My 2 year old dog won't eat and only sips water. What should I do?

Question

I took him to vet but the doc didn't know what's wrong with him. He's usually very active (a bit hyperactive) and eats a lot. For the last 2 days, he didn't jump, only sit around,walk slowly & barely eats anything. He doesn't look sick, no bowel problems, still wigling his tail, his nose is still wet (but not running), no fever. We don't know what to do. Any help and suggestions are very appreciated.

His temperature is 102-103. He stays outside, in the garden,big enough for him to run around. We took him out for a walk regularly. His vet said his gum is pale. Does it mean he's lack of blood? Could this be the problem?

Answer 1

I'd find another vet right away. Normal temp is about 101, so 102-103 is a low-grade fever. That generally means he has some type of infection.

Is he up to date on his vaccines? Any vomiting or diarrhea? He could have lyme disease or another virus. You need to do bloodwork and run other tests. Also, check his teeth - he could have a painful infection in a tooth that is keeping him from eating. He could also have a bowel obstruction from swallowing something like a toy that he can't pass through his intestines. This would show up on x-rays. Two years old is very young for it to be anything like cancer.

In the meantime, get some Nutrical from the pet store - it comes in a toothpaste-type tube and it's a high calorie food that is easy for the dog to eat and digest. Just squeeze some onto your finger and let him lick it off. Or smear a little on the roof of his mouth. Good luck and hope everything turns out alright.

Answer 2

a wet nose is no indication of the dogs health. Take the dogs temperature with a rectal thermometer It should read 101 to 102. If it is 3-4 degrees higher then this the dog has an infection. I would see another vet besides the one you went to

Answer 3

Thermometers do not read 102-103. Are you saying 102.5?
Has your dog recently had vaccinations? They can cause a fever for a few days.
If he has not had vaccinations recently and is running a 103 temp, then he needs to see a vet.

Answer 4

The old fashioned method of taking care of your sick dog is this........... if sick or not eating properly or diarreah or throwing up you boil chicken breast. Put the cooled plain boiled chicken breast mixed in with some plain boiled white rice. The dog will eat it cuz they love it and feel better in a couple of days. It will also take away all the above symptoms. Good luck....don't forget to go back to dog food afterwards :)

Answer 5

if the dogs gums are pale that is not good. Sounds like this vet is not very smart, get a second appinion from another vet immediatly.

Answer 6

We need more information. Does you dog stay indoors all the time? Do you live in a rural area where your dog can roam the countryside? If your dog is a "country" or "farm" dog then your dog might be getting his nourishment from other sources. If your dog is an indoor dog, then try changing brands of dog food. You can try giving him a slice or two of lunch meat to see if he will eat it. Good luck.

Answer 7

my dog didn't eat his food for a week and we didn't know what was wrong with him we kept bring him to the vet but the said nothing was wrong too, the we realized that he was terrified of his food dish so he ate off the floor for a while until we got a bowl he liked.

Answer 8

It might be the type of food you give the dog try Purina, or wet food if you see no changes go to the Pet store and ask what they suggest or maybe the food your buying is for bigger dogs.

Answer 9

Take you dog to the vet as soon as possible and xray his abdomen - he may have swallowed something that is blocking his intestine.....

Answer 10

Take him back to the vet asap. If nothing else, he's dehydrated by now.