Try Tempting With Bland Food

Offer a small amount of boiled chicken and plain white rice.

If your dog eats this but avoids their regular food, it could suggest an upset stomach or taste aversion to their kibble.

4. Evaluate Stressors

Think about any recent changes in the home or routine.

Reducing loud noises, maintaining a consistent schedule, and providing a calm environment can ease stress-related appetite changes.

5. Check for Signs of Pain

Gently examine your dog’s mouth, belly, and limbs for any signs of injury or sensitivity.

If your dog flinches or growls when touched in a certain area, there may be pain involved.

6. Ensure Medication Isn’t the Culprit

If your dog has recently started a new prescription, consult your veterinarian about possible side effects and whether an alternative may be safer.

7. Call the Vet If Symptoms Persist

If your dog is not eating but drinking water and sleeping a lot for more than 24–48 hours, or if the symptoms worsen, contact your vet.

Early diagnosis can prevent complications and improve outcomes.

When to Seek Emergency Vet Care

Certain signs mean you shouldn’t wait. Call your vet or go to the emergency clinic if your dog:

• Refuses to eat for more than 48 hours

• Vomits repeatedly or has bloody diarrhea

• Shows signs of dehydration (dry gums, sunken eyes, skin doesn’t bounce back)

• Appears in pain or disoriented

• Has a swollen abdomen

• Ingested a known toxin

Puppies, pregnant dogs, and elderly dogs should never go more than 24 hours without eating, especially if they are also drinking more water and sleeping excessively.

Key Takeaway

A dog not eating but drinking water and sleeping a lot isn’t something to ignore.

While mild digestive issues or emotional stress could be to blame, more serious problems like organ dysfunction, infections, or toxin exposure can also be at play.

Always monitor your dog closely, consider any new changes, and consult your veterinarian when symptoms persist.

Prompt attention ensures your furry friend gets the care they need for a full recovery.