My dog refuses to eat. Should I be worried?
My 4-year-old golden retriever hasn't eaten in almost 2 days now. He'll drink water but completely ignores his food. I've tried mixing in chicken and peanut butter but he just sniffs it and walks away. He seems normal otherwise — still playing, wagging tail. Should I wait it out or go to the vet?
1 Answer(s)
Two days without eating is enough to warrant a vet call, especially since you've already tried enticements. Dogs can go a few days without food, but the fact that he's refusing even his favorite treats (chicken and PB) is a red flag. Here's what could be going on: dental pain is the most common reason dogs suddenly refuse food — they associate eating with pain so they just stop. He could also have an upset stomach, nausea, or even something more serious like kidney issues or pancreatitis. The fact that he's still drinking and acting normal is good, but don't let that fool you into waiting longer. Call your vet today. If they can't see you, go to an emergency vet. Bloodwork and a physical exam will tell you what's going on. In the meantime, don't force food — just keep fresh water available. If he goes more than 48 hours without eating, things can get serious fast, especially for a golden retriever since they're prone to bloat.