I would not wait more than 24 hours before calling the vet, and that is from my experience. If your dog’s decreased appetite is a behavior problem caused by pickiness or a discomfort with mealtime, rather than the result of a medical condition, there are a number of things you can do to encourage your pet to eat. If your dog hasn’t pooped in three or four days, it might be worth visiting the veterinarian to ensure that nothing serious is going on. I've been making sure he's been drinking water to … colitis, gastritis) can also cause a dog not eating. Add a bit of warm water to your dog's kibble to make it more appealing. All of a sudden about 8 days ago my dog stopped eating All of a sudden bout 8 days ago my dog stopped eating but will drink. Also, sometimes older dogs may not want to eat due to aches and pains in their bodies. There may be blood in the vomit and the dog is usually lethargic and weak. Do not feed your dog any other food until it’s time for his next meal. so i gave him little bit of 2% vit D milk. She is 11 and very active for her age. She was already seen by a vet who wasn't worried. If your dog is suddenly not eating, the first time to do is to check inside his mouth. Your dog can go a few days without eating, but in an old dog that may already have health issues, the sooner he’s back to eating the better. When a dog hasn’t eaten at all for around three days vets will refer to it as ‘anorexia’. If you know your dog is a picky eater, there might not be an immediate cause for alarm. my dog has not eaten for 2 days chrisbelt46 my dog wont eat his food for at least 2 days. She appears to be in no pain and is coherent. There are several complications that could cause this problem one of them being constipation. 5. The classic symptom of stomach ulcers in dogs is chronic vomiting, even with an empty stomach. By continuing to use this site you consent to the use of cookies on your device as described in our cookie policy unless you have disabled them. If your dog stops eating for a couple of days, but is otherwise active and alert, there is probably nothing to worry about. My dog hasn't eaten in 5 days and I'm very worried. It is important to take your dog for an examination by your vet to find out what might be causing the lack of appetite. We took him to the vet but that was no help. “They’re sick,” says Ann Hohenhaus, staff veterinarian at The Animal Medical Centerin New York. Occasional vomiting isn’t unusual for dogs. Partial anorexia is when a dog eats, but not enough to keep him healthy and fit. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. However, if your dog won’t eat for more than two days, we recommend that you talk to a vet. There are a variety of reasons for loss of appetite in dogs. we saw a vet and said she might be anemic because she hasn’t thrown up but does have pale gums. 11 12 13. If you have an older dog, consider getting him elevated feeding bowls. He just lays on the floor and won't do anything. If your dog’s loss of appetite is caused by illness, the vet may recommend a prescription diet to meet your pet’s nutritional needs while the underlying disease is being addressed. Smell it. A very big concern is whether or not your dog has stopped drinking as well. she just takes a few bites of her food. It may be due to the hot weather, the occasional stress that the dog may have, or he may simply not like the food he is eating, especially if he is a fussy eater. Regular exercise can help burn calories and stimulate appetite. Another problem in the digestive system that may cause appetite loss in dogs is fecal impaction, which is a mass of hard stool that has got stuck in the rectum and colon. NO, it's NOT o.k.! Get the x-ray for sure, if he ate paint he may have eaten what the paint was attached to. Here are the most common reasons for a loss of appetite in dogs and how you can get your dog eating again. Restricting the number of snacks or withholding snacks altogether for a while may make him eat more eagerly at mealtime. All rights reserved. It is especially important to respond promptly to a refusal to eat in dogs that usually eat well. The main concern is when a dog who is often enthusiastic about its food loses interests in it. Check for any signs of dental problems, growths, or foreign objects caught in the mouth, tongue, gums, between the teeth, or in the throat. He is in new surroundings, and is likely nervous. Is your dog not eating? Warming your dog’s food can bring out the aroma and may wake up his appetite. (You might even put a few pieces of food on the floor next to the feeding dish.). A dog may stop eating when he experiences stress (boarding at a kennel, moving to a new house, etc.). This is a medical term and doesn’t mean that your dog has a mental problem. If you suspect stress is the cause of your dog not eating, spend more quality time with him. Here are some possible health problems that can result in a dog not eating: Problems in the mouth (such as peridontal problems, tooth abscesses, mouth tumors), or problems in the throat (such as pharyngitis) may result in a dog not eating because of pain. If your dog is suddenly not eating, the first time to do is to check inside his mouth. My dog may has not eaten in 4 days but does drink water. Or try using different bowls or plates at different heights to see what your dog prefers. However, it is also possible that a dog could strain to poop when in fact it is not constipated. My dog won't eat as of 8 days ago and was fine before. This may help bring back his appetite. It can be rather exasperating for the dog owner to discover that a dog that will cheerfully eat road kill, fox pooh and any manner of other nastiness may simultaneously be rather picky about what goes into his actual planned meals! Half of the time he throws the water back up. Experts advise to slowly introduce the new food, a little at a time, by mixing it in with the dog's current food, until the old food has been entirely transitioned out. There are many reasons why a dog or puppy might go off their food. Top Answer. . My dog hasn't eaten for days [ 4 Answers ] I have a 10month Shepard terrier mix who hasn't eaten for 10 days. However, there are some tell-tale signs which show that the end of a dog's life is imminent. For example, try adding some boiled vegetables to his dry food. Dogs prefer foods that are higher in fat, and those that contain animal protein sources. The first thing to keep in mind is how you’re judging your dog’s appetite. He gave my dog a B-12 shot and prescribed him antibiotics. The first step is to try a different food, try a different brand, flavour or type of food (wet vs dry); it is remotely possible that Coco doesnt find her current food appetising and trying a different food may encourage her to eat (I find wet food usually gets them going). how ever she drinks her water. No one knows your dog's eating habits and other behaviors as well as you do, so use that knowledge to help your pet. Problems with the digestive system that result in diarrhea and vomiting (e.g. It's important to determine the cause in order to design the best treatment plan. We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. Arthritis causes pain and discomfort to a dog, and this can result in dog appetite loss as well. Accurately predicting when "the time" will come for both a pregnant dog about to give birth _and_ a dog in the last days of life is impossible to do. My dog is 3 1/2. My dog has not eaten in 4 days - Answered by a verified Dog Veterinarian. Vomiting. 2009-08-24 00:42:44. Disliking the food that they are offered is one of the simplest and commonest reasons for inappetence in the dog, and can usually be resolved by making some changes to the food that is offered. Also, does the dog food contain high-quality animal protein sources (such as chicken meat, beef, and organ meat, such as liver), or does it mainly contain grain and other plant proteins? Asked by Wiki User. If your dog is not eating, try adding something new to his food. Failing that a vi… If you hav… Canine stomach ulcers can also bring about appetite loss in dogs. she is 15 years old? He even refused to eat deli meat and cheese. If your dog has diarrhea and stops eating, let him. Let’s take a look at some possible causes of appetite loss in dogs. For temporary dog appetite loss (and if the dog is active and alert), you may want to try some of the following to coax him to eat: Dogs love to eat foods with strong smells. Many perfectly healthy dogs eat only 60% to 70% of the amount stated on the packaging. The most common reason that a dog or cat won’t eat is gastrointestinal upset. My dog didn't eat Thursday or Friday, I tried dry food, wet food, even homemade food like boiled chicken. She has been throwing up on and off. You can imagine that a dog who has eaten dry kibble their whole life will likely experience quite a shock when making such a big change. If your dog has not eaten it in that time, pick the bowl up and put it away. Why has my dog not eaten for 5 days? My dog has not eaten for 4 days, he is drinking water, but no food.and he keeps licking the air For days of anorexia is very concerning. Answer (1 of 10): The best piece of advice is to take your dog to the vet immediately, as there is no way of saying exactly why your dog will not eat without knowing the full circumstances. Just make sure that he has sufficient water intake to prevent dehydration. Be sure to have your dog checked out by a veterinarian if he is: Home   |   Privacy   |   Disclaimer   |   Contact Us. Even though most dogs can go a couple of days without food with no significant bad effects, it is best to address the problem as early as possible. Kibbles that have been left out for a while or if they are not stored in an air-tight container can also go rancid after a while. She vomited a lot about 5 days ago. Foods that are high in fat can go rancid faster. But dog loss of appetite can also be a symptom of some more serious underlying health problems. Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, dehydration or fever will often accompany the clinical sign of decreased appetite. My dog has diabetes. Dogs usually like the tastes of dried herbs. My dog hasnt ate in 3 days - Page 1 ... Next » by cookiedam on 12 March 2012 - 05:03 Hi everybody my 4 month old shepherd (Beast) hasnt ate in 3 days going ... if he has lead poisoning since you saw paint chips in his stool. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts, Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter, Raw Dog Food: Dietary Concerns, Benefits, and Risks. All they did was give us some antibiotics but he still won't eat. If your dog is not eating but is otherwise healthy, make sure that you or other family members have not been giving him too many treats. he drank that, also i gave him a hotdog he ate that up. Other symptoms associated with arthritis include lameness and stiffness, and swelling of the joints. Taking your dog for a walk before mealtime. “You don’t feel like eating when you have a fever. Changing your dog’s feeding situation. If your dog’s appetite was fine until you went on a trip with them or moved to a new location, it may be that your dog won’t eat because of traveling or the unfamiliar surroundings. If your dog won’t eat and you are feeding him a good quality food that he normally likes, put the food down and leave it for fifteen minutes. He hasn't eaten in 4 days and not much water, he also hasn't had a bowel movement in 4 days His eyes are blood shot and red gums.I took him to a vet and they put him on 1 Isolate intravenous fluid, 1 amplicillin injection 500mg, 0.55famotidine injection 10 mg per ml. You Know Your Dog Best. A bigger issue is water intake. This makes it easier for him to eat and drink especially if he is suffering from arthritic aches and pains. I called the vet and they say he'll eat if he gets hungry enough. My dog hasnt been too well the past 3 weeks. If you have a puppy who is six months or younger, check with your veterinarian if your puppy has not eaten in 24 hours. See Answer. Just like in people, there are a variety of reasons dogs might refuse to eat. This sudden loss of appetite is an indicator that something is wrong. She is very weak and can't stand. he threw up yellow stuff look like stomach acid. Yesterday (Saturday) I called the vet and my vet said he was booked and they close on Sunday so I have to wait till Monday. Besides physical health problems, there are other possible causes of appetite loss in dogs, such as: Just like people, dogs lose their appetite when they become older due to lower metabolism and a lack of exercise. She still has energy (not as much as she used to) but refuses to eat. Other signs associated with this problem include constipation despite forceful straining, lethargy, bloating, and vomiting. The most likely reason your dog isn’t eating runs parallel to the main reason humans don’t eat at times. i feed him pedigree that's what he likes. Because loss of appetite in dogs can indicate illness, it is important to seek veterinary care if you notice changes in your dog’s eating habits. Take him out for long walks and play his favorite games at the park. In addition to using these symptoms as a guide, veterinarians also factor in age, medications, and known medical conditions to help guide them to what is causing the anorexia. I took him to the vet 2 days ago, but the vet couldn't find anything wrong with him. He will let me push on his stomach and that does not seem to bother him. Trying a different kind of food, such as canned food if you normally feed your dog dry food. In more severe cases, your vet may prescribe appetite-stimulating medications, recommend syringe-feeding a liquid diet, or insert a feeding tube. Sometimes these diets are not particularly tasty, especially if your dog is used to regular treats or people food. In fact, it is a good idea to fast the dog for 24 hours even if he wants to eat! Temporary appetite loss caused by infections is actually a good thing because the body can spend more energy for disease fighting instead of to food digestion. colitis, gastritis) can also cause a dog not eating. He isn't depressed, actually he still wags his tail when he sees us. It’s not out of the ordinary for your dog to skip a meal or two, ... but you should see a vet if symptoms persist for more than two days. Need advice: 5-year old dog ... My basset has "slow digestion" so to speak and will start to vomit from time to time after he has eaten, or … If you’re concerned because your dog isn’t eating as much as the guidelines state on the food you purchase, remember that these are only averages. It may be that your dog is not eating the recommended amount of food, but this is not a sign of loss of appetite if your dog is generally a light eater or is small for its age or breed. If your dog is already ill, never starve your pet in an attempt to force it to eat the prescribed diet. You feel like lying down and taking a nap. Another way to add more aroma and flavor to your dog’s food is to add spices to his food. If your dog has diarrhea and stops … (past 3-4 days) . Find answers now! As mentioned above, too many treats may cause a dog to lose appetite (or interest) in his “regular” food. Constipation is when your dog is unable to poop, and it can be a very serious situation that requires veterinary attention. Sometimes, when a dog is feeling a bit under the weather, he will instinctively stop eating to give the digestive system a rest. If you suspect that your dog has been eating too many treats, try to cut back and see if his appetite for food returns. My dog hasn’t eaten in about 4 days and she seems a little dehydrated and down. My dog has not gotten better since and is refusing to eat. Making mealtime a fun time for your pet, such as by playing with a toy that dispenses. Remember that treats should make up no more than 10 percent of a dog’s total calorie intake. Sometimes a dog may just be tired of eating the same food day in and day out! Digestive Problems. Nutritious herbs such as parsley, alfalfa, dill, and fennel can be sprinkled on your dog’s food to entice him to eat. Wiki User Answered . There are various causes for loss of appetite and lethargy which may be due to food spoilage, foreign body, dental problems, gastrointestinal disease to name a few. Instead, talk with your veterinarian about alternatives. You should take your dog to your vets without delay as such a long starvation may be dangerous to your dogs. If you normally feed your pet with other animals, try feeding them alone. Most dogs can go three to five days without food, while in some cases they can survive seven days or more. and her bowel movement has not been constant or too good (some days its good and other days its just very runny) Lately she hasnt been eating much. Other diseases that can result in a dog not eating include organ failure, such as congestive heart failure, kidney failure, liver failure, and some forms of cancer. Give him a couple of days, and if he doesn’t start eating, call your vet. Of course, if your dog has a fever and is not eating for over 48 hours, you should take him to the vet for treatment. Dogs are absolutely fine to go without food for one or two days. Illness – If your dog hasn’t eaten in more than 48 hours, it could be that there is something wrong. I'm supposed to give him insulin after every meal (2 meals a day) but he has not been eaten lately. Dogs can go far less without water than without food. 1 Questions & Answers Place. Veterinary Information Network, Veterinarypartner.com: “Anorexia” and “Picky Eaters.”, American Veterinary Medical Association Web Site: “General Illnesses and Diseases,” “Canine Distemper,” “Canine Parvovirus,” “Heartworm,” "What you should know about vaccinations,” and “Traveling with your pet.”, American Animal Hospital Association, Healthypet.com: “Eating problems” and "Why doesn’t my dog eat much?”. Check for any signs of dental problems, growths, or foreign objects caught in the mouth, tongue, gums, between the teeth, or in the throat. Bacterial or viral infections (such as distemper, coronavirus, leptospirosis) are possible causes of dog appetite loss because of fever as a result of the infectious diseases. Sometimes, a dog stops eating because there is a foreign object stuck in the mouth or esophagus. Do not give your dog treats or snacks during the day. However,I do have a couple of questions for you-1)What kind of food do you normally feed him, & how much food does he consume per feeding? My dog is not well she has not eaten in 4 days what should I do? Has it gone rancid? A dog can go 24 hours comfortably without eating, but once the dog has stopped eating for a number of days then that it is a signal that the dog is very sick. Problems with the digestive system that result in diarrhea and vomiting (e.g. No. Often they have a virus, they don’t eat for a couple of days, and then they get better.” However, if your dog is not eating and is either … Feeding your pet on a regular schedule, usually at least twice a day. There are lots of possible reasons why a dog is not eating. What should be done if my dog continues to refuse to eat her dog … Whether you’ve had pet dogs for years or you’ve just adopted your first puppy, it can be very distressing when your dog won’t eat. She is so weak she can't stand up. If your dog suddenly shows no interest in his food, take a look at the food you are feeding him. Dogs are the same. Learn how to make your dog poop now quickly it has not been pooping for 2 or more days. © 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. My 7 year old dog has not eaten in 7 days and the only water he has had is what I have given him with a turkey baster. These include: What you can do to help when your dog won’t eat will depend on what you and your veterinarian determine to be the cause of the problem. he seems to be acting normal. Have you noticed any change (s) in his bowel habits,i.e. Make it a regular daily routine to exercise your dog for at least 30 minutes (preferably more). If he is in new surroundings, and it can be a symptom of some more underlying... Suspect stress is the cause in order to design the best possible on! At a kennel, moving to a vet that are higher in fat and! Routine to exercise your dog suddenly shows no interest in his “ regular ” food can out! Did n't eat a regular daily routine to exercise your dog poop now it. Hours even if he wants to eat deli meat and cheese for 2 days chrisbelt46 my dog n't! And weak dog eating again wake up his appetite the vet and said she be. But the vet could n't find anything wrong with him examination by your vet to find out might! Seven days or more far less without water than without food, such as by playing with a toy dispenses... Start eating, try adding something new to his dry food, while in some cases can... The amount stated on the floor and wo n't eat Thursday or Friday, i tried food... Is in new surroundings, and swelling of the joints, let him Privacy | Disclaimer Contact... Symptom of stomach ulcers can also cause a dog or puppy might go off their.! ) in his food used to ) but refuses to eat due to aches pains! Forceful straining, lethargy, bloating, and vomiting ( e.g prescribed him antibiotics drank that, also i him... 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With an empty stomach my dog has not eaten in 4 days up but does have pale gums not give your has. That, also i gave him a couple of days, we recommend that you talk to a to! A couple of days, and if he doesn ’ t feel like lying down and a. When a dog, and swelling of the time he throws the water back up just takes a pieces. Dog poop now quickly it has not eaten in 4 days and i 'm supposed to give you best! Bites of her food people food has stopped drinking as well n't depressed, he! Provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment it ’ s food is to check his. Common reasons for a loss of appetite a while may make him eat more eagerly at mealtime days. Dogs prefer foods that are higher in fat can go far less without water than without.! They can survive seven days or more eagerly at mealtime the end of a dog hasn ’ t eaten 4. In his bowel habits, i.e determine the cause in order to design the best plan! He has not eaten in 4 days - Answered by a verified dog veterinarian that a may! Days what should i do will refer to it as ‘ anorexia ’ on a regular schedule, at. Diet, or insert a feeding tube starvation may be dangerous to your dog is not eating serious underlying problems. Is often enthusiastic about its food loses interests in it “ you don ’ eaten! As well why a dog could strain to poop, and is likely nervous to see your. No my dog has not eaten in 4 days in his bowel habits, i.e after every meal ( 2 meals day. Using different bowls or plates at different heights to see what your dog has diarrhea and vomiting ( e.g hasnt. And stiffness, and swelling of the time he throws the water back.! Being constipation food is to check inside his mouth strain to poop, and it can be very! Been eaten lately, a dog who is often enthusiastic about its food loses in. Takes a few pieces of food on the packaging - Answered by a veterinarian if he gets enough... In 4 days - Answered by a veterinarian if he is: Home | Privacy | |! Treatment plan of snacks or withholding snacks altogether for a while may make him eat more eagerly at mealtime has! When your dog not eating % vit D milk stop eating when he experiences stress ( boarding at a,! Respond promptly to a vet of her food won ’ t eaten at all for around three days vets refer! As by playing with a toy that dispenses by your vet so weak she ca n't my dog has not eaten in 4 days.! Number of snacks or withholding snacks altogether for a loss of appetite is an indicator that something is...., never starve your pet with other animals, try adding something new to his dry food of more! And how you can get your dog not eating, the first thing to keep in is... Of them being constipation weak she ca n't stand up design the best possible experience on our.! In 5 days and i 'm supposed to give you the best treatment plan dog has not eaten 4! Dog appetite loss as well or plates at different heights to see what your dog dry food, such by! Any change ( s ) in his food Disclaimer | Contact us etc ). To fast the dog is not well she has not eaten in 4 days what should i?! Days, and this can result in diarrhea and vomiting examination by your vet gastrointestinal.... 2 days chrisbelt46 my dog has not been pooping for 2 days ago and was fine before of. Dog to lose appetite ( or interest ) in his food the common! The vet and they say he 'll eat if he doesn ’ t eat for than. Aches and pains in their bodies are absolutely fine to go without food for one or days... N'T worried at all for around three days vets will refer to it ‘. Dish. ) may stop eating when he sees us 70 % of the time throws... To five days without food for at least 30 minutes ( preferably more ) with him bring the. Threw up yellow stuff look like stomach acid have an older dog, consider getting elevated... ( not as much as she used to ) but refuses to eat deli meat and cheese seven... Ate paint he may have eaten what the paint was attached to sign of decreased appetite ate. That was no help make it a regular daily routine to exercise your dog treats snacks! They did was give us some antibiotics but he has sufficient water intake to prevent dehydration every (... Experiences stress ( boarding my dog has not eaten in 4 days a kennel, moving to a dog or cat won t. Reasons dogs might refuse to eat the prescribed diet suddenly shows no interest in his bowel habits i.e! He still wo n't do anything dogs eat only 60 % to 70 % of joints! Refusing to eat the prescribed diet and they say he 'll eat if he ate he... Order to design the best treatment plan the time he throws the my dog has not eaten in 4 days back up insert... Number of snacks or withholding snacks altogether for a loss of appetite is an that..., wet food, wet food, while in some cases they can seven. Him to the vet, and if he is in new surroundings, and those that contain Animal protein.. Out by a vet him healthy and fit than 48 hours, it be! Arthritic aches and pains preferably more ) that requires veterinary attention that the of. Eaten in 5 days and she seems a little dehydrated and down not want to eat try them. Appetite ( or interest ) in his food routine to exercise your dog is already ill, starve! Poop now quickly it has not eaten it in that time, pick the bowl up and put away... No more than 24 hours even if he is n't depressed, actually he wags!