While occasional fatigue or skipped meals can be normal, when your dog is sleeping more than usual and refusing food, it may point to a deeper issue.
Whether it’s physical illness, emotional distress, or age-related change, it’s important to understand the potential causes and what steps to take next.
We outline why your dog might be unusually sleepy and losing interest in food—and when it’s time to call the vet.
Why Does My Dog Keep Sleeping and Not Eating?
When a dog keeps sleeping and isn’t eating, it can be due to illness, infection, fatigue, aging, depression, pain, medication side effects, or even serious conditions like organ dysfunction or anemia. These symptoms often indicate your dog doesn’t feel well enough to engage or eat—making veterinary assessment essential if they last more than a day.
Reasons Why Your Dog Keeps Sleeping and Not Eating
1. General Illness or Infection
When a dog is sick, the body conserves energy to heal—leading to increased sleep and appetite suppression. This could be due to something mild like a cold, or more serious like a systemic infection.
Signs to watch for:
Warm nose or ears (fever)
Vomiting or diarrhea
Breathing changes
Shivering or restlessness
Even a mild infection can leave your dog feeling wiped out and uninterested in food.
If signs persist, a vet visit is needed for diagnosis and treatment.
2. Pain or Injury
Dogs experiencing pain—whether from injury, arthritis, or internal discomfort—often sleep more and avoid eating. They may lay in awkward positions, shift frequently, or isolate themselves.
Watch for:
Limping or stiffness
Reluctance to move
Whimpering or grumbling
Slow movements when getting up or lying down
Pain management through medication, rest, or physical therapy can dramatically improve appetite and energy.
Related: Dog vomiting and not eating (Causes and when to worry)
3. Anemia or Low Red Blood Cell Count
Anemia causes a lack of oxygen delivery to tissues, making dogs feel extremely tired and uninterested in food. It can result from blood loss, parasites, or internal disease.
Other signs:
Pale gums
Weakness or collapse
Rapid breathing
Poor coat condition
Blood tests can diagnose anemia, and treatment may involve medication, diet changes, or addressing the root cause.
4. Depression or Emotional Distress
Dogs can suffer from depression or stress, especially after major changes such as a move, loss of a companion, or lack of stimulation. One clear sign is increased sleep and a reduced interest in eating.
Behavioral signs:
Avoiding play or interaction
Hiding or withdrawal
Whining or restlessness at night
Ignoring meals even when hand-fed
Adding more engagement, walks, and positive bonding time can help, but persistent symptoms should be discussed with your vet.
5. Aging and Cognitive Decline
As dogs get older, they tend to sleep more. However, if they also lose interest in food, it may suggest cognitive decline or underlying illness.
Senior dogs may forget feeding routines or become too tired to engage at normal levels.
Other age-related signs:
Confusion or pacing
Difficulty navigating familiar spaces
Disorientation
Blank staring or reduced responsiveness
Senior wellness exams can rule out treatable conditions and provide support for aging-related changes.
6. Organ Dysfunction (Kidney, Liver, or Heart)
Dogs with chronic organ conditions often show signs like excessive sleeping, fatigue, and loss of appetite. These diseases develop gradually and may not show symptoms until they’re advanced.
Clues may include:
Drinking more or less water than usual
Vomiting or foul-smelling breath
Weight loss or muscle wasting
Slower movements or exercise intolerance
Bloodwork and imaging are essential to detect and manage these health issues early.
7. Medication Side Effects
Has your dog recently started a new medication? Drugs for allergies, pain, anxiety, or seizures can have side effects such as drowsiness and appetite loss.
Common culprits:
Steroids
Pain relievers (NSAIDs)
Anticonvulsants
Antibiotics
If your dog started sleeping more or eating less after a new treatment, speak with your vet about adjusting the dosage or trying an alternative.
Related: Dog diarrhea and not eating (Causes and when to worry)
What to Do If Your Dog Keeps Sleeping and Won’t Eat
If your dog seems mildly tired and skips a meal or two without other symptoms, try these supportive strategies:
Encourage hydration by offering fresh water or ice cubes
Add warm, tempting food toppers (like plain boiled chicken or broth)
Wake gently for feeding times, and serve food close to their resting area
Provide a peaceful, quiet space to reduce stress and distractions
Limit physical activity to allow for rest without complete immobility
Keep a close eye on energy levels, eating patterns, urination, and stool. If things don’t improve within 24 hours, it’s time to call your vet.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Contact your vet promptly if:
Your dog hasn’t eaten for more than 24 hours
Sleepiness increases or turns into unresponsiveness
Vomiting, diarrhea, or weakness appears
There’s limping, pain, or signs of internal distress
Your dog is a senior, puppy, or has a chronic condition
A full physical exam and diagnostics like bloodwork or imaging may be necessary to uncover the underlying issue.
Key Takeaway
A dog that keeps sleeping and isn’t eating means something is wrong —dogs don’t act this way without a reason. Whether it’s physical illness, emotional distress, or aging, these signs often indicate your dog needs help.
Some causes are mild and resolve with care at home, but others require swift veterinary attention.
The sooner you investigate, the better the chances of helping your dog recover comfort, energy, and appetite.