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My dog won't eat his food. Is he sick? What should I do now?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Male | neutered | 25 lbs

Hi, my dog won’t eat his food which is very unusual for him. I’m Concerned that something else is wrong

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on March 12, 2019

You are correct that not eating is a sign something is wrong. Bandit could be suffering from a dental problem, systemic illness, infection, inflammation, or injury. Try offering him some boiled white meat chicken (no bones) and white rice. Should he eat it, feed this for a couple of days, and then slowly add back in his normal diet. If he refuses to eat that, take him into the vet first thing in the morning. I hope this helps!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on April 22, 2020
That’s not good and it’s a sign of illness. It could be caused by dental disease, systemic illness, infection, or injury. Without seeing them in person, I can’t diagnose what is causing it. I’d have them seen by a vet today to get this diagnosed and treated. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on March 14, 2017
I'm sorry Chewie isn't eating! Anorexia is a very general sign of illness in dogs, and it can be caused by dental disease, systemic illness, infection, inflammation, or injury. I would try to tempt him to eat by offering him some boiled white meat chicken (no bones) and white rice in small amounts, or by soaking his dry food in gently warmed low sodium beef or chicken broth. If he refuses to eat that and still isn't eating in the morning, then I would have Chewie seen by a vet for a health check. Good luck, I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on July 11, 2017
Anorexia is a very general sign of illness in dogs, and it can be caused by dental problems, systemic illness, infection, inflammation, or injury. There can be serious causes when a dog doesn't eat much, and I would have Pelos seen by a vet. The vet will be the one who can diagnose why he isn't eating much and how best to treat him. I would have him seen by a vet today or tomorrow.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on October 22, 2017
It is concerning that Diesel has stopped eating, and he will be losing weight from not eating. Anorexia is a very general sign of illness but it can be caused by dental problems, systemic illness, infection, inflammation, or injury. It is serious when a dog hasn't eaten in a few days, and he needs veterinary care asap. Get in him into a vet right away to diagnose what is causing his anorexia so he can be treated. In the meantime, try to tempt to eat with some boiled white meat chicken (no bones) and white rice in small amounts. If he refuses to eat this, find a vet to see him now. I hope this helps!
4Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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