Your Dog Won’t Eat — What Should You Do?

You filled your dog’s food dish a few hours ago and it still remains untouched. It’s worrying when your dog won’t eat her food. A loss of appetite is concerning enough, but not knowing what’s wrong makes matters worse.

There several possible reasons why your dog won’t eat her food. In most cases, your dog will rediscover her appetite on her own. Just be sure to watch for alarming symptoms, and know when to take your dog to the vet.

Why isn’t my dog eating?

Hurt feelings

Maybe she got in trouble after chewing your favorite pair of shoes, you recently moved to a new home, or you went on a vacation without her. Various emotional and social factors can contribute to your dog’s loss of appetite.

Not in the mood

Sometimes your dog just doesn’t feel like eating. In the same way that people may just not be hungry, everything may be fine and your dog might not feel like eating.

Problems with teeth or gums

Although rare, dental disease can cause dogs to stop eating. A sore tooth, injury, or other problem with the teeth or gums may also lead to a loss of appetite.

Illness

People sometimes lose their appetite when they are feeling under the weather; the same is true for dogs.

Medication

Medicine may be to blame for your dog’s loss of appetite. Talk to your vet if your dog isn’t eating after being prescribed a new medication.

New food

Does your dog have a preferred brand? Maybe a change in dog food is to blame. Sometimes dog foods might be different even if you buy the same brand you always get. There could be a change to the recipe, and you might have to find a new brand for your pup.

New home

Sometimes it takes puppies a few days to adjust to a new home. Even fun-loving and friendly Goldendoodle puppies can take a little while to warm up to new surroundings. Make sure that food is available and your new puppy should eat when he is ready.

Do I need to take my dog to the vet?

Most dogs typically start eating again on their own. Your dog should start eating again after a couple of days. Try changing your dog’s food if she isn’t eating after a day or two. Talk to your vet if she still won’t eat.

A loss of appetite can indicate a more serious health problem with your dog. Watch your dog closely if she stops eating, and talk to the vet immediately if you notice vomiting or diarrhea in addition to a loss of appetite.

Calling your vet is the right thing to do if you are worried or concerned about your dog’s health. It’s better to be safe than sorry.