Why Won’t My Puppy Eat?

It may come as a surprise to look over at the food bowl and see that your puppy has not eaten their meal like usual. There are many reasons why a puppy might stop eating, some more serious than others. We spoke with two veterinarians to find out why puppies stop eating and what to do about it.

“Puppies love to eat, and it’s for a good reason…they’re growing,” says Dr. Nell Ostermeier veterinary spokesperson at Figo Cat Insurance. “Their body needs the calories and nutrients to keep up with their increased metabolism during growth. So, it is serious if they stop eating or have a decreased appetite.”

Potential causes for a puppy to not eat

There are lots of reasons a puppy might stop eating. A trip to the vet is usually in order, because a puppy not eating is often one of the very first signs of an illness or other medical condition.

“Possible causes range from an upset tummy, intestinal parasites, infection, injury, or pain,” Dr. Ostermeier explains. “The bottom line is that puppies need to be eating, and if they are not, there is something wrong.”

The following are some of the most common reasons why a puppy may not be eating.

An illness or a medical condition

Many different illnesses or medical conditions can cause a puppy to stop eating. Only your vet can diagnose what’s going on, but some of the most common issues include:

• Gastritis or gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach lining or intestines)
• Viral infections such as parvovirus, distemper, or canine influenza
• Bacterial infections
• Intestinal parasite infection (roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms, giardia, and coccidia)
• Foreign body ingestion (the puppy swallowing an object that becomes lodged in their digestive tract)
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas, usually caused by eating fatty foods)
• Upper respiratory infections (kennel cough, pneumonia, or other respiratory infections)
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar, common in very young or toy breeds, that can cause a lack of appetite)

Digestion issues

If a puppy has a food allergy or intolerance, their diet could be making them sick. Food allergies and intolerances are actually quite rare in puppies, but they can happen on occasion.

Dental problems

Puppies might stop eating due to discomfort or pain from teething, which happens around 12 to 16 weeks of age. Your vet might recommend feeding them a soft diet until the puppy gets through this period. More seriously, puppies might stop eating if they break a tooth or have some other injury to the mouth.

Food quality

If your puppy’s food becomes stale, spoiled, or rancid, they will reject it. This is part of a survival instinct. Always store dry food away from moisture, and use it before the expiration date on the bag. Once opened, dry food usually lasts about six weeks. You can store opened canned food in the fridge for about five days.

Side effects from medication or vaccines

If your puppy is taking medication for an illness or injury, it could potentially affect their appetite. (Your vet will warn you about that ahead of time.) After getting vaccines, some puppies feel a little off and might be sleepy or have a reduced appetite for a day or two. Check in with your vet if this persists.

Environmental stress or pet-parent absence

Though more commonly seen in adult dogs, some puppies might have a decreased appetite due to stress or anxiety. This can happen if their owner is away or if they are feeling worried or stressed out by changes in their environment (for instance, if they were recently adopted or moved homes).

Overfeeding

Very young puppies initially eat frequent, small meals four to six times a day. As they get older, these gradually consolidate into two or three larger meals. Around six months of age, puppies usually are past their most intense growth period, so they might be less hungry and need less food by this age.

Picky eater

The drive in puppies to eat to fuel growth is strong, so picky eating is rare, but it can happen sometimes. Your vet can offer tips to combat your puppy’s picky eating habits.

High temperatures

As with people, hot weather can somewhat dampen a puppy’s appetite. When temperatures are high, be sure your puppy drinks plenty of water to stay hydrated, keep your home cool with air conditioning or fans, and limit exercise during the hottest parts of the day.

When to seek vet help

If your puppy doesn’t want to eat, don’t take a “wait and see” approach. A puppy not eating can develop into serious problems much faster than it can with an adult dog. Both vets we spoke to recommend seeking veterinary attention if a puppy hasn’t eaten (or is eating very little) for 12 to 24 hours.

“Depending on the age of the puppy, a decreased or total lack of appetite could be a sign of a very serious problem,” says Dr. Chris Konvalinka, a veterinarian at Bahama Road Veterinary Hospital in Bahama, North Carolina. “It could be due to an infection, parasites, or even after swallowing a foreign object. But the list of possibilities is very long.”

Even if it hasn't been 12 to 24 hours, it’s best to call a vet if your puppy isn’t eating and is showing any of the following signs.

Vomiting or diarrhea: Young puppies can quickly become dehydrated if they are throwing up or have diarrhea.

Lethargy or behavioral changes: A puppy who seems very tired, or has no desire or energy to play, should see a vet right away.

Weight changes: Puppies should be gaining weight, not losing weight. The latter is a serious sign that the pup needs veterinary attention.

Tips to get your puppy to eat again

Once your puppy has seen a vet and gotten a diagnosis and treatment, it’s important to get them eating normally as soon as possible. Your vet will offer you plenty of advice, but you can also try the following.

• Add a tasty topper to food like plain cooked chicken.
• Try an alternate food (your vet may have some suggestions).
• Take the puppy for a walk before meals to stimulate their appetite.
• Warm up the food, especially canned food from the fridge.
• Keep a consistent feeding schedule.
• Limit treats outside of meal times.