Should I Take My Pet to Urgent Care if They are Not Eating or Drinking?

As a pet owner, you want to ensure your furry friend is healthy and thriving. One common concern that can arise is when your pet stops eating or drinking. This can be a concerning behavior, and it's important to understand the potential causes and when to seek urgent care for your pet.
 

Common Causes for Lack of Appetite or Thirst in Pets

There are various reasons why a pet might lose interest in food or water. Some of the most common include:
 

• Illness or Infection: Pets can suffer from illnesses such as gastrointestinal infections, dental diseases, kidney issues, or more severe conditions like cancer. If they’re feeling unwell, they might not want to eat or drink.
   

• Pain or Discomfort: Injuries, internal pain, or joint issues may cause your pet to lose their appetite. Pain can also make it difficult for them to drink, leading to dehydration.
   

• Stress or Anxiety: Changes in the environment, new family members, or even travel can lead to stress or anxiety in pets, causing them to stop eating or drinking.
   

• Digestive Upset: Gastrointestinal issues like vomiting or diarrhea can result in your pet avoiding food or water. Digestive problems may be temporary, but they could also indicate more serious health concerns.
   

• Medications or Vaccinations: Sometimes, medications or recent vaccinations can cause temporary changes in a pet’s eating or drinking habits.
   

Signs to Look for When Your Pet is Not Eating or Drinking

When your pet is not eating or drinking, it's essential to pay attention to other signs that may indicate a more serious issue. Some key signs to look for include:
 

• Lethargy or decreased activity level
   

• Vomiting or diarrhea
   

• Abdominal pain or discomfort
   

• Rapid weight loss
   

• Dehydration (dry gums, sunken eyes, or decreased skin elasticity)
   

• Changes in urine output or frequency
   

• Difficulty or discomfort when swallowing
   

• Fever or changes in body temperature
   

When to Take Your Pet to Urgent Care

A day or two of reduced appetite or hydration might not always be cause for alarm. However, if your pet refuses to eat or drink for more than 24 hours, it’s important to consult a veterinarian. Here are signs that an immediate trip to urgent care is necessary:
 

• Severe Dehydration: Dehydration can occur quickly, especially in smaller pets or those with underlying health issues. Signs of dehydration include dry gums, sunken eyes, lethargy, and excessive panting. A simple test is to gently lift the skin on your pet’s back—if it doesn’t quickly return to place, they may be dehydrated.
   

• Lethargy or Weakness: If your pet is not eating or drinking and also seems unusually tired or weak, this could be a sign of something more serious.
   

• Vomiting or Diarrhea: If your pet has stopped eating or drinking and is also vomiting or has diarrhea, they could quickly become dehydrated or suffer from nutrient loss. This can indicate digestive problems, toxins, or other issues requiring urgent care.
   

• Unexplained Weight Loss: If your pet has suddenly lost a significant amount of weight, this could be an indication of a serious underlying condition that requires medical attention.
   

• Difficulty Breathing or Changes in Behavior: Along with not eating or drinking, if your pet shows signs of respiratory distress or significant changes in behavior, these could be indicators of a critical condition.
   

What to Expect at Urgent Care

When you bring your pet to urgent care, the veterinarian will likely conduct a thorough examination, including diagnostic tests such as bloodwork, x-rays, or ultrasounds, to determine the cause of their lack of appetite or hydration. Based on the findings, your veterinarian may recommend treatments ranging from medication and IV fluids to more intensive interventions, depending on the severity of the condition.
 

If you're worried about your pet's lack of appetite or thirst, visit Evergreen Urgent Care in Evergreen, Colorado, or call (303) 674-4331 for further guidance.