My active dog won't eat but seems fine. Should I get blood tests?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Maltese | Female | spayed | 10 months and 5 days old | 9 lbs
My dog is very lively, active and happy. She rolls into her back for tummy rubs and loves going for walks. BUT, she has all but given up eating. All her favourite foods are now being ignored. She is drinking fine and going to toilet. She chases her ball like crazy and gallops around the field. She just not eat. She has been like for 3 days. Went to the vet on Friday and they said she seemed fine. No temp and a nice soft tummy. Do I send her for blood tests? Could there be a serious issue? Thanks
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on December 30th, 2018
Thank you for submitting your question regarding Frynse. Is she eating anything at all? For example, will she eat treats or people food, but just not her dog food? In this case, she could be getting picky and holding out for tastier treats. If she is not eating at all though, this is worrisome. She is a small dog and her blood sugar can drop too low of she goes extended periods without food. It is always a good idea to check blood work to ensure there is not an underlying disease causing her change in appetite. I hope this information helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on
Hi and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is always concerning when a pet stops eating or has a decreased appetite or interest in eating the foods and treats they normally enjoyed eating. There can be lots of causes for this- anything from dental problems to metabolic conditions can cause lack of appetite. A good oral exam can rule out potential dental problems (such as a tooth fracture). If the physical exam was normal, you may want to consider running a basic blood panel to look for other more systemic causes. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on August 29th, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Aira! It really does stress us out when our dogs don't eat. Is this a new change in appetite for Aira or is she always picky? If she normally eats well and now she has stopped eating I would worry that she is getting sick: intestinal parasites, viral or bacterial infection, ate something that is upsetting her stomach or ate something that is stuck. If she is always picky then things like inflammatory bowel disease, a food allergy or intolerance or Addison's disease could be at play. But sometimes dogs will hold out and not eat because they know that human food will be offered. If this is the case I recommend choosing a dog food, putting it down at each meal time for a set period of time and picking it up. No treats or human food. Healthy dogs will not choose to starve. If she is healthy you can give her 3 days to eat. If she was normally a good eater and now she is not eating I would have her seen by your Vet and bring a stool sample. I wish you the best!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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