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Why won't my 4-month-old puppy eat? Is it worms or the food?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered

My 4-5 month old pup wont eat. He plays a little. U think its worm or tge chow we are using?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on June 29th, 2016

If your puppy is not eating at all and this began within the last day or two, I would be very concerned about a serious medical problem - if this is the case, you should get him to a vet right away. Common causes of not eating in puppies would include parvo or intestinal obstruction, but almost any serious illness could cause not eating as a symptom so it would be hard to know the cause without an exam and possibly some blood work or x-rays.

If this problem has been going on for a while and your pup is acting fairly normal otherwise, then yes - it's possible that he could have worms, or he may be a picky eater who would do better with a different diet. You could try deworming him with a dewormer labeled for dogs such as Panacur - you can get this over the counter at many pet stores, just follow the dosing instructions on the label for your puppy's weight. You may also want to try a different brand or flavor of puppy chow, or mix some canned puppy food in with his dry food to see if this helps to tempt his appetite. If this doesn't seem to help, then I would recommend having him seen by a vet to find out if there is some other reason for his poor appetite.
Vote Icon14Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    If he is not showing other signs, like vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy than it may just be the food. If this is a new food to him than you could go back to his old food and see if he will start eating again. Feed a high wuality puppy food and maybe add a little moist food to the dry and see if he likes that better. If he is showing other signs than he should be examined by a vet to determine the cause. It would be a good idea to have a fecal sample tested for parasites, especially if that has never been done.

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    8Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Karly Macon, DVM, MS, CVA Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 5th, 2017

    You may be feeding too much. Use the recommendation on the back of the bag for his weight for a starting place for amount fed/day. If he is bright, alert, plays like a normal puppy and is gaining weight, he is likely just fine. Make certain he is current on his deworming and vaccinations. Puppies at this age do well with 2-3 meals daily. If you leave food out all the time he may not ever be particularly hungry and therefore it seems like he isn't eating well. I personally prefer a Hills/Science Diet or Royal Canin brand puppy food if you want to try a different, higher quality puppy diet. Hope that helps!

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    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 20th, 2016

    A check up is absolutely needed considering the signs you are describing. Worming treatment is required as well as antibiotics eventually for gastrointestinal infection.
    I would strongly recommend to take her to your local veterinarian.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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