If the Dog Stops Eating – What to Do?

If your former food-loving dog suddenly stops eating, it is probably sick. Do not hesitate to ask for help. It is better to call the vet once too often than not at all.

This is not normal if your usually food-loving dog does not want to eat. Alexandra Eiger, the veterinarian at Stockholm Animal Clinic in Bromma, Stockholm, says that without having examined the dog, it can be said that it is a symptom of the disease.

– It could, for example, be gastrointestinal problems, nausea, poisoning, or some infectious disease, she says.

Symptoms

It is important that you observe if the dog has other symptoms to be able to decide whether to contact a veterinarian or not. If any of the following statements are true, you should consult a veterinarian:

• The dog is abnormally tired.
• The dog has a fever. (The temperature is taken in the buttocks and should be approximately between 37 and 38.5 degrees.)
• The mucous membranes are pale. (Lift the lip and look at the color of the mucous membrane, it should normally be light pink or pink.)
• The dog has increased or decreased thirst.
• It has diarrhea.
• The dog vomits.
• The abdomen is swollen.
• The dog has persistent discharge from the vulva.
• The doggy is wobbly.
• It tries to eat but has difficulty chewing.

If your dog refuses to eat, but drinks and seems alert, you can wait and see if the appetite returns.

– Provided it has no other disease symptoms, of course. And if it does not get the appetite back, you should contact the veterinarian. And if it neither eats nor drinks, you should of course also call a veterinarian, says Alexandra Eiger.

If the Dog Does Not Eat or Drink – Seek Help!

A dog that does not eat or drink and also has difficulty pooping may have suffered from constipation, which can be an acute condition. Never give laxatives to the dog. Go to a veterinarian immediately!

If you are worried, it is better to call the vet once too much than not at all. Many times you can get good advice on the phone and guidance on whether it is okay to wait with a vet visit or not, says Alexandra.