Reviewed by Dr. Terry White, DVM
As a dog parent, few things are more stressful than seeing your dog refuse to eat but still drink water. You might be asking yourself, “Is my dog sick?” or “How long can my dog go without food?” If your dog isn't eating but is drinking water, there are several potential explanations, ranging from minor issues like stress to more serious health concerns.
In this piece, we’ll explore why your dog might exhibit this behavior, what to do about it, and when it’s time to visit the vet.
Take Early Action
If your dog isn’t eating but drinking water, you should monitor their behavior closely for any additional symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, or diarrhea. While mild cases could be resolved by offering different foods or reducing stress, persistent refusal to eat for more than 24–48 hours, especially in senior dogs, requires attention from a vet.
Keep in mind that older dogs are more prone to issues like kidney disease, dental pain, or even anxiety, all of which can suppress appetite.
Why Your Dog Won’t Eat but Is Drinking Water
Let’s dive into the common reasons behind this behavior and how you can help your dog.
1. Illness or Disease
When a dog isn’t eating but continues to drink water, this could indicate an underlying illness. Health issues such as liver disease, kidney disease, or Addison's disease are often associated with loss of appetite but an increase in water consumption. Symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, and diarrhea may accompany these diseases. In these cases, it’s important to consult your vet for blood work and other tests.
Common health conditions related to this behavior include:
Liver Disease: Dogs with liver issues often show early signs like decreased appetite, weight loss, and vomiting while continuing to drink a lot of water.
Kidney Disease: As kidney function declines, dogs might refuse to eat due to nausea but will drink water in response to increased thirst.
Addison’s Disease: This endocrine disorder can cause symptoms like dehydration, vomiting, and refusal to eat.
If your dog is not eating but drinking water and sleeping a lot, or if they’re experiencing symptoms like vomiting, it’s crucial to seek medical advice quickly.
You can instantly book a virtual consultation with EverPal's Medical Director Dr. Terry White, who has 40 years of experience.
2. Stress or Anxiety
Changes in your dog’s environment or routine can also cause a dog to stop eating. Stressful situations, such as moving to a new house, a new pet in the home, or even changes in the owner's schedule, can lead to a dog feeling anxious and losing their appetite. While they might continue to drink water, the anxiety can suppress their desire to eat.
Some common signs that stress might be the cause:
Hiding or avoiding interaction
Panting or pacing
Shivering or trembling
If you suspect anxiety is the root cause, creating a calm environment with their favorite toys, establishing a routine, and avoiding sudden changes can help. In some cases, anxiety medication may be needed, especially in cases of senior dog anxiety.
3. Pain or Dental Issues
Just like people, dogs can refuse food when they are in pain. Dental problems such as broken teeth, infections, or gum disease can make it painful for your dog to chew, leading to a refusal to eat but continued water consumption.
This is particularly common in older dogs or those with poor dental health. If your old dog is not eating, it might be time for a dental check-up. Dogs experiencing pain may show signs such as:
Drooling
Pawing at their mouth
Whining while eating
Veterinary care for dental issues can resolve pain and restore your dog’s appetite. It’s crucial to address these issues early to avoid further complications like weight loss or infection.
4. Picky Eating or Food Aversion
Sometimes, dogs are simply being picky. Changes in the type or brand of food can cause dogs to refuse meals. This can happen if the food is stale, or they don’t like the texture of their food, especially if they’re used to wet food over dry kibble. You might also notice that after a recent bout of illness, your dog has developed an aversion to certain foods.
To help, you can:
Mix their usual food with wet food or bone broth to make it more appetizing.
Warm up their food slightly to enhance the smell.
Offer small portions of boiled chicken and rice as a bland diet to ease them back into eating.
Be cautious of long-term food refusal, as it could indicate a deeper issue. If your dog has been refusing food for more than two days, it’s time to call the vet.
5. Gastrointestinal Issues
If your dog is not eating but drinking water and vomiting, gastrointestinal issues such as gastritis, inflammatory bowel disease, or even intestinal blockages may be to blame. Vomiting alongside refusal to eat is a red flag that your dog’s digestive system is irritated.
In these cases, it’s important to consult with a vet to rule out serious conditions that might require medication or surgery. Temporary solutions like offering bland food (chicken and rice) can help soothe the stomach, but if vomiting persists, don’t wait to seek medical advice.
6. Age-Related Changes in Appetite
Senior dogs often experience changes in metabolism and appetite. If your senior dog is not eating but drinking water, it might be due to age-related conditions like cognitive decline, which can reduce their desire to eat. Arthritis pain, weakened senses, or even conditions like congestive heart failure can also suppress appetite.
If you’re worried about your old dog’s loss of appetite, consult your vet to rule out serious health conditions. Sometimes, changes in their diet, like adding soft or wet food, can encourage them to eat again.
When to See a Vet
If your dog continues to refuse food for more than 24–48 hours or shows other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, it’s time to visit your vet. Prolonged fasting can lead to serious health issues, especially in senior dogs or those with underlying conditions.
Are You Seeing Your Dog Not Eating but Drinking Water?
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