Why Is My Puppy Not Eating?

Why Is My Puppy Not Eating?

For a new puppy owner, it can be unnerving to see your puppy refuse meals after repeated attempts to feed them. Being an empath makes matters worse — you know how the absence of food may grind their metabolism to a halt. They feel weak, and their body taps into fat reserves before moving on to muscle. 

Worst of all, you’re likely left clueless as to what to do to get them to have some food. From one puppy lover to another, know this: there could be plenty of reasons for this. Plus, you’re not alone in this. 

And while you may want to have your veterinarian on speed dial, you should read on to know eight (8) of the more common reasons why this happens: 

8 Reasons Why Your Puppy May Not Eat

There are several reasons why your puppy is anorexic. But knowing these factors can help you address the issue with a minimum of fuss, and all the TLC (Tender Loving Care) your cutesy canine deserves. Here are seven potential causes — each explained in detail.

If your puppy declines food offers within 12 hours, it could be that it’s not hungry. After the 12-hour mark, if there is no obvious sign of underlying symptoms (and especially if you have a small breed) like diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, or lethargy, it’s time for a visit to your veterinarian for some emergency care to avoid medical complications, e.g., hypoglycemia.

Generally speaking, puppies often experience a range of medical, behavioral, and environmental issues that may cause them to lose their appetite. Get go through some of them below: 

Medical Issues

Gastrointestinal Problems

When your puppy has a loss of appetite, one of the most likely issues is digestive trouble. Conditions like parvovirus, dietary indiscretions (like eating something they shouldn’t), inflammatory bowel disease, or even simple constipation can make your puppy feel nauseous or uncomfortable. 

When they feel this way, they refuse food. Puppies, in particular, are highly vulnerable to parvovirus — a severe viral infection that triggers vomiting, diarrhea, and serious dehydration. If your puppy appears sluggish or shows signs of tummy distress, it’s time to get them the care they need at the Vet’s. 

Dental Problems

Dental issues can also cause a dip in appetite. Discomfort from teething problems, gum disease, or dental infections, which can make chewing painful. As with all of us, the case of a broken tooth or gingivitis could make your puppy shy away from food even when they’re hungry. 

Check them for signs of a loose or broken tooth, a case of gingivitis, or even an oral tumor. Sometimes, some tooth decay and rots happen below the gum that we may not see, like a tooth root abscess.  And while precautionary measures like helping your puppy maintain good dental hygiene can stop these from happening, immediately you notice signs of dental pain, it is best to take them to the vet before it worsens.

Behavioural Factors

Stress and Anxiety

Puppies love a routine. As such, you’re also likely to see changes in them that may include a certain loss of appetite after they go through big changes. For instance, if you’ve been out of your home for a while, you may develop separation anxiety. 

Things like meeting other pets, loud noises, or changing homes are known to raise their stress and anxiety levels. When this happens, you’d bet the last thing on their mind is some food. Want to help them feel better? A calm, steady environment that introduces new experiences gradually is a good place to start. You also want to reward good behaviour along the way.

Picky Eaters

You may not know this, but dogs are some of the most fussy eaters around. If your dog ignores their regular food but shows interest in your meals or treats, they might just be picky. Once they figure out that skipping meals gets them the good stuff (and by this, we mean tastier meals), they might keep holding out. Often, they’ll happily eat the new food you offer, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they prefer it. Dogs can be drawn to new tastes, a trait known as "neophilia." However, once they get used to the new food, they might lose interest and revert to eating less.

Environmental Changes

New Surroundings

A recent move or even a brief trip can make your puppy uneasy, and this anxiety can lead to skipped meals. In unfamiliar environments, they may not feel comfortable enough to eat. Give them time to settle and create a quiet, safe feeding area to help them feel secure. Keeping a routine can also speed up the adjustment process.

Recent Vaccinations

We get it — vaccinations combat illnesses before they happen. Crucial as they are, they are also known to cause temporary side effects, and that includes a certain loss of appetite. Now, the lasting effects of these symptoms may vary from one puppy to another. In this case, you should monitor them closely after the vaccination. If after 24 hours, they still refuse food, it may be wise to consult your vet.

Health Conditions

Underlying Health Issues

Health issues such as kidney or liver disease, infections, or other organ dysfunctions are known to cause a loss of appetite not only in puppies but also in humans. But in the case of puppies, which are fragile, they are more prone to these conditions. To know whether your furry friend is under the weather, you want to look out for symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhoea.

At the first sign of illness, make sure to contact your vet. Remember, when it comes to recovery, the earlier, the better. 

Medications and Side Effects

Ever wondered why medication sometimes causes nausea or stomach pain? Well, some medications can act on the part of the brain responsible for your appetite. And yes, the same applies to puppies. Puppies, sometimes, feel queasy after taking their medications, leading them to lose their taste. 

If your puppy is under any medication, and you sense that this may be the reason for its lack of appetite, explain to your vet. Slight tweaks in dosage or the medication itself could improve their health without curdling their digestive system. 

What to feed a puppy that won’t eat

Not eating simply means a lack of appetite, and when your puppy lacks appetite, the last thing you should expect would be an empty bowl. Sometimes, smaller portions are easier to handle, much like nibbling on snacks when you’re feeling under the weather. Warm the food a little, and just be careful to mix it well so there aren’t any overly hot spots.

Hand-feeding these pups can also make a difference. Sometimes, it’s the personal touch from their favourite person that does the trick. Otherwise, adding tasty probiotics can give their gut the healthy boost it needs.

Wrap Up 

If your puppy starts turning away from food, it’s not any different from when feel off and can’t quite tell why — sometimes it's an upset stomach, other times it’s just stress. Sometimes it's just a minor stomach issue; other times, it might be stress. 

When this happens, shower your pup with some TLC (Tender Loving & Care) — puppies need both physical and emotional attention to stay healthy and happy. Keep a close eye on your puppy’s behaviour and overall health. It’s fascinating how much they communicate without words — even small actions can reveal a lot. By paying attention, you’ll start noticing subtle signs that something might be wrong before it gets ugly.

And if their appetite doesn’t return to normal or if you notice other concerning changes, it’s always best to consult your vet. Timely medical attention can help ensure they get back to feeling their best.