Why is my dog not eating?
Similar to a dog not drinking water, an underlying health issue may be the cause. A blockage, upset stomach, or parasite could be the culprit, but you won't know for sure unless you talk to a vet.
In the case of a blockage, a loss of appetite is generally followed by frequent vomiting. Psychological factors could also contribute to your dog not eating. A new pet, change of scenery, loss of a family, and other things could impact your dog's will to eat.
To help you get your friend to eat again, I've put together a list of strategies that have worked for me in the past.
What to do if your dog is not eating but drinking water
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Try feeding them in a different location in the house
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Warm their food before giving it to them
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Top their food with a raw egg
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Mix the food with chicken or bone broth
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Give them a spoonful of pumpkin puree
Feed them in a different location
As strange as it sounds, moving your dog's food bowl to a different location may help get their appetite going. My French Bulldog totally refuses to eat anywhere close to his bed. He wasn't always this way, there was a point where he would take bones and other things back to his bed to eat.
Nowadays he moves his food as far away from his bed as possible. Your dog may be the same way and has started to consider his current feeding area a no-lunch zone. Try moving his dish outside or to another room he plays in.
Warm Their Food
Some dogs like warm food over cold food. If your buddy has decided not to eat foods at room temperature, throw it in the microwave for a minute or so. The new temperature may entice them to eat again.
Top their food with a raw egg
Dogs love raw eggs! Try cracking one or two over their kibble and mixing it around to distribute the flavor.
Mix their food with chicken or bone broth
Many dogs love broth and mixing it with wet dog food will give them a tasty, soup-like meal that should jump-start their appetites.
Give them a spoonful of pumpkin puree
Similar to a raw egg, dogs enjoy pumpkin puree. It also acts as a natural laxative for dogs, so it could help pass an obstruction or relieve constipation.
When should I take my dog to the vet
While not eating is not as severe as not drinking, you should still take your dog to a professional as soon as possible if all your attempts to get them to eat fail.
If you're wondering how long a dog can go without food, its only 3 to 5 days in ideal conditions, so you are probably already running low on time!
If your dog not eating but drinking water and vomiting, then there is a strong possibility he has an obstruction. There is still a chance he'll pass it, however. Since he is drinking, it means there is likely not a full obstruction but a partial one.
Monitor him closely and be ready to take him to the vet if things don't improve quickly.
