Why is my dog not eating. What causes loss of appetite in dogs. How to identify the underlying reasons for a dog’s decreased food intake. When should I be concerned about my dog’s lack of appetite. What are the potential health issues related to dogs not eating.

Understanding Canine Loss of Appetite: Causes and Concerns

When a dog refuses to eat, it can be a worrying experience for pet owners. A decreased appetite (hyporexia) or complete loss of appetite (anorexia) in dogs often signals an underlying issue that requires attention. If your canine companion hasn’t eaten for more than 24 hours, it’s crucial to investigate the root cause.

To help pet owners navigate this concerning situation, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide on the reasons behind a dog’s loss of appetite, how to identify potential causes, and steps to take to ensure your furry friend’s health and well-being.

Common Reasons for Loss of Appetite in Dogs

Dogs may stop eating for various reasons, which can generally be categorized into three main groups:

1. Medical issues
2. Behavioral factors
3. Food-related problems

Understanding these categories can help pet owners pinpoint the cause of their dog’s decreased appetite and take appropriate action.

Medical Causes of Appetite Loss in Dogs

A wide range of medical conditions can lead to a dog’s loss of appetite. These issues often cause pain, nausea, lethargy, or stress, which can make eating unappealing or difficult for your pet.

Oral and Dental Issues

Dental problems and oral pain are common culprits behind a dog’s refusal to eat. These may include:

• Tooth decay
• Gum disease
• Oral injuries
• Mouth ulcers

Do dental issues always cause visible symptoms in dogs? Not always. Some dogs may hide their discomfort, making regular dental check-ups essential for maintaining oral health and preventing appetite loss.

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Various gastrointestinal issues can lead to a loss of appetite in dogs:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Intestinal parasites
• Pancreatitis
• Inflammatory bowel disease

These conditions can make eating uncomfortable or even painful for your dog, resulting in a decreased desire to consume food.

Systemic Diseases and Infections

More severe medical conditions that can affect a dog’s appetite include:

• Cancer
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Congestive heart failure
• Lung disease
• Infections (bacterial, viral, or fungal)

These conditions often cause systemic symptoms that can impact a dog’s overall health and well-being, including their desire to eat.

Behavioral Factors Affecting a Dog’s Appetite

Sometimes, a dog’s refusal to eat isn’t related to physical health but rather to emotional or environmental factors.

Anxiety and Stress

Dogs, like humans, can experience anxiety and stress that affect their appetite. Common triggers include:

• Changes in routine or environment
• New people or pets in the household
• Travel
• Loud noises (e.g., construction, storms, fireworks)

Can small changes really affect a dog’s appetite? Absolutely. Even minor alterations in a dog’s routine, such as changing meal times or locations, can cause stress in more sensitive dogs, leading to a decreased interest in food.

Social Dynamics and Feeding Behavior

In multi-pet households, social dynamics can play a role in a dog’s eating habits:

• Intimidation from other pets
• Resource guarding
• Competition for food

To address these issues, it’s often recommended to separate dogs during feeding times. This approach can help reduce stress and ensure each dog has the opportunity to eat comfortably.

Food-Related Issues Affecting Canine Appetite

Sometimes, the problem isn’t with the dog but with the food itself. Several factors related to the food can cause a dog to lose interest in eating.

Food Quality and Freshness

The quality and condition of the food can significantly impact a dog’s willingness to eat. Issues to consider include:

• Expired food
• Stale kibble
• Spoiled wet food

How can you ensure your dog’s food stays fresh? Store dry food in airtight containers and check expiration dates regularly. For wet food, refrigerate opened cans and use them within 2-3 days.

Palatability and Preferences

While some dogs will eat almost anything, others can be more particular about their food. Factors affecting palatability include:

• Texture
• Temperature
• Flavor

Is it normal for dogs to suddenly dislike their regular food? Generally, a healthy dog shouldn’t stop eating a food they’ve previously enjoyed unless there’s an underlying issue. If your dog seems to tire of multiple foods, it could be due to overfeeding of treats or table scraps, or potentially a medical condition.

Identifying the Cause: A Dog Appetite Loss Questionnaire

To help pinpoint the reason for your dog’s loss of appetite, consider the following questions:

1. Is your dog drinking water?
2. Has there been any vomiting or diarrhea?
3. Are there any visible signs of discomfort or pain?
4. Have there been any recent changes in your dog’s environment or routine?
5. Is your dog showing interest in treats or human food?
6. Has there been a change in your dog’s activity level or behavior?

The answers to these questions can provide valuable insights into the potential cause of your dog’s appetite loss and guide your next steps.

When to Seek Veterinary Care for a Dog Not Eating

While occasional fluctuations in appetite are normal, prolonged loss of appetite can be a serious concern. It’s important to know when to seek professional help.

Red Flags and Warning Signs

Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog:

• Hasn’t eaten for more than 24-48 hours
• Is showing signs of lethargy or weakness
• Is vomiting or has diarrhea along with appetite loss
• Appears to be in pain
• Has noticeable weight loss

These symptoms could indicate a serious underlying condition that requires prompt medical attention.

Diagnostic Approach

When you bring your dog to the vet for appetite loss, they may perform various tests to determine the cause:

• Physical examination
• Blood tests
• Urinalysis
• X-rays or ultrasound
• Fecal examination

These diagnostic tools help veterinarians identify potential medical issues and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Strategies to Encourage Eating in Dogs with Decreased Appetite

If your dog’s appetite loss is not due to a serious medical condition, there are several strategies you can try to encourage eating:

Adjusting Feeding Routines

• Establish a consistent feeding schedule
• Create a calm, quiet eating environment
• Try hand-feeding or using puzzle feeders to make mealtime more engaging

Enhancing Food Palatability

• Warm up wet food slightly to release aromas
• Mix wet and dry food for a more appealing texture
• Add low-sodium broth or water to dry food

Is it okay to try different foods to stimulate appetite? While it’s tempting to offer various foods, sudden changes can lead to digestive upset. Always consult with your veterinarian before making significant changes to your dog’s diet.

Preventing Future Appetite Issues in Dogs

Taking proactive steps can help prevent future appetite problems in your canine companion:

Regular Health Check-ups

• Schedule annual veterinary exams
• Stay up-to-date on vaccinations and parasite prevention
• Address any health concerns promptly

Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle

• Provide a balanced, nutritious diet
• Ensure regular exercise and mental stimulation
• Maintain good dental hygiene

Creating a Stress-Free Environment

• Establish consistent routines
• Provide a safe, comfortable living space
• Address any anxiety or behavioral issues with professional help if needed

By implementing these preventive measures, you can help ensure your dog maintains a healthy appetite and overall well-being.

Understanding the various factors that can affect your dog’s appetite is crucial for maintaining their health and happiness. By staying vigilant, addressing concerns promptly, and working closely with your veterinarian, you can help ensure that your furry friend enjoys their meals and maintains optimal health throughout their life.

Dog Not Eating? Here’s Why and What to Do

Decreased appetite (hyporexia), or loss of appetite (anorexia) in dogs can be stressful for pet parents, and can often indicate an underlying medical condition. Anorexia for more than 24 hours should not be ignored, as it is often a warning that something else is going on.

Here’s some insight on why your dog is not eating, including a questionnaire that can help you get to the root of the issue and some tips for what you can do to help.

Reasons Why Dogs Won’t Eat

There can be many reasons why a dog won’t eat, but they generally fall into three major categories:

Medical

The list of possible medical causes for dog anorexia or hyporexia is very long and can include anything that might cause pain, nausea, lethargy, or stress:

• Dental disease

• Oral pain

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Intestinal parasites

• Pancreatitis

• Stomach upset (eating table scraps or something else they shouldn’t have, or a sudden change in food or treats)

• Infection

• Fever

• Cancer

• Liver disease

• Kidney disease

• Inflammatory bowel disease

• Congestive heart failure

• Lung disease

These are only some examples of medical issues that can lead to a loss of appetite in dogs; there are many more possible reasons.

Behavioral

Anxiety, stress, or fear can cause decreased appetite in some dogs, just like it can in people. Keep in mind that what you think is stressful is different from what your dog may see as stressful, and even small things can produce anxiety and cause them to not want to eat.

Changes in a dog’s routine or environment, such as new people or pets in the house, traveling, or loud noises such as construction, storms, or fireworks can trigger anxiety. Even something as simple as changing the time or location of a meal can cause more sensitive dogs to feel stressed, and it may make them less likely to eat.

Intimidation from another pet in the household can also cause a dog to avoid his or her food bowl. Many dogs do not like eating right next to housemates, as there can be intimidation that we, as humans, don’t pick up on. It is recommended that dogs be separated for feedings in order to decrease any resource guarding or intimidation.

Generally, if the issue is related to stress or anxiety, dogs will begin eating again after a day or two, once they have adjusted to the change. Some dogs may need behavioral modification or medical treatment to decrease stress and anxiety if it is frequent.

Issues With the Food

The issue might be with the food itself—it could be old, expired, stale, or spoiled. While some dogs, such as happy-go-lucky Labrador Retrievers, might eat anything in sight, others, such as Yorkshire Terriers, may be a little more particular.

If a dog has been on the same food for a while and has always eaten it well, take a look at the expiration date on the bag or can, and check to make sure that it is stored in an airtight container.

All dog food containers and bags should be sealed, and the food should be thrown out if the expiration date has passed. Open canned food can be sealed with plastic wrap or a lid that’s made to fit dog food cans, and it can be kept in the refrigerator for two to three days.

Many pet parents wonder if their dog may simply be tired of their food if they stop eating it. While some dogs may be picky, a healthy, hungry dog should not stop eating a certain food simply because they’ve eaten it for a while.

Sometimes it takes a few tries to figure out which dog food your dog likes best, but if your dog seems to get tired of food after food, it may be because they are getting too many treats or human food, or they might have a medical condition.

Dogs are smart and quickly learn that if they don’t eat their kibble right away, they might get some tasty treats instead. Rather than jumping right to table scraps or a new food, see if mixing kibble with canned food, or gently heating the canned food is helpful.

Switching foods suddenly often leads to stomach upset (decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea), so it can be very counterproductive. It would be very unusual for a dog to go hungry for several days just because they are picky, so it is important to rule out underlying medical conditions with your veterinarian if this happens.   

Why Won’t My Dog Eat? Questionnaire

Use this questionnaire to help determine possible causes for your dog’s loss of appetite.

Will Your Dog Drink Water?

If your dog will drink water but won’t eat, it may be due to nausea, stress, or mouth pain. If they are able to keep the water down, that is a good sign. However, if they are vomiting after drinking water, they should be seen by a veterinarian right away, as this could indicate severe nausea or an intestinal obstruction. If they go longer than 24 hours without eating, even if they are still drinking, they should be examined by their vet to determine the underlying cause of their inappetence.

If your dog has not eaten or drank in 24 hours or more, they should be seen by a veterinarian right away in order to be assessed and treated for likely dehydration, and to investigate the underlying cause of their unwillingness to eat or drink.

Anything that can cause a dog to feel ill, such as kidney disease, pancreatitis, intestinal parasites, liver disease, cancer, infection, intestinal obstruction, etc., can lead a dog to refuse food and water. Like humans, dogs cannot go for more than a few days without water, so this should be treated seriously.

Does Your Dog Eat Treats But Not Food?

If your dog is refusing dinner but saying yes to treats or table scraps, they may be filling up on “junk food” rather than their own dog food. However, if your dog has other symptoms of not feeling well, a medical condition could be to blame for their altered appetite. 

For example, if your dog is happy, energetic, drinking water, playing, and not having any vomiting or diarrhea, it may be that they are simply getting too many calories per day in treats and aren’t hungry for their meal. They may also have outsmarted you, knowing that if they refuse to eat their food, they’ll get tasty chicken and dog treats instead.

However, if your dog is lethargic, having any vomiting or diarrhea, starting to eat a bit then stopping, or drooling or licking their lips, they may not be feeling 100% well. Treats are higher rewards, so many dogs will be more likely to eat those rather than their food, even if they aren’t feeling the best. Think of a time when you’ve had an upset stomach but powered through to have your favorite treat while passing up the salad bar.

It is always best to be on the safe side and have any possible medical conditions ruled out if getting your dog to eat is becoming a frequent challenge.

Is Your Dog Not Eating Dry Food?

Does your dog turn up their nose at dry food, only to wolf down canned food the minute you set it down? This is a common complaint from pet parents, and it can mean a few different things.

It may be that your dog has dental or oral pain. Many pet parents believe that if their pet is eating, they must not have oral pain, but that’s not the case. They have to eat, so many dog struggle silently with oral pain for months or years until a dental procedure is done to extract any rotten or infected teeth.

While some dogs will still eat dry food even with severe oral pain, many prefer canned food, as it’s easier to chew. If your dog is no longer wanting to eat dry food but will eat canned, they should be seen by their veterinarian for an oral examination.

It may also be that your dog prefers canned food to dry food, as it often smells stronger and may be seen as more of a “treat.” Try mixing canned food with the dry kibble to encourage your dog to eat, and gradually transitioning to a higher ratio of dry food, until your dog is back to eating dry kibble.

Some dogs simply refuse to eat kibble in favor of canned food. While this can have some negative consequences, such as worse dental disease or a higher food bill, it may not be a problem to have your dog on canned food long-term. Talk to your veterinarian to see if feeding your dog an all-canned diet may be the best option for them.

Is Your Dog a Senior?

While senior dogs may have lower caloric requirements than young dogs, and therefore may eat less than they used to, marked weight loss or a refusal to eat is not normal and can indicate serious underlying health conditions.

These can include, but are not limited to:

Cognitive decline, mobility issues, or vision loss can also cause a dog to not eat if they are unable to find or get to their food bowl. It is important for senior dogs to have a feeding routine, that the food bowl remain in the same area of the house so that they know where to find it, and that they have a rug or yoga mat to stand on while eating to avoid slipping or having trouble standing on hard floors.

If your senior dog has gone longer than 24 hours without eating, they should see their veterinarian for a thorough physical examination and possible diagnostics to investigate the cause of their loss of appetite.

Is Your Dog a Puppy?

A young, healthy puppy shouldn’t go more than a few hours without eating.

Small breed puppies, especially, are at a high risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and should be watched closely for signs of lethargy or collapse if they are not eating. If this happens, they should be treated on an emergency basis.

Some puppies may not like larger kibble, as it can be hard for their puppy teeth to chew, especially if they are just transitioning to solid food. This can be remedied by mixing in water and letting it soak to create more of a porridge consistency, or the kibble can be mixed with canned food as well.

If your puppy still will not eat, they should be seen right away by a veterinarian. If they are also lethargic, vomiting, or having diarrhea, they should be seen on an emergency basis.

Did You Just Adopt Your Dog Recently?

A newly adopted dog can take days or weeks to settle into their new home. Anxiety is a common cause of temporary inappetence, so it’s not unusual for a new addition to the household to refuse food for the first day or two.

It is important to ensure that they are given a quiet place to eat, away from other pets or children that may interrupt them. As long as they are otherwise energetic and not having vomiting or diarrhea, it’s okay to give them a day or two to get used to their new home before worrying about them not eating.

However, if they are lethargic, vomiting, or having diarrhea, or go more than 48 hours without eating anything, they should be examined by a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions.  

Did Anything Change in Your Household?

Some dogs may be sensitive enough that a change in their environment may cause inappetence. Examples include a new addition to the family (whether a new pet or a new baby), construction, having people over, or even a change in the location of the food and water bowls.

While noise phobias aren’t specific to your household necessarily, things like thunderstorms and fireworks can also cause enough anxiety to discourage your dog from eating.

Could Your Dog Have Separation Anxiety?

Many dogs with separation anxiety refuse to eat while their pet parent isn’t home. Some dogs with separation anxiety even expect their loved one to be in the room while they eat, and will stop eating if their human leaves the room.

While this is not necessarily a health concern, it is a sign that your dog may have severe anxiety that needs to be addressed. Calming chews such as Composure or Solliquin may be helpful, and calming pheromone collars or diffusers such as Adaptil can be beneficial as well.

However, if you are concerned that your dog may have severe separation anxiety, consider consulting with a board-certified veterinary behaviorist for help.

Did You Switch Dog Foods?

Transitioning from one dog food to another too quickly can cause stomach upset, which may mean that your dog doesn’t feel like eating. It’s important to transition foods gradually over 7-10 days in order to avoid stomach upset. This also allows your dog to get used to the new food over time, rather than making a sudden switch.

Is Your Dog Pregnant or in Heat?

Early in pregnancy, your dog may have a reduced or absent appetite. If your dog is in the middle or late part of her gestation, she may eat less because her stomach has less room to expand due to the presence of puppies, but she should make up for this by eating a smaller amount more frequently.

Regardless of what point of gestation your dog is in, if she has not eaten in over 24 hours, your veterinarian should be called right away to ensure that everything is okay.

Dogs in heat may also have a decreased appetite, which is considered normal. However, if she goes longer than 48 hours without eating anything, she should be checked by her veterinarian. If she is lethargic, vomiting, having diarrhea, or drinking and urinating more than usual, she should be seen by her veterinarian right away, as this could indicate an infection in the uterus known as pyometra.

Is Your Dog Diabetic?

If your dog is diabetic and will not eat, this could be an indication that something is seriously wrong. Ask your veterinarian what they recommend doing if your dog won’t eat at the time of your dog’s diagnosis.

As a general rule, dogs should not be given as insulin if they aren’t eating, as this can cause dangerously low hypoglycemia. If your veterinarian advised you to give a half dose of insulin if your dog skips one meal, do so, but alert your veterinarian immediately if your dog skips another meal.

If your diabetic dog skips a meal, is lethargic, nonresponsive, or vomiting or having diarrhea, they should be seen by a veterinarian immediately, as this could be an indication of hypoglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis, both of which are life-threatening if not treated right away.

Did Your Dog Just Have Surgery?

It is not unusual for your dog to skip a meal or two after a surgery. The medications used for sedation and anesthesia commonly cause nausea and a decreased appetite, and medications that they may go home on, such as pain medications and/or antibiotics can also suppress the appetite.

You may try tempting your dog to eat with a spoonful of canned food or boneless, skinless, boiled chicken on top of their kibble. Better yet, ask your veterinarian for a few cans of a prescription gastrointestinal diet to feed for the first few days after surgery. These foods are highly palatable, are easily digestible, and can help counteract some of the gastrointestinal upset that can happen after surgery and anesthesia.

If your dog had oral or facial surgery, your veterinarian may recommend feeding only canned food for two or more weeks. This also means that your dog should not receive hard treats or chew on hard toys until they are declared healed at their recheck appointment. If your dog is refusing to eat the prescribed canned food, reach out to your veterinarian in case there are any post-operative complications.

What to Do When Your Dog Won’t Eat

If your dog is lethargic, vomiting, or having diarrhea in addition to not eating, see your veterinarian right away. If you don’t see any of these, here are some ways to try to entice your dog to eat:

• Add water or no-sodium chicken broth to the dog food and let it soak for several minutes to soften it.

• Heat canned food for a few seconds in the microwave (make sure to take it out of the metal can and put it into a microwave-safe bowl). Canned food can become scorching hot quickly, so feel the food first to avoid any burned tongues.

• Try mixing some plain, boneless, skinless boiled chicken and rice with their kibble to encourage them to eat.

• Add a probiotic such as Purina Fortiflora or Advita on top of the food. Not only can this make the food more palatable, but it can also help any inflamed or irritated intestine heal by rebalancing a healthy gastrointestinal flora.

If you have tried these tricks and your dog continues to refuse his food, he should be seen by his veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

Unless explicitly prescribed by your veterinarian, your dog should not be given any over-the-counter gastrointestinal medications like Imodium or Pepto Bismol, as these could cause serious side effects or even interact with medications that your veterinarian may want to give. It is best to consult with your veterinarian before attempting to treat symptoms at home.

Featured image: iStock.com/Eva Blanco

WRITTEN BY

Ellen Malmanger, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Ellen Malmanger is originally from Arkansas, but attended Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine for veterinary school….

Dog Vomiting: Why Is Your Dog Throwing Up?

There’s nothing that can get a pet parent moving quite like the sound of a dog vomiting or about to vomit. It’s a sound that all pet parents recognize and hate to hear.

So, what causes dog vomiting?

Dogs vomit for many reasons. Some of the reasons are nothing to worry about, but sometimes, vomiting is a sign of a serious health problem that needs immediate veterinary care.  

Learning to tell the difference can be tricky, but it’s important to know why dogs vomit, when you should be concerned, and what you can do to help.

This guide will break down the causes of dog vomiting, help you identify dog vomit types, and explain what you should do and when it’s time to call a vet.

Jump to a section here:

• Is It Dog Vomiting or Regurgitation?
• What Does Your Dog’s Vomit Look Like?
  • Yellow Vomit
  • White, Foamy Vomit
  • Clear, Liquid Vomit
  • Mucus-Like, Slimy Vomit
  • Bloody Vomit (red or pink)
  • Brown Vomit
  • Green Vomit
  • Worms in Vomit
  • Grass in Vomit

• Why Is My Dog Throwing Up?
• Do You Need to Go to the Vet if Your Dog Is Vomiting?
• What Can You Give a Dog to Stop Vomiting at Home?
• Dog Vomiting Treatment at the Vet’s Office
• How to Prevent Some Cases of Dog Vomiting

One important thing to keep in mind is that dog vomiting and regurgitation are not the same thing. Think of dog vomiting as more of an “active process” and regurgitation as more of a “passive practice.”

Why do you need to know the difference? Because the causes of and treatments for the two conditions are very different, and vomiting tends to be more concerning than regurgitation.

Dog Vomiting

Vomiting occurs when the contents from the stomach and upper intestines are forcefully ejected. Dog vomit can contain yellow bile or dog food that has been partially digested, and it usually smells sour.

Vomiting may occur directly after eating or anytime thereafter. It’s usually preceded by signs of nausea, such as drooling, licking the lips, and swallowing excessively.

Some dogs may eat grass before or after they vomit, possibly to induce vomiting or protect the esophagus, because grass can cover sharp objects like bone shards when the dog vomits. it is a good idea to prevent them from eating a large amount, or it may make matters worse. 

They might also eat their own vomit. This is an instinct that dogs have that is very unappealing to us as humans, but it’s not a big problem for dogs.

Because vomiting causes dehydration, your dog might try to gulp down a whole bowl of water after vomiting. This may trigger more vomiting, so try to limit their water consumption to small amounts at a time. 

Regurgitation in Dogs

Regurgitation, on the other hand, is a mild ejection of undigested food from the dog’s esophagus, meaning that it never made it to the stomach. A major difference is that regurgitation doesn’t involve abdominal heaving.

It tends to happen shortly after eating—maybe your dog ate too much or ate too fast. Or your dog could be overly excited or stressed out.

Once you’re pretty sure that your dog is vomiting and not regurgitating, you can identify the type of vomit by the appearance of it. What the vomit looks like can help determine the causes of vomiting in dogs.

Yellow Vomit

Yellow vomit is very common when a dog has an empty stomach, and the yellow color that you see is due to bile secretions. This occurs most commonly in the middle of the night or early morning hours.

It can be caused by acid buildup, reflux, or any other systemic condition that causes nausea on an empty stomach.

White, Foamy Vomit

Vomit that is white and looks foamy can be caused by a buildup of stomach acid. The foamy appearance may be caused by the vomit coming into contact with the air or being sloshed around in the stomach before the vomiting occurs.

Clear, Liquid Vomit

If your dog is vomiting a clear liquid, it can either be caused by stomach secretions or when there is water pooling in the stomach that comes up by itself when vomited.

Often, this happens when a dog drinks while feeling nauseous and can’t even keep the water down. 

Mucus-Like, Slimy Vomit

Slimy vomit that looks like mucus occurs when a dog is drooling and it pools in the stomach in response to some major irritation. The dog relieves their nausea when they vomit up the mucus. 

Bloody Vomit (Red or Pink)

Blood in a dog’s vomit should always be taken seriously.

Blood itself causes nausea, so it is often vomited up if it pools in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. If the color does not progress to red, and the vomiting is not prolonged or profuse, the pink tinge is not always a sign of an urgent situation.

However, if there are blood clots, fresh blood, or a coffee-ground appearance to the vomit, these things could indicate bleeding into the stomach or upper small intestine.

Bleeding can be a result of an ulcer, a tumor, lack of clotting, or eating rat poison. All of these conditions need treatment as soon as possible in a veterinary hospital. 

Brown Vomit

Brown vomit could just be regurgitated food from the esophagus that never made it to the stomach to be digested. Also, it can indicate that a dog ate too quickly and didn’t chew the food, or swallowed a lot of air by gulping it down.

But although brown vomit may look like it’s just regurgitated kibbles, sometimes, there can be more to it. It’s best to inspect the vomit to try to determine the nature of the contents.

Traces of blood can appear brown at times if they are not profusely bloody. Brown vomit can also be an indicator of coprophagia (eating poop). 

Green Vomit

Green vomit can be caused by eating grass. It can also be due to a contraction of the gall bladder before vomiting (usually on an empty stomach), resulting in bile in the stomach. 

Worms in Vomit 

Worms and other infectious organisms can cause vomiting in dogs. If there are live worms or a large infestation, such as with roundworms, a dog may vomit them up. (More commonly, they will shed eggs that can be found in the feces, and that is the only way to diagnose them.)

Grass in Vomit

Grass is a common ingredient in dog vomit.

Dogs often eat grass when they have an upset stomach, which can sometimes induce vomiting. If they are eating grass on a regular basis, however, it is a possibility that they can be ingesting more pesticides and parasites.  

There is no catchall answer for why a dog is vomiting.

Different ages, breeds, and behaviors can make dogs more prone to vomiting.

There can be external causes or internal causes, and there are many factors, including the duration, color, severity, etc., that can Influence how to respond to the vomiting.

Here is a list of possible causes of vomiting in dogs, whether it’s acute (one-time, sudden instance) or chronic (happens often over time):

• Abrupt diet change

• Addison’s disease

• Bloat

• Brain tumor

• Cancer

• Constipation

• Diabetes mellitus

• Drinking contaminated water

• Eating grass (which can be caused by something else)

• Eating poop (coprophagia)

• Gastritis or an upset stomach from eating garbage or spoiled food

• Gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestinal tract)

• Gastrointestinal ulcers

• Heat stroke

• Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis

• Inflammatory bowel disease

• Intestinal obstruction from a foreign body

• Intestinal parasites

• Kidney disease

• Liver disease

• Megaesophagus

• Meningitis

• Middle ear problem

• Pancreatitis

Acute Dog Vomiting 

Acute vomiting is something that comes on all of the sudden and has not been going on for a long time.  

Here are some reasons why a dog may suffer from acute vomiting:

Eating Something Bad

Dietary indiscretion is something that is more common in younger dogs. From getting into the trash to eating a poisonous outdoor plant, you will usually know very quickly that your dog is sick.

If they eat an object that bounces around in their stomach but doesn’t cause an obstruction, this could turn into a chronic condition if you don’t know it is in there.

If the food they get ahold of is super fatty, it can lead to another serious stomach issue called pancreatitis.

Contagious Diseases 

Dog vomiting can be caused by certain contagious diseases as well, which are also more common in younger dogs. 

One of the causes of a dog vomiting from a contagious disease is parvovirus, which can be very serious. It’s most common in puppies that are around other dogs in group settings.

Certain breeds may be more susceptible to parvovirus, including Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and sled dogs.

Intestinal Parasites

Parasites can also cause vomiting in a dog.

Often, the dog is carrying the parasite and we don’t know it. Then, all of the sudden, they may start showing symptoms such as vomiting.

Sometimes, the actual worm is vomited up, and more often, we don’t see the worm but the eggs that can be detected in the stool sample. 

Contaminated Water

Drinking out of puddles and community drinking bowls can cause some bacterial imbalances that may cause stomach upset in dogs.

Drinking out of lakes with cyanobacterium (blue-green algae) can be deadly. The dog may first develop vomiting, but severe cases can progress to neurologic signs and death.

Bloat

Vomiting can be caused by bloat. Bloat or gastric dilatation and volvulus is an acute and life-threatening condition requiring patients to be hospitalized and aggressively treated.

If the stomach fills with air and then twists on itself, it can cut off the circulation and cause the dog to go into shock.  

It is most common in large-breed and deep-chested dogs, including German Shepherds, Great Danes, Standard Poodles, and Labrador and Golden Retrievers.

Eating or drinking excessively or quickly can be a factor in developing bloat.

Chronic Dog Vomiting

A chronic condition is one that goes on for a long time, and can be constant or every so often.

Chronic dog vomiting can be frustrating if you don’t know the underlying cause. Some dogs are prone to vomiting on a regular basis. Chronic vomiting in young dogs is often due to parasites or a food sensitivity. It can also be caused by certain diseases or health issues.

Bloodwork, X-rays, ultrasounds, or biopsies are often necessary to diagnose the problem.

Here are some of the common causes of chronic vomiting in dogs.

Megaesophagus

Megaesophagus, which is a generalized enlargement of the esophagus, can be caused by a number of conditions that can affect dogs of all ages.

Some dogs can be born with the condition because that is just how their esophagus is formed. Other dogs acquire it over their lifetime due to conditions such as Addison’s disease, myasthenia gravis, or hypothyroidism.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Chronic vomiting also can be caused by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). As the name implies, one may associate IBD with lower GI symptoms, but in fact, sometimes vomiting is the main symptom. 

Pancreatitis

We mentioned pancreatitis as a common acute cause of vomiting in dogs. However, some dogs suffer from chronic pancreatitis, which makes them prone to vomiting on an ongoing basis.

These dogs need to be fed a very low-fat diet without exception.

Schnauzers, Shetland Sheepdogs,  Yorkshire Terriers, Poodles, and Bichon Frisés are genetically prone to chronic pancreatitis, which can also lead to diabetes.

The most important thing to determine is when it’s necessary to bring your dog to the vet, and when it’s okay to try a home remedy or just wait for the vomiting to pass.  

If the vomiting has been going on for less than 12 hours, and your dog is perky and keeping down food and water, then it may be okay to wait and monitor the situation.  

One of the biggest dangers with dog vomiting is dehydration. When a dog becomes dehydrated, essential body functions start to break down.

It’s time to call and visit your vet if your dog:

• Is a puppy (can become weak from dehydration or have hypoglycemia if they can’t keep calories down)

• Is geriatric

• Is projectile vomiting (potential sign of obstruction)

• Tries to vomit or dry-heaving and nothing comes out (symptom of bloat, which can be life-threatening)

• Vomits blood

• Vomits pieces of a foreign object or an entire object

• Is lethargic (sign that the whole body is affected)

• Is urinating less (sign of dehydration)

• Has a tender or enlarged abdomen (seen with more serious causes of vomiting)

• Refuses food

• Cannot hold down small amounts of water

• Is showing signs of dehydration (the skin doesn’t snap back into place after being gently pulled; dry gums)

• Has diarrhea with the vomiting (can quickly lead to dehydration)

• Has pre-existing medical problems

• Ate people food (to determine whether it’s cause for concern)

• Vomits often (chronic vomiting)

• Is losing weight from vomiting often (chronic vomiting)

• Is declining in their appearance and overall demeanor (including weight loss, muscle mass deterioration)

Emergency Situations

The things to watch for that would warrant an urgent visit to the vet or emergency clinic include:

Vomiting accompanied by diarrhea (especially if it turns bloody)

This indicates a situation that can quickly lead to severe dehydration that could result in a need for hospitalization.

Your dog becoming lethargic after vomiting, or vomiting with shaking

This could be a result of severe abdominal pain or cramping from electrolyte imbalances. You do not want to wait too long without veterinary attention.

Your dog eating a foreign object, a known toxin, or something you suspect may be toxic (projectile vomiting could signal eating a foreign object)

If you are unlucky enough to not stop it from going down the hatch, you can inform the vet or poison hotline right away what it was and find out what actions need to be taken.

There are some home remedies that you can try if your dog is having mild vomiting and not any of the serious symptoms mentioned earlier. 

Pepto Bismol is not a preferred treatment for dogs. The concern about Pepto Bismol is that it contains salicylic acid, which is an ingredient in aspirin. We need to use this with caution, especially in dogs taking anti-inflammatories or steroids, as it could cause GI bleeding.

Pepcid AC (famotidine) and Prilosec (omeprazole) are safer options to use to help reduce acid production and acid reflux, and these often settle their stomach. 

In most cases of vomiting, treatment via injection is the most effective route. It is the most reliable way to guarantee that the medicine is getting into the dog’s system and to prevent further vomiting. Often, a dog will vomit up a pill, and it can’t help them if they can’t keep it down. 

Medications to Stop Nausea and Vomiting

Cerenia (maropitant citrate) is the most commonly used antiemetic (medication that stops vomiting) for dogs in recent years. It acts on a trigger zone in the brain to stop nausea, and also acts on receptors in the stomach.

Vets will often start your dog with an injection of Cerenia and then follow up with pills every 24 hours for a couple of days to make sure the vomiting has been resolved.

Reglan (metoclopramide) is less widely used but is still very helpful for motility disorders in dogs as well as megaesophagus.

Zofran (ondansetron) is also an antiemetic that’s used in a hospital setting. 

In addition to these measures, the veterinarian may also recommend feeding your dog a bland or easily digestible diet.

Many causes of dog vomiting cannot be prevented, but some can be if you follow these rules:

1. Don’t change your dog’s diet suddenly. Always use a gradual approach. Sudden dietary changes are a common cause of intestinal upset in dogs.

2. Don’t give your dog toys that can be swallowed or chewed into pieces, thereby causing GI irritation or blockage.

3. Don’t give your dog bones. These, too, are routinely implicated in vomiting episodes.

4. Avoid table scraps. Some human foods are downright dangerous for dogs (e.g., grapes, raisins, chocolate, xylitol, onions, garlic, chives, macadamia nuts, and high-fat items), but individuals with sensitive stomachs may not even be able to eat “safe” human foods without vomiting.

5. Don’t let your dog scavenge for food on walks or by having access to garbage cans. “Garbage gut” is what veterinarians commonly call the gastroenteritis caused by consuming scavenged items. Scavenging also increases the risk of foreign-body ingestion and toxin exposure.

6. Watch overly inquisitive dogs carefully. You might even want to try to use a muzzle to keep them from eating anything they might find along your walks.

Featured Image: iStock.com/NicolasMcComber

WRITTEN BY

Stephanie Lantry, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Lantry is a Milwaukee, Wisconsin native. She knew from a very young age that she wanted to be a veterinarian and worked towards that…

what to do if the dog refuses to eat

Information for clients

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Published
August 15, 2019

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The dog does not eat: what to do? Why refuses to eat?

An important indicator of good health in any pet is appetite. And when a dog refuses food or favorite treats, this should alarm its owner. An animal may refuse to eat for various reasons, but this symptom can also be the initial sign of some kind of illness in a pet. If the dog does not eat, does not drink, is lethargic, and at the same time such symptoms are additionally observed, you should immediately contact your veterinarian for help:

• diarrhea, constipation;
• vomiting, shortness of breath, difficult breathing;
• increased body temperature;
• lethargy, depression;
• change in color, amount of urine;
• discharge from eyes, nose, etc.

Why can a dog refuse food, reasons?

Regular consumption of food gives the dog strength, vigor, gives energy for an active life, provides the body with useful substances. Therefore, when a pet refuses food for a long time, there must be a good reason for this. Then any owner in such a situation has a question that the dog does not eat, does not drink, lies, what to do?

In fact, problems with appetite can be caused by a number of reasons, which are not necessarily related to the disease of the animal. The fact that the pet refuses to eat can be influenced by various factors:

• The dog had a snack beforehand (pulled off the table, trash can, opened a bag of food on his own) or his family fed him. If the feeding regime was violated, the stomach was partially filled, the level of glucose in the blood increased and appetite decreased, which led to the dog refusing to eat.
• Changes in feed type and quality. With a sharp transition to another type of diet (from natural to ready-made food, replacing dry food with wet food), the dog does not have time to adapt to new tastes, adapt the digestive system, waits for the usual food, refusing to eat a new one. Therefore, it is necessary to transfer a pet from one type of diet to another gradually, over a week, gradually mixing the new food with the old one.
• Climatic conditions. In extreme heat, the animal almost does not move, loses little energy, the body’s need for its replenishment decreases, therefore, the need for food decreases.
• Severe stress. Moving to a new place of residence, the absence of the owner, a long trip to rest can reduce the dog’s appetite.
• Low physical activity, lack of walking. Pets living in apartments move little, do not walk, do not spend energy on it, so they do not have a special need to replenish it with food.

What should I do if the dog is not eating and is lethargic? What diseases can be the cause?

A pet may refuse food due to various diseases, and there are many reasons for this. With mild ailments, the dog does not eat well, but is active, drinks water and may miss one or two feedings. If there are no other manifestations of the disease, then you should not worry too much. But you still need to monitor her condition, behavior. When the appetite does not recover for more than a day, you should contact your veterinarian.

Dog behavior may change under different circumstances and health conditions. She is able to abruptly lose her appetite and refuse to eat, or it will last gradually. In any case, consultation and examination by a specialist is required.

How to understand that a dog is ill, and what diseases can be accompanied by refusal to eat:

• Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract . The dog is lethargic, does not eat, the nose is cold when he suffers from problems with the gastrointestinal tract. These can be such diseases: inflammation of the intestines, stomach, pancreas, diseases of the liver, gallbladder, parasitic and oncological diseases, foreign bodies in the pet’s body. In addition to loss of appetite, the dog appears vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, weight loss. In order not to get dehydration and death, you cannot self-medicate, seek help from a veterinary clinic.
• Disease of the oral cavity, teeth . The dog’s stomach growls, she refuses to eat, although she wants to eat, but cannot do it because of the pain. Common dental problems: inflammation of the gums, abscesses, traumatized teeth, tartar, tumors of the oral cavity, foreign bodies between the teeth, papillomatosis.
• Infectious, parasitic diseases . These diseases in dogs are manifested in a decrease in appetite, indigestion, fever, nasal discharge, and cough. Tick-borne, especially relevant for pets: babesiosis, Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis. Acute diseases occur, lymph nodes increase, urine color changes, body temperature rises, there is no desire to eat food. Treatment by a veterinarian is required.
• Diseases of the reproductive system . Age-related inflammation of the uterus (pyometra, endometritis) often affects females, which immediately manifest themselves in the form of discharge of blood and pus, later bloating, false pregnancy, mastitis. The dog does not eat, does not drink, lies lethargic, the general condition worsens, weakness, severe pain. Veterinary medical assistance is required..
• Other diseases . Many chronic diseases in domestic four-legged pets, in addition to the symptoms inherent in specific diseases, lead to a long-term loss of appetite, lethargy, and weight loss. Such conditions require medical treatment. These diseases include: diseases of the kidneys, urinary tract, heart, diabetes, diseases of the joints, etc.

What should I do if the dog is not eating and is lethargic?

Before contacting a veterinarian, you can try to self-diagnose the reason for refusing to eat, do not give medication yet. This should be done only if the general condition of the dog does not cause much concern.

• Observe your pet’s behavior, it may take a few hours for an appetite to appear.
• Heat food.
• Let the dog get hungry. Do not feed her for 12 hours and she will probably stop acting up.
• Remember to keep the bowl full of fresh water.

Often the refusal to eat is due to the fact that the dog ate something on the street during a walk. If this is a common indigestion, another physiological, not very serious reason, then within a day the symptoms quickly disappear and the animal again enjoys the next portion of natural food.

But if the refusal to eat lasts more than a day and is accompanied by symptoms such as fever, diarrhea or constipation, then it is better to consult a doctor. An experienced specialist will identify the cause and prescribe the correct treatment.

Always be attentive to your pet, and then refusal to eat will not cause misunderstanding and serious concern. And in the PetsLike online store you will find premium food, vitamins and supplements, as well as treats for your beloved four-legged friend.

What to do if the puppy does not eat food?

Since the puppy’s stomach is more receptive and tender to food than that of an adult dog, it is necessary to carefully monitor his nutrition. If the puppy does not eat food, it is necessary to monitor his condition. This may be the cause of an acute viral infection or a disease of the digestive system. Vomiting, nausea, pain, fever, intoxication lead to loss of appetite and refusal to eat. If the puppy does not eat, does not drink, lies sluggish, it must be urgently taken to the veterinarian for examination, because babies are more susceptible to infection and death.

The puppy’s body can be weakened by other factors: parasites, hypothermia, stress, lack of vaccination, it is less able to fight viruses. Therefore, it is necessary for successful treatment to exclude the influence of these extraneous factors:

• Give high-quality food from trusted brands according to the age of a small pet, do not make sudden changes in food types.
• Do not let him eat something on the side.
• Eliminate sources of stress for the puppy, which can cause refusal of food, or teach them gradually (moving to a new home, traveling in transport).
• Treat the most common diseases that can cause loss of appetite: parasitic diseases (worms), viral infections (enteritis), diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (inflammation of the stomach, intestines).
• Exclude the appearance of foreign bodies in the mouth, poisoning (chocolate, leaves of poisonous plants, etc.).

If the puppy does not eat, does not drink, lies down, do not self-medicate, watch his behavior for a day, exclude unfavorable reasons that led to loss of appetite. If additional symptoms appear, in addition to refusal to eat, on the second day, immediately contact a veterinary clinic for help.

In order for your puppy or adult dog to be healthy, vigorous, active, pay close attention to their development, behavior, nutrition. With a deterioration in appetite, the appearance of various deviations in health, seek help from a veterinarian.

reasons and what to do in this situation?

Does your dog feel sick? In dogs, vomiting is not always a symptom of a serious illness and / or a reason for an urgent visit to a veterinary clinic. However, vomiting is something you should not ignore. Learn about vomiting in dogs so you can help your pet feel better as quickly as possible.

Causes of vomiting in dogs

Vomiting can occur in dogs for a variety of reasons, some more serious than others. Food promiscuity is a common cause of vomiting in dogs (e.g., eating garbage or food off the owner’s table). However, vomiting can also be caused by something more serious, such as ingestion of toxins, gastrointestinal obstruction, pancreatitis, and more.

Vomiting is one of the most common symptoms that dog owners come to the Constellation Veterinary Clinic for. Vomiting may be accompanied by diarrhea, loss of appetite, and lethargy. It is important not only to understand what caused the dog to vomit, but it is also important to know what to do in this situation.

What to do if the dog vomits

If the dog has vomited once or twice, it is not necessarily something serious. You don’t call the doctor every time you have a stomachache, do you? Of course not. However, it is important to pay attention to these symptoms because dogs cannot tell us how bad they are. In fact, dogs often hide their illnesses for as long as possible, a false impression is created that the dog is healthy and sometimes the animals end up in a veterinary clinic in an extremely serious condition.

If the dog vomited, look at what.

• Is this food?
• Bile (dog vomited “yellow foam”)?
• Slime
• Dog vomited “white foam”?
• Water?
• Is there blood?
• Are there toys, clothing or other non-edible material?

It’s a good idea to save any foreign objects you find in the vomit; your veterinarian may need to see them.

After the dog has vomited, it is recommended not to feed or water it for several hours, and during this time to observe the animal. If your dog is sluggish and lethargic after vomiting, vomiting is accompanied by diarrhea, or you are seeing other signs of illness, keep these facts in mind.

Never give your dog medication without first consulting your veterinarian!

Contact your veterinarian immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Frequent vomiting, several hours in a row.
• Your dog is showing extreme apathy and lethargy.
• You suspect that your dog has been poisoned.
• Your dog is on medication that may cause vomiting (stop medication and call the veterinarian who prescribed the medication).
• You suspect that your dog has swallowed a foreign object such as a toy or clothing.
• You see a lot of blood in the vomit (small blood spots are not an emergency, but if they persist, contact your veterinarian).
• Your dog’s belly is bloated (this could be a sign of a volvulus or other serious condition).
• Your dog’s stomach feels sore.
• Your dog’s gums are pale, white, bluish or grey.
• Your dog is having trouble breathing.
• When in doubt, just call your veterinarian!

If you are in Moscow, you can contact the round-the-clock veterinary center Constellation at VDNKh. Professional veterinarians work in the center, diagnostics are carried out using modern equipment, severe patients are treated in a hospital

If your dog has vomited once and is not showing any other signs of illness, you can probably resume normal feeding within 6-12 hours. Just watch to see if vomiting occurs again.

If the dog vomits again at the next feeding, but does not vomit again after a few hours, try offering your dog a small amount of water first. If after that the dog does not vomit, offer a small amount of soft food. For a mild diet, it is usually recommended to cook chicken or minced meat with plain white rice. Don’t forget to drain the broth. Do not add salt or seasoning. Offer a couple of tablespoons of this mixture. If your dog won’t eat, don’t force it. Please try again in a few hours. If your dog is eating and not throwing up within an hour of feeding, try giving him a little more food. Repeat this feeding the next day. If the vomiting doesn’t recur and your dog’s appetite is good, you can start gradually adding your dog’s regular food to the soft diet mix.

• If vomiting occurs several times during the day and continues the next day, we recommend contacting a veterinary clinic.
• If your dog does not eat for two days in a row, you should contact the veterinary clinic, even if the vomiting has stopped.
• Diarrhea accompanies vomiting in a number of diseases. Contact your veterinarian if the diarrhea does not stop by the next day.