When a dog stops eating and becomes inactive, it often signals that something is wrong. These two symptoms together may point to anything from pain to illness or emotional distress.
We outline the common causes of a dog not eating and not moving, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Why Is My Dog Not Eating and Not Moving — Why It Happens
Dogs who aren’t eating and appear immobile are often dealing with serious discomfort, weakness, or illness. Conditions such as gastrointestinal upset, infections, toxin ingestion, injury, or even emotional shock can make dogs lose their appetite and become unwilling or unable to move.
Sometimes, pain from hidden injuries or internal organ issues may be at play. In senior dogs, arthritis or neurological issues can also contribute to inactivity and appetite loss.
Dog Not Eating and Not Moving: Common Causes
Pain or Injury
Dogs that are hurt may go still and refuse food.
This could be from a soft tissue injury, a broken bone, or internal trauma.
Even something as seemingly minor as a muscle sprain can lead to your dog becoming withdrawn, lethargic, and disinterested in food.
Watch for signs like limping, yelping, or flinching when touched.
Some injuries may not show externally but can cause severe internal pain that leaves your dog motionless.
Read more: Dog Lethargic and Not Eating (What could be behind it?)
Gastrointestinal Problems
Stomach upset is a top reason for dogs refusing food.
Conditions like gastritis, pancreatitis, or a foreign object in the stomach or intestines can all lead to abdominal discomfort.
In some cases, the dog will also stop moving due to nausea or bloating.
Other symptoms can include vomiting, whining, stretching into odd positions, or drooling.
GI conditions need quick evaluation, especially if vomiting or diarrhea is present.
Infections or Fever
Systemic infections can sap a dog’s energy and appetite.
Whether it’s a bacterial, viral, or tick-borne infection, your dog may stop eating and lie around more than usual. Fever can add to the weakness and lack of appetite.
Signs to watch for include warm ears or nose, shivering, labored breathing, or nasal discharge.
If your dog also has pale gums or is disoriented, this is an emergency.
Toxin Ingestion
Some toxins cause both immobility and appetite loss.
If your dog has eaten chocolate, certain plants, spoiled food, or human medications, they may become lethargic, disoriented, or vomit.
These are urgent symptoms and often come on suddenly.
Contact a vet immediately if you suspect poisoning. Some toxins damage organs quickly and require fast action.
Neurological Issues
Conditions affecting the brain or nervous system can cause sudden changes in behavior.
These may include seizures, vestibular disease, or spinal cord trauma.
Your dog may seem dazed, disoriented, unwilling to eat, or unable to move properly.
Head tilting, abnormal eye movement, or uncoordinated walking are red flags of neurological problems that demand urgent attention.
Emotional or Psychological Distress
Dogs can shut down from emotional trauma.
This could be caused by a major change in environment, the loss of a companion, or being left alone for long periods. In such cases, a dog may refuse to eat and seem listless or depressed.
While this isn’t always an emergency, prolonged stress can lead to physical illness, and veterinary support can help rule out medical causes.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Not Eating and Not Moving
First, make sure your dog is safe and in a quiet, calm environment. Try offering a favorite food or treat to see if appetite returns.
Check their body for signs of injury—any swelling, cuts, or limping—and take note of their breathing, gum color, and temperature.
Encourage hydration, especially if they’re also vomiting or have diarrhea. Offer small amounts of water or ice cubes to lick.
If your dog perks up within a few hours, it may be a temporary discomfort. But if they remain immobile and refuse food, it’s time to contact your vet.
Avoid forcing food or movement, as this could worsen any underlying issue.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
If your dog hasn’t eaten for more than 24 hours and is still not moving, it’s time to call the vet.
Sudden immobility combined with loss of appetite is a serious symptom, especially if other signs are present.
Watch for:
Vomiting or diarrhea
Pale or yellow gums
Whimpering, crying, or signs of pain
Collapse or stumbling
Labored breathing or coughing
Swollen abdomen
These can all point to emergencies that require immediate intervention.
Read more: Dog Vomiting and Not Eating (Here’s what to know and do)
Key Takeaway
If your dog is not eating and not moving, they may be in significant discomfort or dealing with a serious medical issue.
At-home care can help for mild or short-lived symptoms, but don’t wait if your dog’s condition worsens or shows no improvement.
Your vet can perform diagnostic tests to uncover the cause and offer treatment to restore your dog’s comfort and health.
Acting quickly can make all the difference for your dog’s recovery.