Is This Normal? Finder · Eating and drinking

My puppy skipped a meal. Should I worry?

By Dr. Steve Pelton, DVM

The short answer

One skipped meal in a bigger puppy who's still bright and playful is usually fine, since appetite dips with teething and hot days. Toy breeds are different. They don't have the reserves to skip meals, so a tiny puppy who misses even one and seems quiet needs your vet now.

Why it happens

A big puppy carries some fuel in reserve. A toy-breed puppy carries almost none, so one missed meal can let his blood sugar slide, and that shows up as quiet, wobbly or trembly.

Which door?

WATCHOnce, in a bigger puppy who's bright and playful.
GO NOWA toy-breed puppy who skips even one meal and seems quiet: call your vet and head in.
GO NOWAny puppy who's weak, wobbly or trembling.

Usually normal

Leaves a little food on a hot afternoon, then eats dinner
Eats less for a meal or two while teething, still playful

When to call

Tick what fits and see which door you're at.

CALL TODAYSkips a meal and seems quiet, in a bigger puppy
GO NOWA toy breed skips even one meal and seems quiet
GO NOWWeak, wobbly, trembling or "out of it." On the way, rub a little corn syrup or honey on his gums, and never pour liquid into his mouth

Your door: WATCHWATCH

Nothing ticked and he's bright, playful, eating and drinking? Keep an eye on him, jot down what you see, and call in the daytime if it doesn't settle.

Under 16 weeks, a toy breed, or not done with his shots? Move everything one door closer to GO NOW.

GO NOW means: Head to your vet, if they're open and can see him right away, or to the nearest emergency clinic. Call on the way so they're ready for you.

Not sure which door you're at? That's a call. Call your vet.

Worried right now? Check the Three Doors list, from most urgent down, and stop at the first door that fits.

Is this an emergency?

General education, not veterinary advice. Your vet's plan for your puppy comes first.