My dog is refusing food and water. When should I call the vet?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | 40 lbs
My three year old Bassett has missed 2 meals and is being stubborn and drinking very lite water.
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on September 10th, 2018
I am sorry to hear about Tucker! If he is normally a good eater and there is no reason he wouldn't want the food offered (for example you didn't just open up a new bag that could be spoiled) then I would recommend bringing him in to your vet when they open tomorrow. We can have a wide variety of reasons for dogs not wanting to eat and drink, ranging from a mild gastritis to an obstruction of the intestinal tract. If he begins vomiting tonight, becomes weak, has pale gums or a painful or swollen abdoment those would be reasons to seek veterinary care tonight. Your vet will examine Tucker and may recommend testing such as an x-ray of the abdomen based on their findings. Treatment will depend on the exam and test results but may include things like injections for nausea/vomiting, antacids to help settle the stomach, or special diet.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on July 21st, 2017
Poor guy. A reasonable amount of time for an older pet like Tucker is around 24-48 hrs of waiting for improvement. And 24 hrs if the pet is refusing to eat. Drinking is probably sufficient to at the very least keep him hydrated, if the vomiting doesn't continue. However, because he isnt eating, I would recommend taking him back to the vet on tomorrow. Elevated pancreas enzymes in an older pet can indicate chronic pancreatitis or even pancreatic cancer has to be considered. I would suggest considering having abdominal radiographs done to look for rule our any suspicious masses. This will give you a good idea of how best to proceed with Tucker's care. I hope everything's turns out ok for Tucker. Best wishes and take care.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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