How Long Can a Dog go without Food: And How to feed a Dog that won’t Eat
How Long Can a Dog go without Food
Not getting to eat and drink in just a few hours, either humans or pets like cats and dogs will feel helpless limp. However, it differs from this most beloved animal, the dog. It is said that dogs can live without food for three months. But it is not complete if you do not know the reason behind this all. We’ve summarized it in How Long Can a Dog go without Food: And How to Feed a Dog that won’t Eat
How long can a dog go without food?
Like all mammals, dogs need to eat regularly to maintain their metabolism. Food is the main energy source that fuels the body for normal organ function. In addition, food is also a source for maintaining a normal body temperature. However, how long can a dog go without eating?
Adult Dog
In general, an adult dog or old dog not eating can last for 2 to 3 days, without you having to worry too much. As long as the dog is in a healthy state of the body, it can last up to 5 days without eating anything, provided that it drinks.
Although it will last up to 5 days without food, it does not mean that nothing harm happens to the system. As mentioned earlier, food gives your pet nutrients and energy, its deficiency leads to lethargic behavior.
In certain extreme situations, a dog can sometimes live weeks without eating. A dog that is left behind or becomes trapped in an earthquake can live for several weeks without food. Of course, a puppy, an old dog, or a sick dog will not be able to survive as long as a healthy adult dog. Size and breed can also affect a dog’s ability to survive without food.
Why doesn’t my dog eat?
Your dog may stop eating for several reasons, whether health-related or psychological. If your dog refuses to eat after two to three days, you should visit the veterinarian. Here are some situations where dogs may stop eating:
Dog not eating but drinking water and vomiting
This may be simply due to a lack of appetite or associated with your dog’s food preferences. He may have gotten used to eating human food and not wanting to eat dog food. If this lasts more than a day, consult a veterinarian.
If your dog refuses to eat and vomits yellow bile fluid or diarrhea, this may indicate an infection or gastrointestinal disease. Take your dog to the vet if it continues for more than an hour.
My dog isn’t eating but acting normally
If your dog shows signs of distress other than not eating, contact your vet. It is possible that there are fundamental issues that must be addressed. Your dog may avoid its food due to liver disease, infection, blockage, tumor, or kidney failure.
Sometimes, a dog may stop eating for psychological reasons. Example:
Newly adopted dog
While still adapting to the changes in her new home, the newly adopted dog may not want to eat and even urinate for a few days. Make sure your dog feels as at ease as possible. Don’t forget to offer varied and healthy food.
You’ll soon learn his favorites. If your dog still won’t eat after the first few days, consult your vet.
Food changes
If you change your dog’s food brand or switch to a natural diet when your dog is used to processed foods, he or she may initially refuse to eat. Changes in the diet of the dog should always be made gradually.
Stress or anxiety
Changes in routines such as going on vacation or having strangers at home can cause your dog stress. Dogs may stop eating or refuse food for several hours or a day. Try to introduce any changes gradually, and reassure your dog if it looks stressed or anxious.
How long can a dog survive without food?
A dog in the United States (USA) can miraculously survive after not being fed for three months. The dog named Nino was known to have been deliberately abandoned by his owner Kellen Jones. The 27-year-old tied Nino up in his backyard in Memphis, Tennessee, the USA with no food and no drink at all.
Luckily, due to Nino’s whereabouts, it was later discovered by the Memphis Animal Protection Agency. When examined the poor dog was found to be starving in the most extreme stages. Nino is known to survive by eating his feces.
In addition, Nino also eats small animals either living or dead in the vicinity. Nino’s condition is very concerning, namely that his bones appear prominent and his body is only coated with thin flesh. Luckily, After being rescued Nino immediately received proper treatment by the medical personnel.
Why won’t my dog drink water?
Dog not drinking water but eating
Your Dog Has Stomach Pain
Your dog may have stomach pains and this is what causes it not to eat but to keep drinking water. This can be something as simple as some nausea or digestive problems caused by eating too fast or eating too much food.
You should not give him snacks during this time to encourage eating his food. People can get stomach pains for some things, and dogs do.
He might run too much outside, overheat, or maybe eat a few pieces of grass. It could be that the dog goes outside and eats the insect that caused the problem. If your dog is known to like to throw garbage or eat anything on the floor, he or she may have just tried to eat something unpleasant and now has stomach pains.
After all, she needs a little time to recover from indigestion and knows to avoid food during this time.
Your Dog Has a Gastrointestinal Infection
Gastrointestinal infections can be a problem and you should take your dog to your vet if you suspect an infection. Many different digestive disorders can cause infections including colitis, pancreatitis, gastroenteritis, and malabsorption in the small intestine.
Infection can cause diarrhea, nausea, and other symptoms in dogs. Most indigestions resolve within a few days. However, if your dog has other symptoms, it is best to take him to the vet. Your vet may prescribe some antibiotics or other medications to clear the infection if left for too long.
Routine or Environmental Changes
Various changes in your routine or environment can cause your dog to be disinterested in their food. Food change itself can be a problem, especially if your dog chooses food. If they don’t have the usual food you buy and you buy something similar, it might be different enough that your dog won’t touch it.
Environmental changes can also be a problem, such as stress from moving to a new environment or adding another person or pet into the house.
Why does my dog throw up after drinking water?
Dogs that vomit yellow bile fluid are most likely to have indiscriminate eating habits. It is quite common for them to eat wrongly. If your dog has only vomited once but looks happy and healthy, chances are he or she has just experienced stomach pains.