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My dog won't eat anything for 36 hours. When should I see a vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | neutered | 70 lbs

My dog will not eat. It's been 36 hrs

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jyothi Alagappan

Veterinarian

Published on June 3rd, 2018

Hi and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am sorry that Bear has not been eating. Since it has been more than a day that Bear has not eaten, I recommend taking him to the vet. It could be anything from not liking his original food, to an upset stomach, to something more serious like pancreatitis, a foreign object, oral pain etc.

Your vet can perform a full physical exam and decide if additional diagnostics are warranted at that time (blood work, fecal testing, radiographs). If Bear has any vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy- I would recommend taking Bear in sooner to the vet.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Ana M, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on May 4th, 2018
Thank you for submitting your question regarding Bear. It sounds like he needs to see his veterinarian especially if it has gone on long enough for him to lose weight. Deworming is a good start, but he will likely need a thorough work up. If he has a history of eating toys, he could have an intestinal obstruction. This typically makes the dog extremely ill, but I have seen some chronic cases where the dog presents for weight loss. He should also be evaluated to see if he has a swallowing disorder. Does he ever vomit or regurgitate his food or water? Lastly, he could have a food allergy or intolerance. A diet change may be in order. His veterinarian will prioritize these things for you based his exam findings. In the meantime, encourage him to eat and drink as you have been doing. I hope this information helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on April 9th, 2019
Hello, sorry to hear about Bear. It sounds like he could have an upset stomach which can be causes by multiple reasons. In dogs, a dietary indiscretion (getting into trash, junk food, etc.) cans cause this most commonly. Other potential causes include ingestion of foreign material that could be causing an obstruction, in german shepherds a GDV (torsion of their stomach), and infections may cause this. Finally, liver, kidney or pancreas inflammation may cause this.

Given that he has not had interest in food and has vomited, Bear is likely dehydrated and should be evaluated by his veterinarian to ensure and rule out the above causes for his signs. Please have Bear seen today. Hope this helps and best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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