# Why Has My Dog Stopped Eating and Drinking? Causes When a dog stops eating and drinking at the same time, it usually means something more than a picky mood. Pain, nausea, fever, dental disease, organ problems, and stress can all shut down both appetite and thirst. This article explains what makes a dog quit eating, how to spot dehydration, and when to call your veterinarian. This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. ## Quick Answer - A dog who refuses both food and water for more than 12 to 24 hours needs a veterinary call that day, because dehydration can develop faster than malnutrition. - Complete refusal of water is more urgent than refusing food alone. Dogs can survive longer without food than without water. - Check for dehydration by gently lifting the skin between the shoulder blades. If it stays up or tents, or if the gums feel tacky and dry, call your vet. - Never force food or water into your dog's mouth. This can cause choking or aspiration pneumonia. - If your dog is also vomiting, has diarrhea, seems painful, or is very lethargic, treat it as an emergency and go to a vet now. ## What Loss of Appetite and Thirst Looks Like A healthy dog usually eats with interest and drinks several times a day, though the exact amount varies with diet, weather, and activity. Some dogs are naturally casual eaters and skip a meal now and then without any problem. The pattern to watch for is a change from your dog's normal routine. A dog who normally cleans the bowl and suddenly walks away, or who normally drinks after a walk and now ignores the water bowl, is showing a real symptom. When both eating and drinking stop together, the concern is higher than when only one changes. Owners often notice other small clues first. Your dog may turn away from treats, lick the lips, swallow repeatedly, drool, or stand over the bowl without drinking. These can point to nausea or mouth pain. ## What Makes a Dog Quit Eating and Drinking? Many conditions can cause a dog to refuse food and water. The table below groups the most common ones by what you might see at home and how quickly you should act. | Cause | Typical clues | How urgent | |---|---|---| | Nausea or stomach upset | Lip licking, drooling, vomiting, eating grass | Call vet if it lasts more than 24 hours | | Dental or mouth pain | Dropping food, bad breath, drooling, chewing on one side | See vet within a day or two | | Pain anywhere | Whining, pacing, stiff walking, hiding, panting | Same day if severe | | Fever or infection | Warm ears, shivering, lethargy, fast breathing | Same day | | Intestinal viruses | Diarrhea, vomiting, low energy | Same day, especially in puppies | | Dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea | Tacky gums, sunken eyes, skin tenting | Emergency if severe | | Organ disease (liver, kidney) | Weight loss, increased or decreased drinking, stumbling | Same day | | Stress or environment change | New home, new pet, travel, loud noise | Monitor 24 hours, then call vet | | Medication side effects | Started a new drug recently | Call the prescribing vet | | Heat stroke or overheating | Heavy panting, hot body, weakness | Emergency now | ### Nausea and Gastrointestinal Disease Nausea is one of the most common reasons a dog stops eating and drinking. A queasy dog may still want water but refuse it because drinking makes the stomach feel worse. Vomiting and diarrhea can follow. Canine enteric viruses are an important cause of gastrointestinal disease in pet dogs worldwide, and routine testing may miss some of them [1]. That means a dog with diarrhea and no appetite may have an infection that a standard test does not catch. If your dog has diarrhea along with refusing food, see [Dog Diarrhea and Not Eating: Causes and When to Act](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/digestive-and-urinary-care/dog-diarrhea-not-eating). ### Pain, Dental Disease, and Mouth Problems A dog in pain often stops eating before anything else changes. Dental disease, a broken tooth, an abscess, or a foreign object stuck in the mouth can make chewing and swallowing painful. Some dogs will still drink cool water because it soothes the mouth, but many refuse both. Pain elsewhere in the body, such as the spine, abdomen, or joints, can also suppress appetite. If your dog flinches when touched or avoids movement, pain is a likely factor. ### Fever and Infection Fever reduces appetite in dogs just as it does in people. Infections of the urinary tract, lungs, uterus, or bloodstream can all cause a dog to go off food and water. A dog with a fever often feels warm, shivers, and sleeps more than usual. ### Organ Disease Liver and kidney disease can change both eating and drinking. One case report described an older dog with liver shunts who showed reduced appetite, weight loss, and increased thirst, along with a staggering gait [2]. This shows how liver problems can affect appetite and water intake in ways that are easy to miss at home. Kidney disease often causes increased drinking early on, then reduced intake as the dog feels worse. Any sudden change in drinking habits deserves a vet visit. ### Stress, Anxiety, and Routine Changes Dogs are sensitive to change. A move, a new baby, a new pet, boarding, or a loud storm can cause a short hunger and thirst strike. This usually resolves within a day or two once the dog settles. If stress seems to be the cause but your dog still refuses water after 24 hours, call your vet. Stress and illness can look alike. ### Underweight Dogs and Long-Term Poor Nutrition Dogs who have been underfed for a long time can have lasting problems. In a review of 246 emaciated dogs from cruelty cases, most were pit bull type dogs with a body condition score of 1 out of 9, and dogs with high globulin and high neutrophil counts took longer than 4 weeks to regain 20 percent of body weight [3]. This tells us that severe malnutrition affects the immune system and slows recovery. If your dog is very thin and not eating, this is not a wait-and-see situation. ### Overweight Dogs and Feeding Habits Weight problems are common. In one survey of 122 dog owners, 46.7 percent of the dogs were overweight or obese, and daily snacks were frequent [4]. Overweight dogs can still stop eating when they get sick, and their body condition can make some illnesses harder to spot. If your dog is overweight and suddenly stops eating, mention the weight history to your vet. ## Red Flags That Make It an Emergency Some signs mean you should stop reading and call an emergency clinic. - Your dog has not had any water for 12 hours or more. - Your dog is vomiting repeatedly or has severe diarrhea. - Your dog's gums are pale, white, blue, or bright red. - Your dog is collapsing, staggering, or cannot stand. - Your dog's belly looks swollen or feels hard. - Your dog is panting heavily with no obvious reason. - Your dog may have eaten something toxic, such as chocolate, grapes, xylitol, or medication. - Your dog is a puppy, a senior, or has a chronic illness. If you suspect poisoning, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Both may charge a consultation fee. ## Safe Things You Can Do at Home While Waiting You cannot treat the underlying cause at home, but you can keep your dog comfortable and gather useful information for your vet. ### Check Hydration Gently lift the skin on the back of your dog's neck. In a well hydrated dog, it snaps back right away. If it stays up, your dog is likely dehydrated. Also look at the gums. They should be pink and moist, not tacky or dry. ### Offer Water in Different Ways Try a clean bowl, a different bowl, or a shallow dish. Some dogs drink better from a wide bowl because their whiskers do not touch the sides. You can offer ice cubes to lick or a small amount of low sodium broth, but do not add salt or sugar. ### Warm Small Amounts of Food If your dog shows any interest, offer a small amount of warmed food. The smell may spark appetite. Do not force food. Do not leave food out for hours if your dog is vomiting, because that can make nausea worse. ### Remove Stress Keep the house quiet. Separate other pets at feeding time. Give your dog a calm, dark place to rest. Do not hover over the bowl, because pressure can make a stressed dog eat even less. ### Track Everything Write down the time your dog last ate and drank, how much, and any vomiting, diarrhea, or behavior changes. This history helps your vet decide how urgent the case is. ### What Not to Do Do not give human medications such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin. These can be toxic to dogs. Do not force water with a syringe unless your vet tells you to. Do not wait more than 24 hours if your dog refuses both food and water. For more on how long a dog can safely go without either, see [How Long Can A Dog Go Without Eating Or Drinking](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/how-long-can-a-dog-go-without-eating-or-drinking). ## What Your Veterinarian Will Check and Test Your vet will start with a full physical exam. They will check your dog's temperature, heart rate, breathing, gum color, hydration status, and body condition. They will look inside the mouth for dental disease, foreign objects, or tumors. They will feel the abdomen for pain, swelling, or masses. Based on those findings, your vet may recommend: - Blood work to check liver, kidney, and pancreas values, blood sugar, and protein levels. - A urinalysis to look for infection, crystals, or kidney problems. - X-rays or ultrasound to look for blockages, masses, or organ changes. - Fecal testing for parasites and intestinal infections. - Viral testing if diarrhea is present, since some enteric viruses can be missed by routine tests [1]. Treatment depends on the cause. Some dogs need fluids under the skin or into a vein. Others need anti nausea medication, pain relief, antibiotics, or a special diet. Your vet will calculate any medication dose from your dog's weight and health, so never guess a dose at home. If your dog is not eating but still drinking, the picture may be different. See [Why Is My Dog Not Eating?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/why-is-my-dog-not-eating) for that specific pattern. If your dog is drinking less but still eating, see [Dog Not Drinking Water: Causes and How to Encourage Hydration](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/digestive-and-urinary-care/dog-not-drinking-water-causes). ## Prevention and Monitoring You cannot prevent every illness, but you can catch problems earlier. - Weigh your dog monthly and record the number. Small changes are easier to spot than large ones. - Do a body condition check every few weeks. You should be able to feel the ribs without pressing hard, and see a waist in published veterinary research. - Keep up with dental care. Dental pain is a common and treatable cause of not eating. - Stick to a consistent feeding schedule. Free feeding makes it hard to notice when your dog stops eating. - Watch water intake. A sudden increase or decrease is a clue. - Keep vaccinations and parasite prevention current, since infections are a common cause of appetite loss. - Call your vet early when appetite changes. A one day wait is often fine. A three day wait is not. If your dog has a habit of eating things they should not, that can also lead to stomach upset and refusal to eat. See [How to Stop a Dog from Eating Poop: Causes and Solutions](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/anxiety-and-behavior-support/dog-eating-poop) for help with that behavior. ## Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian This article cannot tell you what is wrong with your dog. Only a veterinarian who examines your dog can do that. Individual cases need a veterinarian, because the same symptom can come from a mild stomach upset or a serious organ disease. Call your vet the same day if your dog has refused all food and water for 12 to 24 hours, if vomiting or diarrhea continues, if your dog seems painful, or if your dog is a puppy or senior. Go to an emergency clinic now if your dog is collapsing, having trouble breathing, has pale or blue gums, has a swollen belly, or may have eaten something toxic. Schedule a routine visit if your dog is eating less than normal but still drinking and acting mostly like themselves. Even a mild change that lasts more than two or three days deserves a check. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Should I worry if my dog won't eat or drink for one day? One day of reduced eating and drinking is often not an emergency in an otherwise healthy adult dog. Watch for other signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, pain, or lethargy. If your dog refuses all water for 12 hours or more, call your vet. ### Can stress make a dog stop eating and drinking? Yes. Changes in routine, new people or pets, travel, and loud noises can cause a short hunger and thirst strike. Most dogs return to normal within a day or two once they feel safe. If the refusal lasts longer, have your vet check for a medical cause. ### How can I tell if my dog is dehydrated? Lift the skin between the shoulder blades and let go. If it snaps back quickly, hydration is likely fine. If it stays up or returns slowly, or if the gums feel dry and sticky, your dog is probably dehydrated and needs veterinary care. ### Is it safe to force my dog to drink water? No. Forcing water can cause choking or send liquid into the lungs, which can lead to pneumonia. Offer water in different bowls or as ice cubes instead. If your dog will not drink at all, call your vet instead of forcing it. ### What if my dog is vomiting and won't eat or drink? Vomiting plus refusal of both food and water is a same day veterinary problem. It can lead to rapid dehydration, especially in puppies and small dogs. Call your vet or an emergency clinic right away. ## Related Articles - [Why Is My Dog Not Eating?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/why-is-my-dog-not-eating) - [Dog Not Drinking Water: Causes and How to Encourage Hydration](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/digestive-and-urinary-care/dog-not-drinking-water-causes) - [Dog Diarrhea and Not Eating: Causes and When to Act](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/digestive-and-urinary-care/dog-diarrhea-not-eating) - [How Long Can A Dog Go Without Eating Or Drinking](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/how-long-can-a-dog-go-without-eating-or-drinking) - [How to Stop a Dog from Eating Poop: Causes and Solutions](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/anxiety-and-behavior-support/dog-eating-poop) - [Dog Not Eating but Drinking Water: What to Do](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/vet-visit-decisions/dog-not-eating-but-drinking-water) - [Dog Loss of Appetite: Causes and When to Worry](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/digestive-and-urinary-care/dog-loss-of-appetite-causes) - [Senior Dog Not Eating: Causes, Weight Loss and What to Do](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/digestive-and-urinary-care/senior-dog-not-eating) - [Dog Not Finishing Food or Keeping It Down: Causes](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/digestive-and-urinary-care/dog-not-finishing-food-keeping-down) ## References 1. [Expanded detection of canine enteric viruses in UK dogs with diarrhoea](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42709036/). Microbial genomics, 2026. 2. [A canine case of multiple intrahepatic portosystemic shunts](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41922215/). The Journal of veterinary medical science, 2026. 3. [Markers of inflammation and infection are associated with prolonged recovery in dogs emaciated from long-term inadequate nutrition](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41038228/). American journal of veterinary research, 2025. 4. [Self-reported knowledge and practices of dog owners regarding canine overweight: a cross-sectional questionnaire survey](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42035834/). Topics in companion animal medicine, 2026. ## Further Reading - [Merck Veterinary Manual: Dog Owners](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners) - [Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center: Canine Health Information](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information) - [American Veterinary Medical Association: Pet Care](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare)