It can be alarming when your dog suddenly stops eating but continues to drink water. This shift in behavior may seem subtle, but it can signal a range of underlying health problems that need to be addressed.
We outline the common causes of dog only drinking water and not eating, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Only Drinking Water and Not Eating — Why It Happens
When a dog is only drinking water and refusing food, it often points to gastrointestinal distress, pain, or systemic illness.
Dogs may instinctively avoid food when their stomach is upset, when they’re in pain, or when a serious condition like kidney disease or pancreatitis is at play.
Sometimes the cause is behavioral, but medical concerns are usually the priority.
Dog Only Drinking Water and Not Eating: Common Causes
Gastrointestinal Upset
Digestive disturbances like gastritis, viral infections, or ingestion of spoiled food can leave a dog nauseous.
They may turn away from their food bowl while still seeking hydration.
Look for additional signs such as vomiting, lip licking, drooling, or gurgling sounds from the belly.
A dog with GI upset might skip meals for 12–24 hours, but prolonged refusal to eat should be evaluated by a vet.
Pancreatitis
This painful inflammation of the pancreas is often triggered by fatty meals or underlying metabolic disorders.
A dog with pancreatitis typically refuses food but drinks water in an attempt to soothe the burning abdominal pain.
You may notice hunched posture, vomiting, diarrhea, or restlessness — all of which point to a medical emergency.
Read more: Old Dog Not Eating (Causes and what to do)
Kidney Disease
Dogs with kidney issues may drink excessively while losing interest in food due to nausea or uremic toxins building up in their system.
This can lead to weight loss, foul-smelling breath, and lethargy.
Chronic kidney disease develops gradually, while acute kidney injury can occur suddenly after ingesting toxins or certain medications.
Pain or Discomfort
Dental pain, musculoskeletal injuries, or internal discomfort can suppress appetite. Yet, dogs may still head to the water bowl regularly.
In cases of dental disease, you might observe pawing at the mouth, drooling, or a preference for soft foods. With orthopedic pain, a dog might appear stiff or reluctant to move.
Liver Disease
Liver problems disrupt digestion and can lead to a loss of appetite while the thirst response remains intact. Jaundice (yellowing of the gums or eyes), vomiting, and lethargy are warning signs.
Liver issues range from infections and toxins to congenital defects, especially in smaller breeds like Yorkies and Maltese.
Stress or Environmental Changes
Major changes such as moving house, introducing a new pet, or boarding can trigger temporary appetite loss. However, dogs usually continue to drink water.
Watch for other signs of anxiety — pacing, whining, hiding — and monitor if eating returns to normal once the stressor is resolved.
How Long Can a Dog Go Without Eating but Drinking Water?
A healthy adult dog can generally go three to five days without eating as long as it continues to drink water, but this isn’t ideal and can quickly lead to weakness or health issues.
Puppies, senior dogs, and those with existing medical conditions are at much higher risk and should never go more than 24 hours without food. While hydration can sustain a dog for a short time, prolonged fasting can indicate underlying illness or stress.
If your dog refuses food for more than a day but keeps drinking water, it’s important to contact a vet to identify and address the cause before it becomes serious.
Related: Dog Only Drinks Water Once a Day (Here’s why and when to worry)
Dog Not Eating But Drinking Water and Acting Normal
If your dog skips meals but drinks water and otherwise behaves normally, it might simply be a temporary loss of appetite caused by heat, minor stress, or boredom with their food. Dogs can safely go a short time without eating if they remain active, hydrated, and alert.
Try offering a different food, warming their meal slightly, or reducing treats to encourage appetite.
If the lack of eating lasts more than 24–48 hours or other symptoms appear, consult a vet to rule out hidden issues.
Senior Dog Not Eating Only Drinking Water
When an older dog stops eating but continues to drink water, it’s often a sign of an underlying health issue such as dental pain, kidney disease, liver problems, or digestive discomfort.
As dogs age, their sense of smell and taste can also weaken, making food less appealing. Sometimes, medication side effects or stress can cause appetite loss too.
If this behavior lasts more than a day or two, a vet check is crucial to identify and treat the cause early, as senior dogs are more vulnerable to dehydration and weakness.
Puppy Not Eating Only Drinking Water
If a puppy refuses to eat but still drinks water, it could be due to mild stomach upset, teething pain, or stress from environmental changes. However, since puppies are delicate and have low energy reserves, even a short period without food can quickly lead to low blood sugar or dehydration.
Worms, infections, or eating something harmful could also be the reason. A vet should evaluate the puppy promptly to rule out serious illness and ensure it receives the right care.
Dog Only Drinking Water and Not Eating and Throwing Up
When a dog won’t eat, only drinks water, and starts vomiting, it signals a more serious condition such as pancreatitis, intestinal blockage, poisoning, or infection.
Drinking water but vomiting it up can quickly lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. This situation requires urgent veterinary attention to identify the cause, provide fluids, and stabilize your dog.
Do not try home remedies—prompt professional care can make the difference in recovery.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Only Drinking Water and Not Eating
First, assess how long it has been since your dog last ate. A single missed meal isn’t necessarily cause for alarm, but more than 24–48 hours without food is a red flag.
Try offering bland, easily digestible foods like plain boiled chicken and rice. Warm the food slightly to enhance its aroma, and hand-feed if needed. Avoid giving treats that could fill your dog up without providing balanced nutrition.
Keep water accessible and observe your dog’s behavior closely. Are they active or lethargic? Are they showing any signs of pain, nausea, or discomfort? These observations help your vet with diagnosis.
Avoid home remedies or medications without veterinary guidance — especially human antacids, painkillers, or herbs, which may be harmful.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
If your dog has not eaten for more than 24–48 hours, or if any of the following are present, seek veterinary care:
Vomiting or diarrhea
Weakness or collapse
Signs of dehydration (dry gums, skin tenting)
Labored breathing
Bloated or painful abdomen
Pale or yellow gums
Puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with preexisting conditions are at higher risk and should be evaluated sooner.
Your vet may perform bloodwork, X-rays, or an ultrasound to uncover the root cause and begin treatment right away.
Read more: Dog shaking and not eating (Here’s why)
Key Takeaway
A dog who is only drinking water and refusing food may be trying to tell you something is wrong. From mild stomach upset to serious organ dysfunction, the causes vary widely — but your response shouldn’t.
Offer bland food, monitor symptoms, and don’t wait too long to call your vet. Your attentiveness can make all the difference in helping your dog recover quickly and safely.