When your dog is not eating and hasn’t had a bowel movement, it’s natural to worry. This combination of symptoms usually points to an issue with the digestive system, and while the causes can vary from mild to serious, it’s important to act promptly. Dogs typically eat and eliminate regularly, so disruptions to both functions are red flags.
In this blog, we’ll break down why your dog may not be eating and isn’t pooping, how to spot the warning signs, and what you can do to help.
Dog Not Eating No Bowel Movement: Why It Happens
A dog not eating and having no bowel movement may be experiencing constipation, gastrointestinal blockage, dehydration, stress, illness, pain, or a dietary issue. These conditions can disrupt the normal digestive cycle, leading to reduced appetite and halted elimination as the body slows down to protect itself.
Dog Not Eating No Bowel Movement: Common Causes
1. Constipation
Constipation is one of the most common reasons for this combination of symptoms. When stool builds up in the colon and becomes hard or dry, it becomes difficult or painful for a dog to pass. This leads to:
Skipping bowel movements for more than 24–48 hours
Straining or posturing without producing stool
Reduced appetite due to the pressure or discomfort
Lethargy and bloating
Constipation can result from dehydration, lack of fiber, insufficient exercise, or swallowing indigestible materials like fur, grass, or bone fragments.
2. Intestinal Blockage (Obstruction)
If your dog has swallowed a foreign object, it may become lodged in the gastrointestinal tract. This is more serious than simple constipation and can lead to:
Vomiting or attempts to vomit
Drooling and abdominal pain
Lack of appetite and complete bowel shutdown
Restlessness or whining
Blockages are medical emergencies. Common culprits include socks, toys, bones, corn cobs, and plastic. Dogs with blockages often stop eating and won’t poop because nothing is passing through.
Related: Dog vomiting and not eating (Causes and when to worry)
3. Dehydration
Without enough water, the body struggles to perform basic functions—including digestion. Dehydration leads to hard, dry stools that may not pass at all, along with:
Reduced appetite
Weakness or lethargy
Dry gums and thick saliva
If your dog hasn’t been drinking enough or has lost fluids from vomiting, diarrhea, or hot weather, the digestive system may slow or stall entirely.
4. Diet-Related Issues
Sudden dietary changes—or diets that are too rich, low in fiber, or high in fat—can confuse the digestive system. This can lead to:
Temporary constipation or sluggish motility
Lack of interest in food
Gassiness or stomach rumbling
Inconsistent or absent bowel movements
Even small changes, like switching to a new brand of kibble, can throw off your dog’s system if not transitioned gradually.
5. Stress or Anxiety
Dogs under emotional stress may experience changes in both appetite and elimination. Travel, boarding, loud noises, or separation anxiety can cause:
Withdrawal from food
Disruption in routine bathroom habits
Refusal to defecate in unfamiliar places
Physical tension or reluctance to move
The nervous system and digestive tract are closely connected. In high-stress states, digestion slows down and food can sit in the gut longer—leading to both constipation and appetite suppression.
6. Pain or Discomfort While Defecating
Dogs may avoid eating and pooping if it’s painful to defecate. This can happen due to:
Anal gland infections or abscesses
Rectal trauma or inflammation
Hernias or tumors near the rectum
Painful orthopedic conditions (like hip dysplasia)
Painful pooping leads to fear-based avoidance. Dogs quickly associate the act with discomfort and may stop eating as a way to delay or avoid elimination.
7. Underlying Illness
Many illnesses impact both appetite and digestion. These include:
Kidney disease
Hypothyroidism
Liver problems
Inflammatory bowel disease
Dogs with systemic illness may appear tired, uninterested in food, and stop pooping regularly as digestion slows or becomes compromised.
What to Do If Your Dog Isn’t Eating and Not Pooping
If your dog seems stable (not vomiting or in pain), you can try these steps at home for 24–48 hours:
Offer small amounts of plain, high-fiber food (like pumpkin or boiled rice)
Encourage hydration with water or low-sodium broth
Take gentle walks to stimulate gut motility
Avoid treats or fatty foods that can worsen digestive upset
Do not give human laxatives or enemas—they can be toxic to dogs
If your dog passes stool but still won’t eat—or shows signs of pain or nausea—move on to professional help.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Seek veterinary care immediately if your dog:
Has not eaten or pooped for more than 48 hours
Is vomiting, pacing, or showing signs of abdominal pain
Has a tense or distended belly
Cries or resists when touched near the abdomen
Has a history of eating objects or foreign materials
Your vet may conduct x-rays, bloodwork, or an ultrasound to assess the digestive system and rule out obstructions, infections, or other internal problems.
Related Blogs
Explore these posts for more insight into similar issues:
Related: [Dog Vomiting and Not Eating But Drinking Water]
Read more: [Dog Lethargic and Not Eating and Vomiting]
Related: [Dog Belly Gurgling and Not Eating]
Read more: [Dog Constipated and Not Eating]
Related: [Dog Hiding Under Bed and Not Eating]
These resources can help you navigate complex or overlapping symptoms.
Final Thoughts
When your dog isn’t eating and hasn’t had a bowel movement, it’s more than just a temporary quirk—it’s a sign that their digestive system needs attention. Whether the cause is constipation, blockage, dehydration, or stress, taking early action is essential.
Stay observant, offer gentle support, and never hesitate to reach out to your vet. With timely care, your dog can return to their normal, tail-wagging self and resume their healthy routine.