My puppy won't eat his food but is drinking water. Should I worry?

Hello there. That is a good question! Sorry to hear that Jax is not feeling well. You should definitely be concerned. It is really not normal for a puppy to not want to eat. One meal......not a huge deal but if this continues for more than 12 hours or if he starts vomiting, is very lethargic, begins having diarrhea or otherwise acts abnormal then you need to take him to your vet immediately! This can be an early sign of something more serious. Puppies can go from bad to worse quickly so you don't want to wait to long to get them medical help if they need it. I hope that a Boxer puppy at 8 weeks of age weighs more than 3 pounds so I hope that is a typo or I definitely think he is not getting enough food.... Jax will need to be seen by a vet at 12 weeks of age for vaccine boosters, a fecal test and dewormer so be sure to make that appointment. You don't want him to miss out on that - it is very important. I hope this was helpful. Best wishes to you and Jax. Dr. Amber

Hello. If he's bright and alert and feeling well drinking water no vomiting and no diarrhea I would not be too concerned at this time. But if he refuses to eat tomorrow or shows any signs of lethargy loss of activity vomiting diarrhea, he does need to be seen as soon as possible. Hopefully he'll feel better in a day or so. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Austin. I suspect that he is not feeling well as evidenced by his decreased appetite. Has he developed any other signs such as vomiting or diarrhea? If so, he should see his veterinarian. He may require deworming medication or other treatment. In the meantime, keep trying to get him to eat and offer plenty of water. I do not want him to become dehydrated as he is so young. I hope this information helps.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Boy. I recommend that he sees his veterinarian today as I am concerned that he is ill. If he is refusing to eat and is only sleeping, this is worrisome behavior in a puppy. Depending on his exam findings, his veterinarian will direct you as far as necessary diagnostics and treatment options. In the meantime, continue to offer him water to try to prevent dehydration. Do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Bleu Smith. I recommend that he see a veterinarian today. The stress of a new home and environment can cause a low appetite. However, so can illness. Being such a young puppy, it will be easy for his blood sugar to drop too low from not eating. I recommend placing some karo or maple syrup on his gums and seeking care I hope this information helps!

Unfortunately, this is not normal behavior for a young puppy and is pretty concerning. At less than two months old, your puppy needs to eat regularly or he risks having low blood sugar, which can cause serious health problems. Vomiting is not typically caused by stress and all these signs make me worry about a more serious illness. Please have him seen by a veterinarian right away because his lack of appetite and vomiting are very serious.

I'm so sorry. It sounds like Yasmin is very sick. If it is at all possible, get him in to a veterinarian as soon as you can. He is probably dehydrated and in need of some IV fluids. His blood sugar also may be dangerously low. If you are absolutely unable to get him to a vet, you can see if he will eat or drink if you hold it up for him. Please do not force water or food into his mouth, especially if he's extremely weak or not responding, as this increases the chances of him aspirating (inhaling the food or water into his lungs and developing pneumonia). You can also try rubbing a little honey or corn syrup on his gums--if his blood sugar is low this may temporarily help. However, ultimately the underlying cause will have to be treated. Please take him to a vet as soon as you can. Thank you for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach, wishing you and Yasmin the best of luck.