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My dog won't eat for a week, vet tests normal. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Beagle | Female | spayed | 2 years and 11 months old | 35 lbs

Lila has not eaten in almost a week. Vet visit 2 days ago, labs fine, xray normal. Hydrated and sent home. She is voiding, belly soft and nontender with active bowel sounds. Drinks a little, activity a little lethargic but otherwise normal. Won't even eat special treats like peanut butter. We are at a loss!

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on December 16th, 2017

I would take a flash light and look through her mouth really well. Including under her tongue. I have had a few cases over the year with painful wounds hidden in the mouth. Also, I assume the x-rays were of her abdomen? If she continues to not eat then I would also take an x-ray of her chest to make sure she doesn’t have an infection or something else going on there. The chest is a place problems can hide. In addition, upper intestinal partial obstructions can be very difficult to prove on x-rays. If we continue to have no answer I would ask for either a barium series or an abdominal ultrasound. She is young and an intestinal foreign object is high on my list of possibilities. Best of luck and keep looking! The answer is somewhere! I hope she improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on June 9th, 2019

    Oh dear! If Moana hasn't eaten since last Monday, this is definitely a sign that something is wrong. If her blood work was normal, the next recommended step would likely be abdominal x-rays and ultrasound to see if she has an intestinal blockage or other problem in her GI tract - these issues often don't show up on blood work, so imaging or exploratory surgery is the only way to diagnose them. I would recommend taking her back to the vet right away, to discuss what he/she suggests as the next step from here.

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