My dog suddenly stopped eating. Should I take him to the vet?
My 5-year-old Golden Retriever has always been a big eater. He's never missed a meal in his life. Yesterday he just walked up to his bowl, sniffed it, and walked away. He ate a few treats but not his kibble. He's still drinking water and playing normally. It's been 24 hours now. I'm worried but I also don't want to overreact. When should I actually go to the vet?
1 Answer(s)
First, don't panic—dogs can go 24-48 hours without eating and be perfectly fine, especially if they're still drinking water and acting normal. However, since your dog has NEVER missed a meal, this behavioral change is worth paying attention to.
Here's my advice: try these things first before rushing to the vet:
1. Warm up his kibble slightly (microwave for 10 seconds). The smell is stronger and more appealing to dogs.
2. Mix in some boiled chicken or low-sodium broth. If he eats that, it's likely just a picky phase.
3. Check his mouth. Gently lift his lips and look for anything red, swollen, or broken teeth. Dental pain is a very common reason dogs suddenly stop eating.
If he still won't eat after 48 hours, or if he starts vomiting, lethargic, or has diarrhea—go to the vet immediately. Those are red flags.
Also, did anything change recently? New food, moved furniture, loud noises? Dogs are sensitive to routine changes. Give it one more day, but trust your gut as a pet owner.