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Why won't my dog eat dry food after her housemate passed away?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | spayed | 1 year and 5 months old | 65 lbs

Hi, we recently had to put our 14 years old dog down and our other dog who is 1,5 quit eating her normal dry food, we changed twice and she would still not eat, she would eat bones and canned food

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on April 21st, 2018

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Loss of appetite can be observed with many conditions such as gastroenteritis, dietary indiscretion, kidney disease, pancreatitis, among many other possibilities. This could also be due to the recent passing of her housemate. I recommend that you continue to monitor Zen for now. If her appetite has not improved in the next 72 hours, I recommend that you have Zen evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for these possibilities and others depending on the findings on exam. Treatment would be based on findings. Good luck and have a great day! Hoping for a speedy recovery!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 21st, 2018

    Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Some dogs will mourn after the loss of a friend. It could be that they usually competed or played with food, so that 'process' around eating has changed. Another possibility is that Kunjaa is sick. I recommend having Kunjaa seen by a vet to rule out any medical causes of decreased appetite. If these are ruled out, then I would try to change the nature of the feeding process to try to make it a new activity. For example, change the location, offer food when out on a walk, make a bit of a game with it, etc. Best of luck with Kunjaa!

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