What to Do If a Dog Is Sick and Will Not Eat

There are many reasons why a dog would become anorexic, or not want to eat. Some are as simple as a tooth problem, while others are more complicated, such as kidney or liver failure. Whatever the reason, it is important to diagnose and treat the issue quickly, as anorexic dogs can become dehydrated, weak and starved.

  1. At Home

    • If your dog is sick and doesn't want to eat, call your veterinarian for an appointment. Before the appointment, however, there are a few things you should do. Collect urine and stool samples from the dog, as the vet will likely run tests on both, according to the veterinary website PetPlace.com. If your dog is female, use a low-sided container, such as a small baking sheet, to hold under her when she squats to urinate. Catch your male̵7;s urine by holding a container up to his urination stream. Be careful not to get dirt or other debris in the urine. Use a clean container and give it to the veterinarian within 24 hours. Collect the freshest stool sample you can in a bag or storage container. Keep both samples in the refrigerator until you can get them to the veterinarian.

      Try giving your dog special treats it really likes or give it different foods, if possible. You can give your dog different brands of dog food to entice its palate, or even special foods, such as cheese or peanut butter--whatever it takes to get it to eat. It is best to get some calories into your dog to prevent weakness and starvation. You can also try placing wet food--which has added water that can prevent dehydration--directly in the dog̵7;s mouth, if you are certain the dog won̵7;t bite you.

    At the Doctor's Office

    • Relay to the veterinarian or veterinary technician a complete medical history of your dog. When searching for a diagnosis, every little detail is important. If your dog is vomiting or has diarrhea, tell them how many times a day and when the last time either occurred. The veterinarian will examine the dog to listen to its heart, lungs and possibly stomach sounds, as well. The vet will also look inside the dog̵7;s mouth to rule out any tooth problem or foreign body that is lodged inside the mouth that might prevent the dog from eating.

      Comfort your pet as much as possible during this time. Some vets allow owners to pet and hold their dogs during exams, while others would rather the owners stay at a distance to avoid any unnecessary strain on the dog or an owner accidentally getting bitten.

      The veterinarian will likely take blood work and radiographs to determine why your dog is sick and won̵7;t eat, according to PetPlace.com. Depending upon the results, more tests may be ordered. In addition, the vet may administer fluids to your dog, either subcutaneously (under the skin) or through an intravenous catheter. The doctor may prescribe medication and an appetite stimulate, if needed.

      Ask your veterinarian for an estimate as to what the treatments will cost. Veterinary bills are typically quite expensive, especially when dealing with diagnostics. Knowing what to expect at checkout time can help to prevent serious sticker shock.