If your dog seems unusually tired and refuses to eat, it’s natural to be worried. While dogs, like people, can have off days, persistent fatigue combined with appetite loss is often a sign of something more serious.
These symptoms may indicate anything from mild illness to life-threatening conditions, depending on your dog’s age, medical history, and other symptoms.
We help you understand what causes your dog to act tired and not eat, what you can do at home to support them, and when it’s time to see your vet.
Dog Tired and Not Eating: Why It Happens
A dog that is tired and not eating may be suffering from infection, pain, fever, gastrointestinal upset, systemic disease, toxin exposure, or emotional stress.
These symptoms often reflect the body’s effort to conserve energy while dealing with internal discomfort or dysfunction.
While sometimes short-lived, fatigue and food refusal together should never be ignored.
Dog Tired and Not Eating: Common Causes
1. Fever or Infection
Just like in humans, fever can leave a dog feeling weak, fatigued, and uninterested in food.
Common causes include viral or bacterial infections, such as kennel cough, urinary tract infections, or even tick-borne diseases.
If your dog also has nasal discharge, warm ears, shivering, or cloudy eyes, it may be battling an infection that requires antibiotics or supportive care.
2. Digestive Issues
Mild digestive upset—caused by eating something unusual, changing foods too quickly, or stress—can cause a dog to feel sick, lay around, and avoid food.
More severe issues like gastritis, pancreatitis, or intestinal blockage may result in vomiting, diarrhea, and significant lethargy.
If your dog is lying down more than usual and turning away from meals, their digestive system may be inflamed.
Related: Dog vomiting and not eating (Causes and when to worry)
3. Pain or Discomfort
Pain from arthritis, muscle strain, injury, dental problems, or internal organ inflammation can leave a dog acting tired and uninterested in food.
Dogs don’t always show pain obviously; subtle signs include avoiding stairs, lying still for long periods, or refusing to chew kibble.
Painful conditions can significantly affect appetite and energy levels, especially in older dogs.
4. Organ Dysfunction (Kidney or Liver Disease)
Chronic illnesses involving the kidneys or liver can cause systemic weakness, nausea, and a lack of interest in eating.
These diseases often progress gradually and may show vague signs like sleeping more, weight loss, vomiting, or drinking excessively.
Bloodwork is typically needed to identify the specific issue and monitor progression.
5. Toxin Exposure
Some toxins—like spoiled food, medications, cleaning products, or plants—can cause dogs to become suddenly lethargic and stop eating.
Depending on what was ingested, symptoms may include drooling, tremors, vomiting, or seizures.
If you suspect poisoning or exposure to harmful substances, urgent veterinary treatment is critical.
6. Emotional or Environmental Stress
Dogs can experience fatigue and appetite loss due to anxiety, depression, or stress—especially after a major change like moving, the loss of a family member (human or animal), a new pet introduction, or loud events like fireworks.
Behavioral changes such as hiding, whining, or clinging to you may accompany the tiredness and food refusal.
7. Heat Exhaustion
Dogs can overheat quickly, especially in hot or humid environments.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include excessive panting, lethargy, drooling, and refusal to eat or drink.
If not addressed, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke—a veterinary emergency.
Always ensure your dog has access to cool water and shade.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Tired and Not Eating
If symptoms are mild and have only lasted a few hours, here are some at-home care tips to support your dog:
Keep them in a cool, quiet area to rest undisturbed.
Offer soft, bland food like boiled chicken and rice in small portions.
Ensure access to clean, fresh water and monitor drinking behavior.
Check their body for signs of injury, swelling, or unusual tenderness.
Watch for additional symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or limping.
Monitor your dog closely over the next 12–24 hours. If there’s no improvement—or if they worsen—don’t wait to seek veterinary care.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
You should contact your vet right away if:
Your dog hasn’t eaten anything in over 24 hours.
They are weak, collapsing, or barely moving.
Vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, or breathing issues develop.
Their gums look pale, yellow, or grayish.
There’s a noticeable fever, bloating, or abdominal discomfort.
You suspect toxin exposure or they’re on medications that could cause side effects.
Your vet may run tests including bloodwork, urinalysis, or X-rays to identify what’s causing the fatigue and appetite loss.
Treatment could involve fluids, medications, or even hospitalization in more serious cases.
Related: Dog arching back and not eating (What it means)
Read more: Dog eye discharge and not eating (Causes and what to do)
Key Takeaway
A dog that’s tired and not eating may be trying to tell you something’s wrong.
While occasional fatigue or missed meals can happen, the combination of these symptoms—especially if they persist—is usually a warning sign that should prompt closer attention.
Whether it’s an infection, pain, illness, or emotional stress, your dog needs your help to get better.
Trust your instincts, observe your pet carefully, and don’t hesitate to contact your vet if things don’t improve.
Early intervention can make all the difference in your dog’s comfort, health, and recovery.