It can be alarming when your dog doesn’t feel warm and also refuses to eat. Body temperature changes, especially a lower-than-normal warmth, can signal serious internal issues.
We outline the common causes of my dog is not feeling warm and not eating, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
My Dog Is Not Feeling Warm and Not Eating — Why It Happens
When your dog isn’t feeling warm and stops eating, it’s often a sign of a systemic health issue that needs immediate attention. This combination may point to shock, low body temperature (hypothermia), poor circulation, or advanced illness. Some cases may be tied to heart problems, severe infections, or toxin exposure.
While your dog might just be feeling chilly for a moment, persistent coolness and appetite loss are red flags.
Common Causes of My Dog Is Not Feeling Warm and Not Eating
Hypothermia
Hypothermia occurs when your dog’s body temperature drops below the normal range (around 101°F to 102.5°F).
This can happen if a dog has been exposed to cold temperatures, wet environments, or if they’re very small, elderly, or ill. When hypothermia sets in, the body conserves energy and heat by limiting blood flow to extremities — which can make your dog feel cold to the touch.
Alongside feeling cold, your dog may shiver, act weak, and refuse to eat. Hypothermia can quickly become life-threatening if not addressed.
Shock
Shock is a medical emergency that disrupts blood circulation and lowers body temperature.
It can be caused by trauma, blood loss, allergic reactions, or severe infections. Dogs in shock often appear cold, lethargic, and disinterested in food or movement.
Their gums may be pale, heart rate rapid or irregular, and their body may feel cool due to poor perfusion. Immediate vet care is critical in suspected shock cases.
Read more: Dog being sick and not eating and lethargic (Here’s why)
Sepsis
Sepsis is a serious, whole-body infection that can lead to cold extremities and loss of appetite.
The body mounts a strong immune response to a localized infection, which then spreads through the bloodstream. This overwhelms the immune system, causing symptoms like cold paws, low energy, fever or low body temp, vomiting, and anorexia.
Sepsis is life-threatening and needs aggressive veterinary intervention.
Heart Failure or Poor Circulation
Dogs with heart problems may have poor circulation, making them feel cooler than normal.
Congestive heart failure, in particular, affects the body’s ability to deliver oxygen and nutrients efficiently. As a result, dogs may lose their appetite, feel fatigued, and present with a lower body temperature.
You may also notice coughing, abdominal bloating, or fainting episodes. Early intervention is essential to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Internal Bleeding
If your dog has suffered trauma or has a condition that causes internal bleeding, they may go into shock and feel cold.
Blood loss reduces the body’s ability to regulate temperature, and affected dogs will become weak, unresponsive, and uninterested in food. Internal bleeding might not be immediately obvious, but symptoms can escalate quickly.
Pale gums, rapid breathing, distended abdomen, or collapse require emergency care.
Advanced Illness or End-of-Life Decline
As dogs enter the final stages of life due to cancer, organ failure, or chronic illness, their metabolism slows.
This often results in feeling cold, refusal to eat, and spending more time sleeping or isolating. While this can be a natural part of aging, it’s still important to consult your vet to ensure comfort and rule out treatable issues.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Not Feeling Warm and Not Eating
Start by gently checking your dog’s temperature using a pet thermometer. If it’s below 100°F or above 103°F, it may be an emergency.
Try to warm your dog gradually by wrapping them in a blanket and moving them to a warm, dry place. Avoid direct heat sources like heating pads or hot water bottles, as these can cause burns.
Offer small amounts of warm, easily digestible food like boiled chicken or broth. If your dog still refuses food and continues to feel cold, don’t delay a vet visit.
Limit activity, reduce stress, and monitor your dog’s breathing, gums, and alertness. Keep a record of changes to report to your veterinarian.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
You should contact your veterinarian immediately if:
Your dog’s body temperature is below 100°F
They haven’t eaten in 24 hours or more
They are cold to the touch, especially paws, ears, or belly
They are unresponsive, weak, or collapse
They have pale gums or difficulty breathing
They’ve recently experienced trauma or illness
Even mild hypothermia or appetite loss can quickly turn serious. A vet can assess your dog’s vital signs, perform diagnostics, and stabilize their condition.
Read more: Dog Cold and Not Eating (What it really means)
Key Takeaway
When your dog is not feeling warm and not eating, it’s not something to brush off.
These symptoms can point to serious underlying conditions like shock, hypothermia, or heart disease. Acting early, providing warmth and hydration, and seeking veterinary help can make all the difference.
Stay calm, stay observant, and trust your instincts when something seems off with your pet.