5 Reasons Dogs Won't Eat

Question:
My 9 month old female chocolate Lab has stopped eating for the pass 2 days. I don't know what to do or why she has stopped eating. Can you please [help] me?

Answer:
Every so often dogs will decide to stop eating for a variety of reasons.

1. The food bowl is not clean. If there is any bacteria or subtle scents coming from the bowl, then dogs may refuse to use that bowl. It is recommended that you use a stainless steel bowl as this is the most sanitary and is not porous.

2. The food is bad. Is it a new bag of food or a new brand of dog food? If so, your dog may not like it. If it is a new bag of dog food but the same brand, then it is recommended that you pick up a smaller new bag of that same dog food to see if the originating bag is contaminated with something. If it is a new brand of dog food then your pup may just not like the food at all.

3. The pup is pregnant or in heat. Although you have a young pup, is there a chance she may be pregnant? Pups in heat or pregnant can go through times of refusing to eat - which is normal for a few days here and there.

4. There is a bowel obstruction or digestive disorder. Is your pup still eliminating? Does your dog still take other food such as treats or human snacks? Is it vomiting? If your dog is even refusing the most delicious of treats and/or not eliminating, then there may be a bowel obstruction or it may have a digestive disorder. In this case, it is recommended that you get the pup to a vet ASAP.

5. The pup is just being stubborn. Have you brought a new person or animal into the home recently? Have you changed anything about the pup? Has the pup been through any trauma lately? If the answer to any of these is yes, then your pup may be going through emotional distress as it is unsure of its environment. Changes in lifestyle or routine can easily disturb a pup and cause it not to eat.

In the end, you know your pup the best and can best determine if your pup has a serious problem or not. My overall recommendation would be to call your vet if you notice any behavioral or physical changes in your pup. The veterinarian's office will give you free health advice over the phone and provide a more specific list of recommendations based on their past experience with your dog. If your dog has gone more than a couple of days without food, I would definitely seek professional assistance.

Best of luck and please let us know how it goes!