6 Reasons Dogs Won't Eat and How to Help Them

Feb 24, 2024

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Our pets are like family to us. They bring a sense of unconditional love, support, and comfort that’s unmatched. Dogs, especially, are known as human’s best friends. So when your pup starts acting off or refuses to eat, it can be concerning. There are many different possibilities for why dogs stop eating, so don’t panic — most of them aren’t serious. If your furry loved one has been pushing around his niblets or avoiding his food bowl altogether, consider the various potential reasons why he won’t eat.

Sometimes, a dog refuses to eat because of an oral issue. For example, some forms of dental disease, like gum disease or cavities, can be highly distressing for a pup. Eating (especially dry food, which tends to be hard) can be particularly painful, making them avoid it altogether.

Think about when you have oral pain, whether from a mouth ulcer, impacted wisdom tooth, or other dental issue. You likely don’t enjoy food as much, as the pain makes it too uncomfortable to relish in even your favorite dishes. Your dog is no different.

Some common dental diseases and problems in dogs include tooth decay, loose teeth, gum inflammation or infection, and dental abscess.

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If you suspect your pup has dental disease or oral pain, take them to the vet immediately — especially if they’re refusing to eat altogether. A vet can get a better look inside your dog’s mouth and properly diagnose the issue. Depending on the problem, some solutions might require antibiotics, a dental cleaning, a tooth extraction, or even a root canal.

After getting an expert opinion, you can also continue to prevent and treat dental diseases at home by brushing your pup’s teeth, using a dog mouthwash, giving them medication (if directed by your vet), feeding them a healthy diet, and giving them chew toys to promote oral health.

Many medical illnesses might cause your puppy to stop eating. Conditions like pancreatitis, fevers, cancers, liver disease, kidney disease, systemic infections, digestive diseases, lung disease, and heart failure can all stifle a dog’s appetite. In fact, any type of sickness that causes pain, fatigue, and — of course — an upset stomach will likely keep your dog from wanting to eat.

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If your beloved pet is showing other signs of illness in addition to not eating, take them for a vet visit to ensure everything is okay. Try to remain calm, as many non-life-threatening conditions could cause your pet to act this way. If it does happen to be a serious disease or illness, there are often various treatment options available to consider. Talk with your vet about running specific tests, and have them go over your dog’s results with you so you understand exactly what’s going on.

Sometimes, the reason your dog won’t eat is as simple as an upset stomach. Like humans, dogs can contract stomach viruses that cause stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and sometimes vomiting. If you notice your dog’s stools are loose or they’re vomiting inside/throughout your yard, you can guarantee they won’t be in the mood to eat for a bit. However, many dogs will instinctively eat grass when their stomach is upset, as it naturally soothes stomach problems and balances their stomach’s pH level.

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There are many home remedies for upset stomachs in dogs. Preparing food like pain canned pumpkin, oatmeal, unsweetened yogurt, sweet potatoes, and bananas can help settle dogs’ stomachs and help stop loose stools.

If your pup still isn’t eating normally after a few days, consider visiting a vet to get a professional opinion on why your dog won’t eat. Perhaps they have a food intolerance, parasite (more on this below), or bowel disease that requires further addressing and treatment.

As mentioned above, parasites are a common cause of loss of appetite in dogs. Common parasites in dogs include tapeworms, heartworm, roundworms, hookworm, and giardia. Some parasites can be more dangerous than others, and most require treatment for it to clear. If your dog’s parasites have become severe, your pup will likely show symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss (in addition to not eating).

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If you think your pup might have a parasite, you should immediately take them to the vet. Vets can run tests like stool samples or specific blood tests to diagnose the right parasite. If your dog comes back with a diagnosis, your vet will prescribe specific medications to clear up the parasitic infection so your furry friend can return to enjoying his meals.

Remember, however, you might notice worms in your dog’s poop — which might be alarming. This means the medication is working, and it shouldn’t take more than a few weeks for them to feel better.

Animals experience mental health and emotional issues just like humans. Sometimes, a dog will stop eating if they’re sad, scared, anxious, or overwhelmed. This can be due to changes in their routine or a new environment. For example, if you recently moved, your dog might struggle to adjust to your new location at first. Or maybe you’re on vacation and having a friend watch after your pup; this might cause them to miss you or feel abandoned, which can spoil their appetite.

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Depending on the specific cause of your dog’s emotional distress, the symptoms might clear up within time. For instance, once you return home from a trip away, your pup will likely return to his normal eating habits. And after a few weeks in your new home, he will probably adapt to the change of scenery and begin eating again.

However, if the issue is ongoing, you can visit your vet for a more professional opinion. Some dogs actually have diagnosable mental health and anxiety disorders that require medications. Additionally, your love and support will go a long way for your pup’s mental state, so be sure to give them extra cuddles and attention.

If all of the above issues have been ruled out, your dog’s food might have expired. Spoiled food is a surefire deterrent for your pup, as they can sense if it’s gone rotten. Another potential issue is that your dog simply might not like the food you’re buying or preparing for him. Dogs can be picky, and certain formulas simply might not be for them.

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An obvious solution to this problem is to first check whether your dog’s food has expired. The bag should have an expiration date, but if not, you can usually smell a foul odor if it’s gone bad.

Additionally, if you’ve recently changed your pup’s diet, you might consider returning to his original food or trying a different formula. And, if your pet is particularly picky, you can add some appealing toppers (like yogurt or meat) to their food to get them to eat.

If your dog isn’t eating, don’t panic — they can survive an entire week without any food. And once it’s been that long, their survival instincts will usually force them to eat anything available to them. However, it’s important to get to the root of the issue to ensure your pup is as healthy as can be, so when in doubt, bring him to a vet for an expert analysis.

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