How Long Can A Dog Go Without Eating? - AnimalWised

The appetite of a dog will change over the course of their lifetime. This is mainly due to age as younger dogs will burn more energy, especially while they are still developing. When they become adult, they should maintain a steady appetite for years until they become older and stop needing as much energy. Of course, dogs should have a greater appetite if they have been more active on a given day.

There may be some cases when a dog will have less appetite, but generally speaking they are voracious animals. They are often on the lookout for a snack and will happily eat as many treats as you can provide even after a meal.

With this in mind an adult dog can go 2-3 days without eating, but even this would be unusual if they are healthy. An otherwise healthy dog can go as much as 5 days without eating. After this time, their organism will start to deteriorate and specific symptoms will develop. Although a dog can go without eating for days on end, if they choose not to eat for more than 24 hours, it means there is a problem and we should consult a vet.

Certain dogs will be more vulnerable if they do not have food. This is the case with puppies, elderly dogs or dogs which are otherwise immunosuppressed. If their lack of appetite is accompanied by diarrhea, fever or vomiting, take your dog to the vet immediately. If your dog seems otherwise healthy you can wait a day, as this may just be passing phase or discomfort. Of course, try to get your dog to eat during this time, and make sure it continues drinking water.

As we mentioned, in certain extreme situations a dog can sometimes go weeks without eating. For example, a dog that has been abandoned or trapped after an earthquake may survive several weeks without food. Of course, a puppy or an old or sick dog will not be able to hold out as long as a healthy adult dog. Size and breed may also influence the dog's ability to survive without eating. It's important to remember that while some dogs might endure longer periods without food, this doesn't mean they are not suffering internally.

How long can a dog go without eating and drinking water?

Although it is physically possible for a dog to survive several days without food, water is crucial. Without drinking water, a dog will die within a couple of days. It is possible for a dog to live up to three days without water, but the dog will become extremely dehydrated and reach a critical state by then. Always make sure your dog has plenty of water to drink especially in summer. If you notice signs of dehydration, take your dog to the vet.

Now we know how long dogs can go without food, we should know that a healthy dog will want to eat regularly. They will need the right nutrition for their specific needs. To know how to help you dog recover their appetite, you will need to understand the reason why they are not eating and address it immediately. We examine these possible reasons in the next section.