My Dog Won't Eat: What It Can Mean and What to Do

Call your vet now if

• Your dog is off their food and also vomiting, has diarrhoea, or seems lethargic or weak.
• They seem to be in pain, are hunched, restless, or have a swollen or tender belly.
• You think they may have eaten something poisonous (see our toxic foods list) or swallowed an object.
• They are a puppy who has missed a meal and seems quiet.
• They are diabetic and not eating. Insulin and meals usually go together, so call your vet for advice before their next dose.
• They are not drinking, or are drinking far more than usual.
• They show pale gums, laboured breathing, collapse, or yellowing of the eyes or gums.

If any of these apply, please do not wait to see if they eat later. Ring your vet, or an out-of-hours emergency vet if your practice is closed.

Picky eating or a real change?

Some dogs are naturally fussy. They may graze, turn their nose up at one food and wolf down another, or hold out for something tastier. That pattern, if it has always been part of your dog, is usually a behaviour rather than a sign of illness.

A real change looks different. Signs that a loss of appetite may matter include:

• A dog who normally eats eagerly suddenly refuses meals.
• They show interest in food but walk away, or pick it up and drop it.
• They will eat treats but not meals, or nothing at all.
• The change lasts more than a day or keeps happening.
• They are also quieter, sleeping more, or not themselves.

Knowing your dog's usual habits is the key. Our guide to knowing your pet's normal can help you build that baseline.

Common everyday reasons

There are several everyday possibilities when a dog goes off their food:

• Hot weather. Many dogs eat less when it is warm. Our hot weather safety guide covers keeping them comfortable.
• Stress or change. A house move, visitors, a new pet, kennels, fireworks or a change in routine can all affect appetite for a short time.
• A new food. Some dogs are wary of a new food, or simply prefer the old one. Changing gradually tends to go more smoothly.
• Too many extras. Treats, chews and table scraps can fill a dog up so their meal holds less appeal.
• Less exercise. A quieter day can mean a smaller appetite.
• Hormones. Entire males may eat less when there is a female in season nearby, and entire females can be off their food around their season.

These are possibilities, not a diagnosis. If you are not sure which applies, or your dog seems unwell, ask your vet.

When it matters more

A reduced appetite deserves closer attention, and a quicker call to your vet, in these situations:

• It has lasted more than a day in an adult dog, even if they seem otherwise well.
• It comes with other signs, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss, coughing, drinking more, or a change in energy.
• Puppies. Young dogs have smaller reserves and can become poorly faster, so speak to your vet promptly.
• Older dogs. A change in appetite in a senior dog can be linked with a range of conditions and is worth checking. See caring for a senior dog.
• Diabetic dogs, or dogs with any ongoing condition or on regular medication. Your vet will want to know straight away.

Loss of appetite can be associated with many health problems, from tummy upsets to conditions affecting the kidneys, liver, or other organs. Only your vet can work out the cause.

Could it be their mouth?

Sometimes a dog wants to eat but finds it uncomfortable. Dental pain is a common reason for this. You might notice:

• Chewing on one side, or dropping food.
• Pawing at the face or rubbing the mouth on the floor.
• Bad breath, drooling, or blood on toys.
• Preferring soft food and avoiding hard biscuits or chews.

If you see any of these, book a check with your vet. Our dental care guide explains how to look after your dog's teeth day to day.

What you can do at home

If your dog is bright, drinking normally and has only skipped a meal:

• Keep fresh water available.
• Offer their usual food at their usual time, then lift it after a while rather than leaving it down all day.
• Cut back on treats and extras for a little while.
• Keep mealtimes calm, away from busy areas or other pets.
• Don't give human medicines or appetite remedies unless your vet has prescribed them.
• Don't keep swapping foods to tempt them, as this can make fussiness worse and hide a real change.

If they still are not eating by the next day, or anything else changes, ring your vet.

How tracking shows a real trend

Appetite changes can be gradual. A dog who eats a little less each week can be hard to spot from memory alone. Recording what your dog eats, and how much, makes trends much easier to see. Logging meals in Petopedia alongside weight and energy helps you give your vet a clear picture of when things changed and by how much. You can sign up to start tracking, and our pet calculators can help you understand roughly how much your dog may need.

For a broader checklist of warning signs, read signs your pet needs a vet.