When your dog starts yawning excessively and suddenly loses interest in food, it can raise concerns that something deeper is going on than simple drowsiness.
We outline the common causes of dog yawning and not eating, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Yawning and Not Eating — Why It Happens
A dog may yawn and stop eating due to stress, dental pain, nausea, or more serious systemic issues. Yawning can be a subtle sign of discomfort or anxiety, and when paired with appetite loss, it often points to a physical or emotional trigger.
Pain from dental disease, a queasy stomach, or even neurological problems can lead to this odd but meaningful symptom combo.
In some cases, dogs yawn when they’re in pain or experiencing internal distress, especially if they’re also lethargic or avoiding interaction.
Common Causes of Dog Yawning and Not Eating
Dental Pain or Oral Issues
Mouth pain is a common but often overlooked reason a dog may yawn and not eat.
Conditions like tooth abscesses, inflamed gums, or even a broken tooth can make chewing painful, leading to food avoidance. Yawning may be a way to relieve tension or avoid using the jaw.
Owners might notice bad breath, drooling, or pawing at the mouth.
Untreated dental problems not only affect appetite but can lead to systemic infections.
Gastrointestinal Upset
An upset stomach can make a dog nauseous and uninterested in food.
Yawning sometimes accompanies nausea as a calming signal or due to abdominal discomfort.
Vomiting, lip licking, and grass-eating behavior may occur alongside appetite changes.
Mild tummy troubles can sometimes resolve on their own, but repeated yawning and food refusal might signal something more serious like gastritis or pancreatitis.
Read more: Dog Diarrhea and Not Eating (Causes and when to worry)
Anxiety or Emotional Distress
Dogs yawn when they’re nervous or overwhelmed—this is called a displacement behavior.
If your dog is stressed due to environmental changes, separation, or loud noises, yawning may increase and eating may stop.
This can be especially common in sensitive breeds or dogs with recent trauma or transitions.
Behavioral changes, hiding, trembling, or pacing often appear along with reduced appetite.
Pain from Injury or Arthritis
Pain elsewhere in the body—not just the mouth—can affect how your dog behaves and eats.
Yawning can be a subtle response to pain, especially if it’s chronic or located in the spine or limbs.
Dogs may also eat less if reaching for a bowl or lowering their head causes discomfort.
In senior dogs, this behavior might stem from arthritis, while in younger ones, it could signal an acute injury.
Neurological Issues
Rarely, yawning and appetite loss can point to a neurological concern.
Issues like seizures, vestibular disease, or brain inflammation can manifest as behavior changes, including repetitive yawning and appetite suppression.
Other signs include head tilting, confusion, stumbling, or tremors.
If your dog seems disoriented or shows physical coordination issues, seek veterinary help immediately.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Yawning and Not Eating
If your dog has only skipped one meal and is otherwise acting normal, monitor closely for the next 12–24 hours.
Try offering bland food like boiled chicken and rice to see if the appetite returns.
Create a calm, quiet environment—especially if you suspect stress is the trigger.
Inspect your dog’s mouth gently if possible, checking for redness, swelling, or anything stuck.
If your dog continues yawning excessively or skipping meals, document the behavior with a short video to show your vet.
Avoid giving pain medication without veterinary approval, as some human meds are toxic to dogs.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Contact your vet promptly if:
Your dog has not eaten for more than 24 hours
Yawning is frequent and accompanied by whining or trembling
There are signs of oral pain, drooling, or blood in the mouth
You notice vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of nausea
Your dog seems disoriented or weak
Behavioral changes like hiding, aggression, or unusual stillness occur
Excessive yawning combined with appetite loss can signal pain or illness that needs professional diagnosis and care.
Read more: Dog Shaking and Not Eating (Here’s what it means)
Key Takeaway
Yawning may seem harmless, but when your dog is also refusing food, it can signal discomfort, pain, or illness.
Keep an eye out for accompanying symptoms, stay calm, and act based on what you observe.
When in doubt, your vet can help you uncover the cause and get your pup back on track to good health.