Is your dog not eating but drinking water and lethargic? This article details why your dog is not eating and other informative details you may wish to know. 

Here are nine possible reasons why your dog is not eating:

1. Mouth Pain

If your dog has mouth pain caused by gum diseases, tooth decay, broken teeth, or other infections, it will find it difficult to chew its food and hence will be unable to eat. Pain in the mouth causes loss of appetite, which can lead to emaciation or even death when not immediately treated.

2. General Illness

One of the main symptoms of an ill dog is a loss of appetite. A sick dog will not eat its food due to bacterial, fungal, or viral infections that have spread on its body. Similarly, the dog will remain inactive and remain lying on the floor. It is vital to have a vet check-up on your dog for immediate treatment.

3. Stomach Upsets

Sudden changes in diet, overeating, worm infestation, or inflammation mainly cause stomach upsets. Specifically, if a dog has stomach upsets, it will likely be off his food. In most cases, your dog will only eat for some time once the situation is fully settled. You can treat your dog at home when this situation arises.

4. Stress

Stress is very harmful and can lead to numerous changes in your dog’s body. First, stress affects your dog’s appetite, making it go off his plate. Also, stress can lead to depression, which makes your dog aggressive. Therefore, it is essential first to check out the cause of your dog’s anxiety and how to curb it before it worsens.

5. Change in the Environment

A sudden change in a dog’s environment can lead to it not eating food. Usually, this happens when a dog is new to your household or when there is a sudden change in his kennel. It takes a while for a dog to adjust to its new environment, which usually leads to losing its appetite.

6. Dislikes the Offered Food

Dogs can sometimes be fussy, especially when it comes to food. Usually, dogs prefer particular foods to others. Therefore, after offering a specific food type and noticing your dog is not eating, consider trying a different set of meals to encourage eating. Always provide your dog with a healthy diet that does not have any side effects on its health.

7. Side Effects of the Medication

If your dog is on medication, it may keep off food, especially when the drugs are powerful. Some medicines, such as antibiotics, can lead to stomach aches that make dogs fail to eat. However, please consult your veterinarian to know whether it is the medication side effects or something else to avoid assumptions that may lead to fatal experiences.

8. Owner’s Absence

Usually, dogs are animals with attachment issues with their owners. Once they feel neglected by their owners, they tend not to eat to seek attention or starve themselves to death. Therefore, as a dog owner, you have to ensure your dog is not feeling lonely and helpless. Keep it company, as it takes its food at least once in a while.

9. Time of the Day

Dogs have a particular time when they prefer to eat. In most cases, dogs do not like eating very early in the morning. At noon, puppies enjoy the presented meal and can sometimes complete the content in their bowls after the sun goes down. Hence, ensure you closely monitor your dog’s time preference for having food.

What to Do If Your Dog Is Not Eating

It is best to do the following five things when you notice your dog is not eating:

1. Contact a veterinarian to check up on your dog.

2. Offer wet food.

3. Offer healthy foods that your dog likes.

4. Stimulate your dog’s appetite by offering a medicinal appetite stimulant.

5. Adopt a regular feeding schedule for your dog.  

How Can I Prevent My Dog Not Eating?

Failure to eat is a habit that dogs can adopt, primarily when they are used to feasting on dog treats. Therefore, one of the ways to prevent your dog from not eating is by avoiding offering treats more often. Usually, treats are sumptuous compared to their standard diet.

Similarly, ensure your dog is comfortable and has emotional support, especially when it feels lonely and depressed. Spend quality time with your dog to know what it is going through and its happiness. Ensure you pet your dog often, as this is also another way to prevent your dog from eating.

What Can I Feed My Dog When He Won’t Eat?

If you notice your dog sniffing food but not eating, consider offering these meals:

1. Wet food.

2. Bone broth.

3. Baby food.

4. Pumpkin.

5. Warm up his food.

6. Chicken and rice.

7. Eggs.

8. Fish.

9. Salmon.

10. Milk.

Will My Dog Eventually Eat His Food?

Yes, your dog will eventually eat, especially when they are famished. With the correct type of food, your dog will not hesitate to start eating.

It is essential to gently talk to your dog while petting it to show emotional support when it is experiencing stress. This helps your dog have food without any difficulties.

When Should I Worry About My Dog Not Eating?

You should worry when your dog won’t eat or drink and lays there, as this is a severe health issue that requires immediate medical attention.

A dog not eating for a week or even more indicates illness, which may be due to gum diseases, organ failure, stomach upsets, etc. When this is the case, contact a veterinarian to check up on your dog and immediately commence treatment.  

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