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My Puppy Sleeps A Lot & Won’t Eat (Know This Now)

As a puppy owner, it can be worrisome when your furry friend is sleeping more than usual and not showing interest in their food.

However, it’s important to understand that puppies do sleep a lot and their eating habits can vary depending on their age, breed, and overall health.

In this blog post, I will discuss everything you need to know about a puppy who sleeps a lot and won’t eat, including how to identify if something is wrong with your puppy, potential causes behind this behavior, symptoms that mean it’s time to see a vet, and what to do if your puppy won’t eat.

puppy sleeps a lot and won't eat

How to know if something is truly wrong with your puppy

It’s essential to identify if something is wrong with your puppy or if they are just exhibiting normal behavior.

Here are some signs that may indicate that something is wrong with your furry friend:

Lethargy

If your puppy is sleeping more than usual and seems to have little to no energy when they are awake, it may be a sign that something is wrong. Puppies are usually energetic and playful, so a sudden lack of energy is a concern.

Lack of interest in playtime

Puppies love to play, so if your furry friend is not interested in playtime and seems disinterested in their surroundings, it may be a sign that they are not feeling well.

Refusal to eat

If your puppy is not eating their food or treats, it could be an indication that something is wrong. Puppies typically have a healthy appetite, and a sudden change in their eating habits is a red flag.

Vomiting or diarrhea

If your puppy is vomiting or has diarrhea, it’s important to take them to the vet as soon as possible. These symptoms can lead to dehydration and other complications.

4 Common reasons why a puppy might sleep a lot and refuse food

There are many potential causes behind a puppy who sleeps a lot and won’t eat. Here are a few common reasons why your furry friend may be exhibiting this behavior:

Teething

Puppies go through a teething phase, and during this time, they may not want to eat because their gums are sore. Offer your puppy soft and easy-to-chew food during this time to help alleviate any discomfort.

Change in diet

If you have recently changed your puppy’s diet, they may be hesitant to eat their new food. Slowly introduce the new food by mixing it with the old food until your puppy adjusts to the new taste.

Illness

If your puppy is exhibiting other symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or a lack of energy, they may be ill. Common illnesses in puppies include parvovirus, distemper, and kennel cough. If you suspect that your puppy is ill, take them to the vet immediately.

Stress or anxiety

Puppies can experience stress and anxiety, just like humans, and this can cause them to sleep more and not want to eat. Common stressors for puppies include changes in routine, loud noises, and separation anxiety.

Symptoms that mean it’s time to see a vet

While some of the causes mentioned above may not be serious, there are some symptoms that mean it’s time to take your puppy to the vet. Here are a few symptoms that you should be aware of:

➡️ Vomiting or diarrhea that lasts for more than 24 hours:

Puppies can quickly become dehydrated, so it’s important to take them to the vet if they have been vomiting or experiencing diarrhea for more than 24 hours.

➡️ Refusal to eat for more than 24 hours:

Puppies need to eat to maintain their energy and overall health. If your puppy has not eaten for more than 24 hours, it’s time to take them to the vet.

➡️ Lethargy that lasts for more than 24:

Lethargy that lasts for more than 24 hours: If your puppy has been sleeping more than usual and seems lethargic for more than 24 hours, it’s time to take them to the vet. Puppies are usually energetic, so a lack of energy is a red flag.

Symptoms that will not warrant a trip to the vets

While it’s always better to err on the side of caution and take your puppy to the vet if you are concerned about their health, there are some symptoms that may not necessarily require a visit to the vet.

Here are a few symptoms that you can monitor at home:

➡️ Decreased appetite:

Puppies may have a decreased appetite for various reasons, such as changes in routine, anxiety, or teething.

As long as your puppy is still drinking water and is not showing any other symptoms, a decreased appetite may not be a cause for concern.

➡️ Mild lethargy:

Puppies do sleep a lot, and it’s not uncommon for them to have periods of mild lethargy.

If your puppy is still able to engage in playtime and shows interest in their surroundings, mild lethargy may not be a cause for concern.

➡️ Sleeping more than usual:

Puppies need a lot of sleep to grow and develop, and it’s not uncommon for them to sleep for 16-20 hours per day.

As long as your puppy is still able to engage in playtime and shows interest in their surroundings when they are awake, sleeping more than usual may not be a cause for concern.

However, it’s important to note that if any of these symptoms are accompanied by other concerning symptoms, such as vomiting or diarrhea, it may be time to take your puppy to the vet.

Additionally, if you are ever unsure about your puppy’s health, it’s always better to seek the advice of a veterinarian.

They can help you determine if your puppy needs medical attention or if the symptoms are within the realm of normal puppy behavior.

PetMd Dog Sleep Info

Related: 7 weird reasons puppies sleep with their tongue out!

Can you treat this problem at home

If your puppy is sleeping a lot and not eating, there are a few things you can try at home to help resolve the issue. Here are some tips:

➡️ Monitor your puppy’s behavior:

Keep a close eye on your puppy’s behavior, including their eating habits, sleeping patterns, and energy levels. This will help you determine if there are any changes or improvements over time.

➡️ Offer different types of food:

If your puppy is not eating their regular food, try offering them a different type of food that they may find more appealing. You can also try adding some wet food or mixing in some chicken or beef broth to make the food more enticing.

➡️ Create a comfortable sleeping environment:

Make sure your puppy has a comfortable place to sleep, such as a cozy bed or crate. This will help them feel safe and secure, which can improve their sleeping habits.

➡️ Encourage exercise and playtime:

Encourage your puppy to engage in exercise and playtime to help improve their energy levels and overall health. This can include going for walks, playing fetch, or providing them with toys to play with.

➡️ Check for signs of illness:

Keep an eye out for any other symptoms that may indicate illness, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or a fever. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to take your puppy to the vet as soon as possible.

If you try these tips and your puppy’s behavior does not improve, or if you notice any concerning symptoms, it’s important to take your furry friend to the vet. A veterinarian can help determine the underlying cause of your puppy’s behavior and provide the appropriate treatment to help them feel better.

Last thoughts

Conclusion If your puppy is sleeping a lot and not eating, it’s important to monitor their behavior closely and determine if something is wrong.

Remember, puppies do sleep a lot, and their eating habits can vary depending on their age, breed, and overall health.

However, if you notice other symptoms or changes in behavior, such as lethargy, a lack of interest in playtime, or vomiting, it’s important to take your furry friend to the vet.

In general, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your puppy’s health. With proper care and attention, your furry friend will be happy, healthy, and full of energy in no time.

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Disclaimer

Before making any decisions that could affect the health and/or safety of your dog, you should always consult a trained veterinarian in your local area. Even though this content may have been written/reviewed by a trained veterinarian, our advice to you is to always consult your own local veterinarian in person. Please read our full dislcaimer if you have any questions.