When your dog starts sleeping excessively and turns away from their food bowl, it’s hard not to worry.
These symptoms can signal anything from mild digestive upset to serious underlying health issues.
We outline the common reasons why your dog is sleeping more than usual and not eating, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Sleeping More Than Usual and Not Eating — Why It Happens
Increased sleep and appetite loss often point to illness, pain, or emotional distress in dogs. Dogs are naturally good at hiding discomfort, so these changes may be early warning signs. Conditions Such as infections, metabolic disorders, pain, poisoning, or emotional stress can make dogs more withdrawn and less interested in food. Older dogs and puppies are particularly vulnerable to these shifts.
Dog Sleeping More Than Usual and Not Eating: Common Causes
Infections
Bacterial or viral infections like kennel cough, parvovirus, or leptospirosis can cause dogs to feel weak, run fevers, and lose their appetite.
Sleeping more helps conserve energy while their body fights off the illness.
If your dog is also coughing, vomiting, or has diarrhea, an infection is highly likely.
Pain or Injury
Dogs in pain from arthritis, dental disease, or internal injury may withdraw and sleep more than usual.
Refusing food is common when movement causes discomfort or when the dog is experiencing mouth pain.
Even without visible signs, pain can lead to major behavior shifts.
Toxin Exposure
Ingesting toxins like chocolate, certain houseplants, or medications can cause lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, or worse.
If your dog suddenly acts tired and won’t eat, and you suspect they may have eaten something unusual, call your vet immediately.
Read more: Dog Shaking and Acting Weird and Not Eating (Here’s what’s going on)
Metabolic Disorders
Chronic conditions like kidney disease, liver dysfunction, or hypothyroidism often lead to increased fatigue and reduced appetite.
Dogs may sleep more to cope with the internal stress their body is under.
These illnesses may also cause weight loss, vomiting, or changes in drinking habits.
Emotional or Environmental Stress
Stress, depression, or anxiety from changes in the home, separation, or grief can cause your dog to become withdrawn.
Sleep becomes a coping mechanism, and appetite may decline.
Dogs are sensitive to emotional shifts, even if they seem subtle to us.
Aging and Cognitive Dysfunction
Senior dogs may start to sleep more and eat less as they age, especially if they are developing canine cognitive dysfunction (doggy dementia).
They may seem confused, disinterested, or forget to eat altogether.
While some change is expected with age, sudden or severe shifts warrant evaluation.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Sleeping More Than Usual and Not Eating
Start by creating a calm, comfortable environment. Reduce loud noises and give your dog a quiet place to rest.
Gently try offering bland foods like plain boiled chicken or rice.
If they refuse all food, avoid forcing them — this could worsen nausea.
Track their water intake. Dehydration can worsen lethargy, so monitor their drinking closely and encourage sips of water or offer ice cubes.
Watch for other signs like vomiting, diarrhea, pale gums, or bloating.
These clues help you determine how serious the issue may be.
Make sure your dog is not too hot or cold. Environmental discomfort can make illness symptoms worse.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Contact your vet if your dog:
Refuses food for more than 24 hours
Sleeps excessively for longer than 1–2 days
Has additional symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or coughing
Appears in pain, cries when touched, or limps
Has pale gums, labored breathing, or swelling in the abdomen
These signs may indicate a serious condition needing prompt medical attention.
Early intervention can make a huge difference in recovery — don’t wait if your dog seems off.
Read more: Dog Retching and Not Eating (What’s causing it?)
Key Takeaway
Sleeping more and not eating are not symptoms to ignore. Whether it’s pain, illness, stress, or aging, your dog is telling you something isn’t right.
Offer comfort at home, observe closely, and reach out to your vet if symptoms persist or worsen.
With proper care, many dogs bounce back quickly — but getting the right help early is essential.