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Why is my dog only drinking water and not eating?
A dog that only drinks water and doesn't eat might have various reasons such as hot weather, overeating, enteritis, pyometra, and others.
Hot weather: Just like humans, dogs may lose their appetite in hot weather and drink more water. Once the temperature drops, their appetite will usually return to normal. To help your dog, bring it to a shady and well-ventilated area and provide clean water.
Overeating: Dogs can overeat and suffer from indigestion, leading to bloating and a reduced appetite. You can gently touch your dog's belly to see if it's swollen. If so, it might be overfull. In this case, skip a day of feeding and give your dog probiotics to promote digestion. Feed small meals throughout the day to avoid overeating.
Enteritis: Enteritis can cause a dog to have a fever, and when a dog has a fever, it may lose its appetite. The dog will only want to drink water to cool down its body. There are various causes of enteritis, including bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic, and foreign object ingestion. It's advised to take your dog to the vet to determine the cause and treat it accordingly.
Pyometra: Unspayed female dogs are more prone to pyometra, which can cause a dog to only drink water and eat little. Other symptoms include lethargy, anorexia, polydipsia, polyuria, and a bad-smelling discharge from the vulva. If you suspect this, take your dog to the vet for an ultrasound to check for uterine fluid retention. Treatment can be medical or surgical, depending on the severity of the condition.
In summary, if your dog is only drinking water and not eating, it's essential to observe its symptoms and consult a vet promptly for a proper diagnosis and treatment.