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My dog won't eat his food. Is he sick? What should I do now?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Male | neutered | 25 lbs

Hi, my dog won’t eat his food which is very unusual for him. I’m Concerned that something else is wrong

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on March 12th, 2019

You are correct that not eating is a sign something is wrong. Bandit could be suffering from a dental problem, systemic illness, infection, inflammation, or injury. Try offering him some boiled white meat chicken (no bones) and white rice. Should he eat it, feed this for a couple of days, and then slowly add back in his normal diet. If he refuses to eat that, take him into the vet first thing in the morning. I hope this helps!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 22nd, 2020

    That’s not good and it’s a sign of illness. It could be caused by dental disease, systemic illness, infection, or injury. Without seeing them in person, I can’t diagnose what is causing it. I’d have them seen by a vet today to get this diagnosed and treated. Best of luck.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 14th, 2017

    I'm sorry Chewie isn't eating! Anorexia is a very general sign of illness in dogs, and it can be caused by dental disease, systemic illness, infection, inflammation, or injury. I would try to tempt him to eat by offering him some boiled white meat chicken (no bones) and white rice in small amounts, or by soaking his dry food in gently warmed low sodium beef or chicken broth. If he refuses to eat that and still isn't eating in the morning, then I would have Chewie seen by a vet for a health check. Good luck, I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 11th, 2017

    Anorexia is a very general sign of illness in dogs, and it can be caused by dental problems, systemic illness, infection, inflammation, or injury. There can be serious causes when a dog doesn't eat much, and I would have Pelos seen by a vet. The vet will be the one who can diagnose why he isn't eating much and how best to treat him. I would have him seen by a vet today or tomorrow.

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