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Dog Won’t Eat But Drinks Water – What It Means & When to See a Vet
A dog that refuses to eat but is still drinking water can leave you feeling anxious and confused. Is it a stomach bug? Dental pain? Something more serious?
In this article, we break down what it means when:
- Your dog suddenly stops eating but continues drinking
- When it’s okay to wait – and when it’s not
- What to watch for
- How a vet can help remotely
Let’s take a closer look at the long-tail concerns pet owners commonly Google:
- “Why is my dog not eating but drinking water and acting normal?”
- “How long can a dog go without food if it’s still drinking?”
- “Should I be worried if my dog won’t eat but drinks a lot of water?”
🍽️ What’s a Normal Appetite for Dogs?
Most healthy adult dogs eat:
- Once or twice daily
- With enthusiasm
- And maintain steady weight and energy levels
If your dog skips a meal once, it may not be a big deal. But if they stop eating altogether — even though they’re still drinking — it could be a sign of:
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Dental pain
- Underlying disease
- Stress or behavioural changes
⚠️ Common Reasons a Dog Won’t Eat But Drinks Water
1. Nausea or Digestive Upset
The most common cause of sudden appetite loss is an upset stomach.
Dogs may:
- Skip meals
- Lick their lips
- Swallow frequently (see: dog keeps swallowing repeatedly)
- Vomit or eat grass
🧪 Long-tail searches:
- “Dog not eating but drinking water and vomiting”
- “Dog stopped eating and has diarrhoea but drinks water”
Check your dog’s stool. If it’s runny, slimy, or bloody, you may be seeing signs of:
- Dog poop with mucus
- Parasites or infections
- Food intolerance
2. Dental Pain or Oral Injuries
Dogs may refuse food if it hurts to chew. This could be caused by:
- Broken teeth
- Gum disease
- Abscesses
- Foreign objects stuck in the mouth
Check for:
- Drooling
- Pawing at the face
- Foul breath
- Blood in the saliva
🔍 Long-tail keywords:
- “Dog won’t eat dry food but drinks water”
- “Dog refuses to chew but licks water”
3. Ingestion of Toxic Substances
Has your dog eaten:
- A tampon?
- Human medication?
- Something spoiled from the bin?
Symptoms may include:
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- White foam vomit
- Appetite loss
This is an emergency — speak to a vet ASAP.
4. Stress, Anxiety or Routine Disruption
Dogs are creatures of habit. They may stop eating due to:
- Moving house
- A new pet or baby
- Thunderstorms or fireworks
- Dog anxiety
🧠 Long-tail phrases:
- “Dog won’t eat after moving but drinks water”
- “Dog not eating but still playful and drinking water”
5. Heat or Environmental Factors
In hot weather, dogs may naturally eat less — but they should still show interest in food.
Warning signs to watch for:
- Panting
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Rapid breathing
6. Underlying Health Conditions
Loss of appetite can point to:
- Kidney disease
- Pancreatitis
- Liver disease
- Cancer
- Diabetes
If your dog is also drinking more water than usual, speak to a vet.
📈 Long-tail searches:
- “Dog won’t eat but drinks water and sleeps a lot”
- “Senior dog not eating but drinking water”
🧪 How Long Can a Dog Go Without Eating?
Most healthy adult dogs can go:
- 2–3 days without eating, provided they stay hydrated
- Puppies, seniors, and small breeds need care much sooner
⏱️ If your dog hasn’t eaten in 24 hours, consult a vet — especially if they’re also vomiting or acting lethargic.
🩺 When to Worry
Speak to a vet immediately if:
- Your dog hasn’t eaten for over 24–48 hours
- Is vomiting or has diarrhoea
- Shows signs of pain, shaking or bloating
- Refuses treats or favourite foods
- Is drinking excessively or not at all
📞 Don’t wait days for an appointment. Chat to an Australian vet now for just $49 at Dial A Vet.
🧠 What to Try at Home
If your dog won’t eat but is otherwise acting normally, try:
- Offering boiled chicken or rice
- Warming up their food slightly
- Switching to wet food
- Using a food puzzle or enrichment feeder
- Ensuring calm mealtimes with minimal distractions
But never force-feed. And don’t delay speaking to a vet if symptoms persist.
🐶 Can an Online Vet Help?
Absolutely. In a Dial A Vet video consult, your vet can:
- Ask about recent food, changes, or stressors
- Help rule out emergencies
- Suggest dietary changes or over-the-counter care
- Direct you to a clinic if needed
🐾 Final Thoughts: Trust Your Gut
If your dog won’t eat but drinks water, don’t panic — but do act.
Loss of appetite can be the first sign of illness — or just a passing upset. When in doubt, ask a vet.
🩺 Book a vet consult now — just $49, no waiting room.
Citations:
- Australian Veterinary Association. (2024). Causes of Appetite Loss in Dogs.
- RSPCA Australia. (2023). Pet Feeding & Hydration Guidelines.
- VetCompass Australia. (2024). Gastrointestinal Illness in Dogs.
