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My dog won't eat but is still active and drinking. What's wrong?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | 1 year and 1 month old | 8.8 lbs
Bella doed not wsnt to eat. Drinking water and fetching ballbut no eating. What can the causes br
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on March 8th, 2020
This is a quite generic but concerning presentation. 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. A check up is needed if inappetence lasts for more than 24hours.
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1Pet Parents found this answer helpfulRelated Answers from Veterinarians
Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on April 22nd, 2018
He may have a picky appetite and may not like the texture or flavor of the food. I would recommend trying a different food altogether. You can also try canned food or add chicken broth to the current food. If he continues to not eat, I would recommend having him checked out by a veterinarian so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 14th, 2017
Hi there and thank you for using Pet Coach to address your concerns! Have you tried multiple types of dog food? Sometimes animals can be quite particular about their food, whether it be texture or flavor. I would recommend experimenting with different types of food formulas, food kibble sizes (large vs. small) and canned vs. dry. If there is no improvement and the appetite has not returned, I would have Fierce examined by a veterinarian and have her blood tested to ensure that there are no concerning changes with her systemic functions. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any further questions or concerns. I am also available via consultation if needed.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on September 17th, 2017
Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sometimes, if no other clinical symptoms are observed, this may be just behavioral and not medical in nature. You can try 1-2 days of just trying to feed him his normal diet to see if it is just behavioral. It it is, often times, they start eating normally when they discover no other good foods will be offered if they do not eat their typical diet. If he does not start eating normally, I recommend that you have Bongo evaluated by your veterinarian to ensure there is not a medical reason to explain his symptoms. Good luck and have a good day!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful