Introduction
From a change in routine to one-too-many treats, there are lots of reasons why your dog might stop eating. Changes in appetite are very common – most of the time they’re back to wolfing down their food within a couple of days – but sometimes it can be because of an underlying problem. Understandably, it can be worrying when your pup suddenly stops eating, which is why I’ve put together this guide sharing my advice as a nutritionist on how to get them back to their usual self. This blog will cover the common reasons behind why dogs stop eating, how long is typically okay, and when to get in touch with your vet.
Key takeaways
- It’s not always a cause for concern if your dog misses a meal. It can just mean they need time to adjust to a new environment or a new routine.
- If your dog doesn’t eat for 24-48 hours, this is when to take them to the vet and keep an eye on their symptoms and behaviour.
- Hot weather, changes in routine, stress and anxiety are all common reasons why a dog may lose their appetite.
- Medical reasons for loss of appetite can include dental pain, an upset stomach and less frequently, serious issues such as kidney disease.
- Sticking to a routine, reducing treats and making their food more appetising can help entice a dog to eat.
- Dogs with diabetes, health conditions, puppies and senior dogs need medical attention if they miss any meals.
Table of contents
Is it normal for dogs to skip a meal?
How long is too long for a dog not to eat?
Common reasons dogs stop eating (that aren’t serious)
Possible medical reasons a dog won’t eat
Signs your dog’s loss of appetite could be serious
What to check if your dog isn’t eating
What you can try at home (if your dog seems otherwise well)
When to speak to your vet
Is it normal for dogs to skip a meal?
If your dog misses a meal, it’s not always a sign that something is wrong. There are many reasons why a pup might not feel like their dinner. A change in your dog’s daily routine and activity level or even the weather can be enough to affect their appetite. If you’ve noticed that your dog doesn’t seem hungry but they seem otherwise fine, it may not be a reason to worry. If your dog sometimes doesn’t want to eat but they’re not losing weight, it’s likely that they’re already eating enough.
Like humans, sometimes dogs don’t feel like eating much in warm weather, or if they’re in a new environment, they may feel a little too anxious to eat until they’ve settled in. Female dogs in season can also not feel like eating, and some breeds are known to be picky or less concerned with eating. Small breeds can be fussy eaters, and energetic breeds like Spaniels can sometimes be less food-motivated than others like Labradors who are famous for their “bottomless pit” appetites. The best thing to do is to keep a close eye on their eating and behaviour.
However, if your dog is diabetic, it’s best to call your vets immediately, as missing meals can affect your dog’s response to insulin. [1]
How long is too long for a dog not to eat?
Missing one meal
Skipping a single meal isn’t usually a sign that something’s the matter. If your dog is still drinking water and seems alert and otherwise their usual self, it shouldn’t be a cause for concern. But as we’ve discussed, it’s different if your dog is diabetic – it’s more important for dogs with this condition to keep to their usual meal routine, so in this case, it’s best to call your vet straight away.
Not eating for 24 hours
If your dog goes a full 24 hours without eating, then it’s best to keep an eye on them to see if they’re showing any other symptoms like vomiting or diarrhoea, which indicates something more serious. It’s worth examining your dog to see if you can figure out the cause of the problem first. Examine their behaviour, teeth and body for any obvious signs that they might not be feeling okay.
If your dog has any health conditions, is older, or is a puppy, then it’s best to ring your vet straight away.
Not eating for 48 hours or more
If your dog hasn’t eaten anything for 2 days, even if they seem fine, this is a good time to give your vet a call. Even if your dog seems like themself, it’s best to get them checked out to rule out any underlying conditions. Your vet will be able to offer advice on how you can entice your dog to eat.
Common reasons dogs stop eating (that aren’t serious)
It’s completely normal to feel worried if your dog has suddenly stopped eating. But it may be down to something as simple as the weather. Below are some common reasons behind why your pup may not feel like their dinner.
Hot weather
Just like humans, sometimes dogs don’t feel like eating when they’re hot and bothered. This might mean your dog loses their appetite a little in summer.
Changes in routine
If your dog’s usual routine is disrupted, it can throw them off their diet. If there’s more family members at home during the day during school holidays for example, or there’s a new addition to the household like a baby, new pet or guest, it can take your dog some time to settle.
Stress or anxiety
Like humans, dogs can suffer from stress and anxiety too, and it can impact their appetite. There are lots of reasons why this can happen, as your dog’s surrounding environment, other animals or household objects can all cause stress. Your dog may not like eating in front of other pets, so you could try feeding them in a separate room away from noise. Or it could be down to something as simple as their bowl – reflections from a metal bowl might be bothering them, or the sound of the tag on their collar tapping against it.
Separation anxiety and boredom can also affect your dog’s mood. If you think your dog might be suffering from stress, anxiety or if they seem depressed, we’d recommend having a chat with your vet to get them back on track.
Being too picky with food
Another thing that can interfere with your dog’s appetite is if they’re being a little picky with their food. Some dogs may prefer the taste of certain foods more, so if you’ve recently changed their diet it’s worth sticking it out for a few days to rule out fussy behaviour. If your dog is healthy and not losing weight, but they’re a little picky, don’t worry, they’re likely still eating enough.
Overfeeding and too many treats
Portions that are too big or lots of treats and snacks throughout the day can mean your dog may not be hungry at their usual meal times. Try to make sure your dog has a set amount of food each day, and that treats make up no more than 10% of their daily calories. It may also be worth checking to see if any other family members have fed them.
Possible medical reasons a dog won’t eat
There are a few medical reasons to consider if you’ve noticed that your dog is refusing their food. It could be down to hormonal changes like when a female dog is in season or a pup enters adolescence. Here are some common medical causes to look out for which could be behind your dog’s lost appetite.
Dental pain: Things like periodontal disease or fractured teeth can make it painful for dogs to chew, which can impact their eating. In this case it’s best to take a trip to the vets to make sure your dog’s oral hygiene is up to scratch, and it could be worth providing softer food in the meantime so it’s easier for them to chew.
Upset stomach: If your dog has an upset stomach, it can understandably cause them to stop eating. Our blog post about stomach gurgling explains what this can mean in more detail.
Infection or illness: There are some illnesses that can disrupt your dog’s appetite. Conditions like liver disease, pancreatitis and hepatitis can all cause a dog to stop eating. [2] A virus called parvovirus is another illness that can cause a loss of appetite – this illness needs immediate treatment, and is more common in puppies. [3]
Pain or injury: There are some other conditions you may not know about that can have an effect on your dog’s eating habits. Arthritis, for example, can make it difficult for dogs to lower their head to reach their food bowl. You can make adjustments like getting a raised food bowl to help them reach their food easier.
Medication side effects: Some medications can cause a dog to lose their appetite. If your dog has started a new medication and is suddenly not interested in their food, the medication could be behind this.
Signs your dog’s loss of appetite could be serious
Below are some symptoms that could indicate that something isn’t right. If your dog is not eating food and has any of these symptoms, it’s best to give your vet a ring.
- Lethargy
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Drinking much less or much more than usual
- Weight loss
- Behaviour changes like hiding, restlessness and pain
These are some of the more serious warning signs, and should prompt a vet visit if you notice them. It’s also worth remembering that if you’re not sure, it’s best to visit your vet anyway and ask any questions you may have.
What to check if your dog isn’t eating
There are some things worth taking note of if you’ve noticed that your dog isn’t eating. You can take a quick assessment of them at home, before contacting your vet if necessary. Some key things to check are:
- Is your dog drinking water?
- Are they playful or alert?
- Have there been recent changes to their routine, environment or food?
- How long has their appetite been reduced?
These shouldn’t take long to check, and are a good indication on whether your dog may just not be hungry or may be unwell.
What you can try at home (if your dog seems otherwise well)
If your dog seems like their usual self, there are a few things you can try at home to help them get their appetite back.
Substituting dry food for wet food. Some dogs prefer food with higher moisture content, meaning swapping out some dry food to wet food – or switching to wet food entirely – may help them eat more. They might prefer its soft texture or stronger aroma.
Sticking to a routine: if there’s been change to your pup’s routine, or their home recently, try getting them back into a steady schedule. When your dog settles into this, it could bring back their appetite.
Reduce treats: Cutting down on treats and snacks can help increase your dog’s appetite, so that they’re ready for their meals.
Check the freshness of their food: Food that is stale or expired can definitely put a dog off. Before mealtimes, it’s worth checking the condition of your dog’s food before offering it to them to make sure it’s in date. You could even try warming it up with warm bone broth or simply warm water. You could also try adding a food topper to make their food more appealing.
Avoid constant food-switching: When your dog stops eating, it may seem like the right thing to do is change their food. While changing their diet might be a good solution in some cases, it’s important to avoid panicking and changing their diet multiple times. If you’re unsure about whether you need to adjust your dog’s food, or if your dog starts showing symptoms that they’re not okay it’s worth giving your vet a call for some guidance.
When to speak to your vet
While your dog missing a meal isn’t anything to worry about usually, it becomes increasingly worrying the longer it goes on, especially if any other symptoms are present. If your dog hasn’t eaten for 24-48 hours, it’s time to contact your vet. If there are any concerning symptoms like vomiting or diarrohea, then this also calls for a vet visit.
If your dog has a health issue, like diabetes, is senior or a puppy, then they need the attention of a vet immediately.
Conclusion: Helping your dog get back to eating normally
Your dog losing their appetite can be worrying, but it’s worth remembering that appetite changes are common, and are often not too concerning. If you’ve just moved house and your dog has skipped a meal, remember that it’s probably just the change in environment, and they’ll most likely be back to their hungry self in a day or two.
Keeping an eye on your dog’s behaviour and eating habits, and being aware of the symptoms to look out for, can help you spot when your dog may need to visit the vets.
Sometimes it can be as simple as the food itself and the portion sizes. If your dog is being a little fussy, it may just mean they could do with a change in food. You could try a new Tails.com wet food with gravy or pate that’s full of delicious flavours to help get their appetite going again.
FAQs
Is it normal for dogs to stop eating sometimes?
A missed meal here and there can be normal, especially if there’s been some change to your dog’s routine or the weather’s been hot lately. If your dog hasn’t eaten for 24-48 hours, then this is where you may need to ring your vet and check to see if there’s any signs your dog may be feeling unwell.
How long can a dog go without eating?
If they’re still drinking water, then most adult dogs can go around 3-5 days without eating. However, this is not the case for dogs with diabetes where a lack of food can lead to more serious problems. [4]
Why is my dog not eating but acting normal?
There can be a few reasons for this, your dog may be a little stressed, not like their current food or be feeling full from too many snacks. It’s best to keep an eye on them to see if they start showing any more symptoms.
Should I change my dog’s food if they won’t eat?
It may be best to rule out any health problems first, but it can sometimes be a good idea to change their diet if they’re not eating. [5] It’s best to try warming up their food with warm bone broth or water first, or adding a food topper to encourage them more. Be careful not to switch their diet too suddenly or too often as it could give them an upset stomach. If you’re a Tails.com customer and your dog isn’t keen on their current food, then contact our friendly team, we can change their blend for free.
When is loss of appetite an emergency?
If your dog is diabetic, has health issues, is a puppy or a senior, then not eating is much more urgent and they will need to see a vet quickly. Healthy adult dogs who have not eaten for 24-48 hours will also need to see a vet, to rule out any health conditions and get them back on track.
Sources
[1] Why Is My Dog Not Eating? Causes and What To Do, PetMD, updated July 31st 2024
[2] Why Is My Dog Not Eating? Causes and What To Do, PetMD, updated July 31st 2024
[3] Parvo in Dogs and Puppies: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment for Canine Parvovirus, PetMD, updated January 31st 2025
[4] Why Is My Dog Not Eating? Causes and What To Do, PetMD, updated July 31st 2024
[5] How To Switch Your Dog’s Food, PetMD, Updated November 3rd 2025