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My dog won't eat or drink after moving. Is he stressed or sick?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 2 years and 2 months old | 14 lbs

My dog isn't eating or drinking like normal. Recently he was separated from his sister since I moved out from my family. He still plays and greets me when I come in from work. His stool isn't as much as it used to be. Last night he only ate food if I fed it to him. He still likes ice though. I don't know what to think. It's all so confusing.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Lauren M. Jones, VMD

Answered By Lauren M. Jones, VMD

Veterinarian

Published on June 29th, 2017

I'm glad to hear that Bentley is still playful and acting normally, even though he hasn't been eating and drinking normally. It is possible that both the stress of leaving his sister and your family, as well as moving to a new home may be contributing to his change in appetite. You can try tempting him to eat with a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken and white rice for a few days (1.5 cups per day, divided into smaller meals). After a few days, transition to his normal dog food by mixing the two foods together over another 5-7 days. It may also be worth looking into calming pheromone collars or diffusers (Adaptil is one example - https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/dog/dog-health-and-wellness/dog-calming-aids/adaptil-adjustable-calming-dog-collar) to try to help Bentley's stress level. If he still refuses to eat in a few days, it is worth a trip to the vet to assure that there aren't bigger medical problems occurring. I hope this helps and that all goes well!
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Rachel

    Veterinarian

    Sorry to hear that Bentley isn't eating or drinking well. Dogs are affected by changes in their environment and being separated from his sister could be causing him some stress. Some small breed dogs tend to become more finicky about their food when stressed. Depending on how long this has been going on, it may just take a little more time for him to adjust to his new environment. There is a possibility that this could be due to an underlying illness. If he does not improve in the next several days I would encourage you to have him looked at by a veterinarian just to make sure there isn't something else going on.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 10th, 2017

    Moving can be stressful for a dog, but it is concerning that Caleb's suddenly stopped eating after being fine for a couple of days. Anorexia is a very general sign of illness, and it can be caused by systemic illness, infection, inflammation, or injury. Feeling sick would cause him to be cranky as well. I would try to tempt him to eat by soaking his food in gently warmed low sodium beef or chicken broth, or offering him small amounts of boiled white meat chicken (no bones) and white rice. If he still refuses to eat that, then I would have Caleb seen by a vet for a health check.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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