When is not eating in a dog an emergency?

Call a vet straight away if: not eating along with a swollen belly or retching with nothing coming up; struggling to breathe, collapsed or very weak; may have eaten something poisonous.

When should my dog see a vet today?

Book a vet visit the same day if: has not eaten for 24 hours; also vomiting, has loose motion, or is unusually quiet; a puppy that misses more than one meal; drinking much more water than usual; drooling, pawing at the mouth, or seems to have mouth pain; has ticks on the body, or has had them recently.

Can I wait and watch at home?

Usually yes, for up to a day, if: skipped one meal but is active and drinking; hot weather, a new food, or a recent big treat; eats treats or the next meal normally. If anything changes or worries you, book a vet.

Can I give my dog human medicine?

No. Many human medicines, including paracetamol and ibuprofen, are poisonous to dogs and cats. Only give what a vet prescribes after examining your pet.

Can a vet see my dog at home in Pune?

Yes. Sniffi's vets visit homes across Pune, or you can book a quick teleconsult first. Call +91 91751 29919 or book online.

Dog Not Eating: Causes and When to Call a Vet

Updated 2026-10-05. General information, not a diagnosis.

Dogs sometimes skip a meal on a hot day, after a big treat, or when their food changes. A dog that refuses food for a full day, or stops eating along with other signs, should see a vet.

Not sure how serious it is? Describe it in your own words and get an answer in a minute.

Check symptoms free

Call a vet now if

Not eating along with a swollen belly or retching with nothing coming up
Struggling to breathe, collapsed or very weak
May have eaten something poisonous

Call +91 91751 29919

Book a vet visit today if

Has not eaten for 24 hours
Also vomiting, has loose motion, or is unusually quiet
A puppy that misses more than one meal
Drinking much more water than usual
Drooling, pawing at the mouth, or seems to have mouth pain
Has ticks on the body, or has had them recently

Usually fine to watch at home for a day if

Skipped one meal but is active and drinking
Hot weather, a new food, or a recent big treat
Eats treats or the next meal normally

Common causes of not eating in dogs

Hot weather, stress, travel or a change in routine
Stomach upset after eating something unusual
Dental pain or something stuck in the mouth
Infections, including tick fever, which is common in India
Fever, pain, or illness of the kidney, liver or other organs
A swallowed object blocking the gut

Only a vet who examines your dog can tell which one it is.

What you can do right now

Keep fresh water available
Offer the usual food at the usual time. Do not force-feed
Check the mouth for anything stuck, if your dog lets you
Note when your dog last ate properly
Do not give any human medicine. Paracetamol (Crocin, Dolo), ibuprofen and many others are poisonous to dogs and cats, even in small amounts.

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Questions pet parents ask

When is not eating in a dog an emergency?: Call a vet straight away if: not eating along with a swollen belly or retching with nothing coming up; struggling to breathe, collapsed or very weak; may have eaten something poisonous.
When should my dog see a vet today?: Book a vet visit the same day if: has not eaten for 24 hours; also vomiting, has loose motion, or is unusually quiet; a puppy that misses more than one meal; drinking much more water than usual; drooling, pawing at the mouth, or seems to have mouth pain; has ticks on the body, or has had them recently.
Can I wait and watch at home?: Usually yes, for up to a day, if: skipped one meal but is active and drinking; hot weather, a new food, or a recent big treat; eats treats or the next meal normally. If anything changes or worries you, book a vet.
Can I give my dog human medicine?: No. Many human medicines, including paracetamol and ibuprofen, are poisonous to dogs and cats. Only give what a vet prescribes after examining your pet.
Can a vet see my dog at home in Pune?: Yes. Sniffi's vets visit homes across Pune, or you can book a quick teleconsult first. Call +91 91751 29919 or book online.

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