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Why is my older dog not eating and moping after new puppy? What to do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Golden Retriever | Female | spayed | 6 years and 1 month old | 65 lbs

I have a 6 year old golden and a 7 week old golden. the 6 year old wont eat and just mopes around, is also not eating her food

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on August 6th, 2017

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

I understand your concern. The symptoms Maya are displaying are very non-specific and there could be many reasons. She could simply be moping because of the new puppy. But there could be a medical reason: lyme disease, metabolic diseases (liver/kidney), viral infections, fever, foreign body ingestion or cancer.

Watch her closely for any changes like vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, limping, etc. Try adding boiled chicken or hamburger to her dog food to tempt her to eat. Try taking her outside for her favorite activity with out the puppy-a nice walk, swim in the creek, dog park or play ball. See if that cheers her up!

I hope this helps and good luck!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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