My dog won't eat for 3 days. Is it serious? What should I do now?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

  Veterinarian

  This is a quite generic but concerning sign. Differentials are many, from gastrointestinal diseases (infection/inflammations often dietary related) to any disease that can spread systemically (causing lethargy for example) like infection, and anything that can cause pain/discomfort.
  The approach must be logic, starting from offering different kind of food. Anyway A check up is needed if inappetence last for more than 24hours, so I would recommend to take Blessy to your vet immediately.
  Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

  

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• Answered By Ana M, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on October 17th, 2019

  Thank you for submitting your question regarding Dog. I recommend that he sees a veterinarian today. Three days is a long time to go without eating. He could be experiencing nausea which is causing a lack of appetite. If this is not the case, then a respiratory tract infection is possible or he could be painful somewhere. The veterinarian will carefully examine and determine how best to treat him. In the meantime, do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Silvia De Cecco, DVM, MRCVS

  Veterinarian

  Published on March 17th, 2018

  Inappetence is a non specific sign and can be related to a variety of health problems (gastrointestinal, pain related, secondary to high body temperature,...). Given his young age could be quite concerning and 3 days without nutriment is a worrying sign. I recommend to bring her to the vet asap for a full health check.
  Please post again on the forum if you would like to discuss it further. I hope my answer was helpful.
  

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

  Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

  Published on June 16th, 2018

  Poor Tommy! If he hasn't eaten in the past three days, he definitely needs to be seen by a vet - I would recommend taking him to an emergency clinic today to be seen, if possible.
  
  This is a very vague symptom that could be caused by almost any kind of illness, so it's hard to say what might be wrong without being able to examine him and run some tests. He may have parvo (if he wasn't fully vaccinated as a puppy), a GI problem such as pancreatitis or an intestinal obstruction, a systemic illness like liver or kidney disease, or may have ingested something toxic. Your veterinarian can do blood work and x-rays if needed to help diagnose the problem and get him started on appropriate treatment.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful