Dog lovers commonly ask me this question: “My dog didn’t eat today – should I worry?”
Today I’d like to answer that question.

In nature, many dogs eat when they get a meal – often a “kill” – which could be every day or every few days. We find that domestic dogs will often eat every other day – that is very common, particularly in larger breed dogs.

We find some breeds and dogs are even less consistent in their eating patterns as the summer approaches and the temperature gets warmer.

The question is, should you WORRY if your dog won’t eat.

The answer is – it depends.

If your dog doesn’t want to eat one meal but is otherwise drinking, acting playful, and having normal bowel movements and urination with no vomiting, then I probably would not worry. If your dog is lethargic, if his gums are pale, if he seems weak, is vomiting and/or has diarrhea, then I would worry. See your veterinarian.

By Dr Jon