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Why is my dog skipping meals, not eating, and acting weak?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | unneutered | 11 months and 5 days old

Why has my dog started skipping a meal everyday? He was being fed twice but now he has started skipping 1 meal, I’ve tried different foods too but he just sniffs it and leaves. The meal he eats also gets left behind a little. He’s weak and my vet asked me to feed him thrice per day(full bowl). But he’s eating only half bowl per day. And that also at irregular intervals. My vet said it’s normal if he’s kept with a female but he’s alone and hasn’t reached sexual maturity yet.(dsnt lift leg to pee)

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 27th, 2018

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Some male dogs do not lift their leg to urinate so this may be normal for Max. As for the appetite, if you haven't tried canned food I would give this a try or adding cooked chicken breast and chicken broth to the dog food. If he still does not want to eat I would talk to your veterinarian about having his blood tested just to make sure everything is normal. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 11th, 2017

    It could be the Mike isn't feeling well from a GI illness or he could be suffering from intestinal worms causing GI upset. The next time this happens, have him seen by a vet for a health check, who can determine the exact cause behind this behavior.

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on February 6th, 2018

    Thank for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is not uncommon necessarily. What I recommend is to try to avoid this issue is offering food at certain times of the day and if he does not eat then you take it away from him. Eventually, he will learn that he has to eat at certain times and he will likely become more regular in terms of his eating habits. This is something that is more common than we realize. As long as he is otherwise fine with a good appetite and activity level and no vomiting or diarrhea, this is likely ok. Good luck and have a good day!

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