by Pat Gray

Created on: October 24, 2008   Last Updated: November 24, 2008

I have a set of guidelines when it comes to health - mine or my dogs. If there is blood, excessive diarrhea or vomiting, problems with peeing or lack of appetite for more than a couple of days, it's time to bump the problem up to an expert. Although my lack appetite is little cause for concern (I could stand to lose a few pounds), if my chow-hound dogs stop eating for more than 24 hours, I become VERY concerned.

But all dogs are not the same - some could eat continuously until they explode, others are more sensible about their intake and eat only enough to survive. Only you know what the normal eating pattern is for your dog - only you know that if your dog stops eating for a couple of hours it's a problem or if a couple of days without food is normal.

In general, your dog will not keel over if she doesn't eat for a day - or several. Depending on the weather, her stress levels, whether she's in heat (or whether HE has met a lady dog in heat), a drop in appetite is not a crisis. Normally healthy eaters who come to our kennel stop eating altogether - some fussy eaters start chowing down because they fear the "competition" of the dogs in the neighboring kennels. (In the kennel, we use a broth of hot water and cat food added to their dry food - just enough broth to get a dog interested without giving them diarrhea. However, we also look for a change in energy or behavior, loose stools, constipation, bloody urine, fleas/ticks.)

Another consideration is whether you've changed your dog's food. While dealing with a food allergy, my vet (my EX-vet) recommended a special, very expensive, dog food. My boy took one look at the food, one look at me and stalked out of the room. If you've changed your dog's food recently, especially if you changed it suddenly or if you changed it for a "special" diet - the food itself may be the root of the problem.

But after several days or if there have been no major changes in the environment or their food, no other changes to routine or health, if your dog still isn't eating, there may still be a problem.

So what do you do if everything else seems "normal"?

Offer your dog's regular/preferred food - leave it for 15 minutes and pick it up. After an hour or so, try it again. If you serve their food dry only, add a bit of hot water to increase the smell, which can get your dog's nose interested. If your dog doesn't eat, even with food enhancements, wait a day. After a day, if your dog's activity level remains the same, wait and try again, adding a bit of meat or broth. If they still refuse to eat after two or three days (depending on their usual approach to food) or, if your dog seems listless and disinterested in his normal routine, if they are noticeably loosing weight, it's time to consult a vet.

NOTE: If your dog isn't eating and is constipated, and/or is vomiting, there may be a blockage in their digestive system - if this is the case, contact your vet immediately!

A dog not eating for a day or two isn't a crisis, unless there are other symptoms or changes in their environment. But you know your dog best - consult your vet if your dog is not acting true to form - for your peace of mind and for your dog's best health.

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