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My dog won't eat, is itchy, and has anal gland issues. What's wrong?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Female | spayed | 10 years old | 100 lbs

My dog has not eaten her breakfast or dinner 2 days in a row. At first we thought she was feeling spoiled so we put chicken in it and let her eat inside. She still didn’t eat. She has also been very itchy, even afree 2 flea treatments, and has secreted her anal gland twice. What could be going on? She is quite a fatty so it is very unlike her to not eat.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jeffrey Milner

Veterinarian

Published on January 15th, 2018

Not eating or more than just a day is definitely concerning, particularly if this is highly unusual and she's turning away things like chicken. I would be concerned about some sort of infectious or inflammatory process going on, a primary or secondary gastrointestinal issue, or one of her organ systems (liver or kidney) acting up in some fashion. If she also isn't taking anything to drink, I would definitely be worrying about dehydration setting in. If she hasn't taken anything for you by the morning, get her into the veterinarian for a check up. Unless they are able to make a determination which is obvious based on physical exam, they will want to likely run some diagnostic blood work and perhaps imaging. Hope this makes sense.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 28th, 2017
Hi there. I'm sorry to hear that Tofu is not feeling well.

At his age I would be worried about a virus, parasites or an intestinal obstruction. Those are going to be the most common things. Other possibility is that he was born with a problem with his kidneys or liver.

My best recommendation is to take him to the vet for an exam and some bloodwork. That can rule in/out many of the things I mentioned above. Of course more testing may be needed like a fecal test or x-rays. It will depend on what the vet finds on the exam.

Unfortunately his symptoms are very vague and could be a sign of any of those diseases (and more). They are not specific signs for any one disease process so I cannot pinpoint exactly what is happening just based on your description.

If he is sick, you need to get him to a vet as soon as you can.

I hope this helps. Best wishes to you and Tofu. I hope he is back to feeling better soon!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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