Your dog skipping a meal may not be a big deal, but when one missed meal turns into two meals or even days of no eating, it can be extremely stressful and terrifying for owners. 

Sometimes there is an obvious reason, but other times it's not clear why your dog’s appetite isn’t up to scratch.

So what are the facts? How long can a dog go without eating? And when is the right time to intervene? How can I get my sick dog to eat? 

Understanding important terminology

A single full food bowl is not going to raise too many eyebrows, but if you believe you have reason for concern, then it's best to get a vet’s opinion right away. Here are some important distinctions you can make when you speak to them.

• Anorexia: This is different from the eating disorder in humans. Anorexia in dogs means your dog is refusing food and will not or cannot eat anything.

• Hyporexia: This is when your dog will still eat a bit of food, but far less than their normal, healthy amount. This may be a small amount of food, or only a certain type of food.

How long can a dog go without eating?

You should also be clear if your dog is still drinking water, or if there are any signs of illness, such as an upset stomach (vomiting and/or diarrhea), lethargy, or signs of a fever.

Most dogs can go 3 - 5 days or more with no food (As long as they are drinking water; dogs will not survive more than 2 - 3 days with no water). Sickly dogs and puppies will have a hard time surviving that long. Diabetic dogs will also struggle, since no food intake can affect their insulin levels.

Why your dog isn’t eating

There can be a number of reasons your dog refuses to eat. Sometimes these are physical issues, and sometimes these are psychological problems.

Physical reasons for your dog not eating

Physical reasons may be a little easier to pinpoint, since they are normally accompanied by an upset stomach or other symptoms. The reasons can range from mild to more concerning.

Gastrointestinal Disease

Gastrointestinal disease is one of the most common reasons why your dog may be refusing food. This is often a minor issue, such as overeating or eating normal food that makes them ill. 

This can include things such as eating too much fruit or lactose from dairy, food they are allergic to, or dog food that has gone bad without you realizing it. Changing food suddenly can also make a dog feel ill and decrease your dog’s appetite. 

This normally passes in a day or two.

There are also more serious diseases, such as chronic stomach ulcers, chronic constipation, Inflammatory bowel disease, or parvovirus, which can cause serious stomach issues. 

There are also potentially life threatening diseases that can result in your dog not eating that aren’t related to the digestive tract. Severe infections can cause your dog to stop eating or drinking, and pancreatitis, kidney failure, hepatitis, or even diabetic complications can be the reason a dog stops eating and becomes withdrawn.

Obstruction

Many dogs tend to snack on things they shouldn’t, such as toys, clothing, paper, or other items that aren’t dog food. These items can get lodged in their digestive tracts and cause a blockage.

If you see your dog eating plastic or an item they shouldn't be, get them to a vet immediately. Sometimes the vet can help the item pass without incident. 

Pay attention if an empty food bowl is accompanied by straining, vomiting, bloating, and/or a painful abdomen to the touch.[1]

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Cancer

Thankfully, not the most common cause for avoiding their dog food, but it would be unwise to rule cancer out of a list of suspects for your dog not eating.

Certain cancers, such as stomach cancers, liver cancers, or obstructing tumors, can make it difficult to eat food and keep it down. However, all cancers can affect your dog’s well being, including their eating or drinking habits.

Dental issues

Broken teeth, abscesses, gum disease, dental disease, and so on can make eating a painful chore. A sick dog is not going to want their food, and chewing might just be too painful. Have a look for any issues in their mouths, or any foul odors from their teeth or gums.

Bone problems

Bone diseases, such as arthritis, or other injuries, can make it difficult for your dog to lower themselves to their food bowls, and can make eating or drinking a difficult and painful task. Especially if the bowl is small or very low.

Mental reasons for a decrease in your dog’s appetite

Not all decreased appetite is from illness or pain; sometimes, mental issues such as anxiety can also contribute.

Stress and anxiety

Stress is like a poison to your furry friend. Intense feelings of stress and anxiety cause hormonal changes in your dog that cause a decreased appetite and can negatively impact their eating or drinking.

This could be a temporary stressor, such as a vet visit, a new dog, or a move, but could also be a chronic issue, such as separation anxiety. 

If they haven’t eaten in a day or two, take them to a vet. Some medications can help with severe anxiety. You can also try encouraging them to eat in a calm environment, like a darkened, quiet room, or while you are there.

Some dogs may feel less anxious if they are given something to wear[2]. A jersey or shirt can create a swaddling effect that can help your dog feel secure. If you are interested in trying out a comfortable dog shirt, try Sparkpaws’ Dog Pajamas Onesies Collection.

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Phobias and bullying

Another reason your dog might be avoiding food is that it's being served in a way that is distressing to them. 

If there are multiple dogs, one of them could be acting aggressively and resource guarding during mealtimes, making meals stressful for the other dogs. If a dog has been attacked by humans or other animals while eating, then they may also be afraid of it happening again.

They don’t like your dog food

Sometimes, when a dog stops eating, it really is as simple as them not liking the food they’re being given. They may not enjoy the smell or texture. If it is being served in a different bowl than normal, then they may also be wary about putting their face there.

Old age

Senior dogs just eat less than adult dogs. Pain and medical issues may make it difficult for their already reduced appetite. Cognitive issues can also cause them to become confused and frightened; therefore, they forget to eat.

How to help when your dog stops eating

Once you have cleared things with your vet, there are a few things that you can try doing to help.

1. Calm your dog

As mentioned, you can try putting your dog in a comfortable pair of pajamas or a coat to ease their anxieties. You can try introducing new animals and people slowly, creating a calming environment, or increasing their exercise levels to reduce anxiety.

Pay careful attention to your dog’s behavior, making sure they feel comfortable and secure at mealtimes.

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2. Change their food or food bowls

If your dog is sick and struggling to eat, switch to wet food. Canned food contains more moisture and may help keep them hydrated for longer. Wet food also has a stronger smell, which can appeal to your dog’s nose and stimulate their appetite.

You can try switching to home cooked food that doesn’t have extra preservatives. There seem to be fewer allergy-causing elements in homemade meals, and the fact that it is hot may appeal more.

You can try heating food, switching to a different flavor or texture, or avoid giving them any human food for a while. 

You can try adding less flavor by serving them plain chicken and rice, or adding more flavor, such as a gravy or other topper, to provide a more appealing taste.

3. Force feeding in adult dogs

Force feeding is not recommended and should be performed by veterinary professionals. However, if your dog has severe symptoms of illness or is facing serious consequences of dehydration, you could try syringe feeding. 

This may also be necessary for senior dogs who can no longer feed themselves.

You should aim for very liquid food or water that is easy to swallow. You should place the syringe between the front teeth on the side of the mouth, and give them time to chew and swallow. It is hard to recommend syringe feeding, but it can be a lifeline when a dog won’t eat.

4. Medication

If you are concerned that your dog won’t eat a lot, and that it may negatively affect their growth, talk to your vet about dog-safe appetite-stimulants such as Mirtazapine

Puppy is not eating or drinking 

A puppy has a much smaller body mass than an adult dog and will feel the effects of dehydration and malnutrition much sooner than an adult dog. Treat it as an emergency if they have skipped two or more meals.

Younger pups will eat 3 - 4 times a day, and newborns can quickly dehydrate without milk and nourishment. If your puppy is not weaned, they will need to eat every 2–3 hours as a newborn, and every 4–6 hours after the first week. Do not delay in seeking help, as their blood sugar can dip fast.

Conclusion

A dog can go 3–5 days without food if they’re still hydrated, but sick dogs, puppies, or diabetic pets need urgent care sooner.

Appetite loss may come from physical issues like illness, blockages, dental pain, or aging. It can also come from emotional factors like stress, anxiety, or changes in routine. 

If your dog isn’t eating, check for symptoms, consult a vet, and consider calming their environment, changing food, or using appetite stimulants. You could try providing them with a soothing vest or jacket.

Always seek veterinary advice if you are feeling unsure about treatment.

Happy Walking!

Ext Links

[1] https://www.springhouseanimalhospital.com

[2] https://www.ellevetsciences.com