Dogs need proper nutrition from quality food and water to stay healthy and happy. But life happens, and there may be times when your pup loses their appetite or refuses to eat. As a pet parent, this can cause worry. So how long can dogs go without food? When does it becomes dangerous? Are there steps you can take to get them eating again?
This guide will cover everything you need to know.
When Healthy Dogs Skip Meals
For most healthy adult dogs that have normally robust appetites, going without food for a day or two is not necessarily cause for alarm. Their bodies are equipped with reserves to handle short-term fasting. However, healthy dogs should not go more than 2-3 days without eating before it starts negatively impacting their health.
Puppies and smaller dog breeds have higher metabolisms and lower body fat percentages than larger dogs. They cannot tolerate long periods without food. If your small breed puppy or dog skips even one meal, it’s wise to call your vet, as they are at risk for developing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). For larger breed puppies, going 12 hours without food can be detrimental to their growth and development.
Certain dogs are predisposed to low blood sugar, including toy and miniature breeds like Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, Maltese, and Chihuahuas. For them, skipping meals can quickly lead to lethargy, muscle tremors, and even seizures. That’s why it’s critical to seek veterinary advice right away if these dogs stop eating. Their small size means they have very limited energy reserves.
Why Dogs Lose Their Appetites
So if dogs depend on regular food, why would they ever turn down a meal or treat? There are a number of possible reasons your dog is refusing food, including:
- Medical Conditions: From dental problems to parasites to pain from injuries, many health issues can cause a loss of appetite in dogs. If your dog stops eating and exhibits other symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhea, illness is likely the culprit.
- Medication Side Effects: Antibiotics, pain meds, chemotherapy, and other drugs dogs take sometimes have nausea or appetite loss as a side effect. Always monitor your dog closely when starting new medications.
- Stress or Anxiety: Dogs are sensitive creatures of habit. Changes to their routines or environments can cause stress that leads to altered eating habits. The loss of another pet or family member can also depress them.
- Picky Eating: Some dogs are just fussy eaters. If you’ve ruled out health problems, your dog may simply be a prima donna who turns up their nose at boring kibble day after day.
- Dehydration: Dogs won’t eat if they aren’t drinking enough water. Ensuring your dog is properly hydrated is just as important as offering food.
No matter the cause, you should take appetite loss seriously in dogs. Speak to your vet to get to the root of the issue and restore your dog’s normal eating behavior.
Encouraging Picky Eaters
So your vet has given your pup a clean bill of health, but they still aren’t interested in their food. Don’t despair. There are lots of tricks to get picky dogs eating again:
- Offer high-quality wet food, as the aroma and texture is more appealing.
- Mix in a bit of tasty human-grade cooked meat or bone broth to make kibble more enticing.
- Try different proteins, flavors, textures – your dog may just be bored of the same old food.
- Hand feed your pup and use an upbeat, encouraging tone at mealtime.
- Exercise before meals to build up their hunger.
- Give smaller portions but feed more frequently throughout the day.
- Warm food slightly to increase its aroma and palatability.
- Keep mealtimes consistent so your dog expects food at certain times.
- Use food puzzles, snuffle mats, and chew toys to make eating entertaining.
With patience and creativity, you can usually convince even the most stubborn dog that it’s chow time. Always make sure fresh water is available as well to aid digestion.
The Dangers of Dehydration
While a healthy dog can withstand a missed meal or two, a lack of water is a major red flag requiring quick action. After just 12-24 hours without water, dogs become at risk for dehydration. Left untreated, dehydration can lead to kidney failure, comma, and even death.
Puppies, small dogs, and senior dogs become dehydrated more quickly than healthy adults. Vomiting, diarrhea, excessive panting, and drooling can speed up fluid loss as well. Always monitor your dog’s water intake and watch for these signs of dehydration:
- Dry or sticky gums
- Skin that lacks elasticity when pinched
- Sunken eyes
- Lethargy, weakness
- Increased heart rate
- Panting
- Loss of appetite
- Dark yellow urine
If you notice any of these symptoms, call your veterinarian without delay. Proper hydration is vital to your dog’s organ function and survival. IV fluids, electrolyte supplements, antinausea medication, and other treatments can all be used to restore fluid levels and save your dog’s life.
Keeping Your Dog Hydrated
You know how critical water is, so how do you ensure your pup is getting enough? Here are some tips:
- Always keep fresh, clean water available. Change it frequently.
- Add ice cubes to make water more enticing on hot days.
- Use a pet drinking fountain with a filter and recirculating stream.
- Add a bit of low-sodium broth to add taste and aroma to water.
- Offer hydrating fruits and veggies like watermelon, cucumber, and strawberries.
- Choose canned wet food, which has a very high moisture content.
- Use a slow feed bowl to prevent gulping large amounts.
- Bring water with you on walks, trips, and outdoor play.
Monitoring water intake should be part of your daily doggy routine. Don’t wait until you notice signs of dehydration to take action. Be proactive in encouraging your dog to drink.
Knowing When to See the Vet
So when exactly should you make that call to the vet when your dog stops eating or drinking? Here are some general guidelines:
- If your dog hasn’t eaten in 48 hours or longer
- If they are unable to keep food or liquids down for 24 hours
- If they seem ill, in pain, lethargic, or weak
- If they are having trouble breathing normally
- If their abdomen appears bloated or distended
- If their bathroom habits or urine output changes
- If they are rapidly losing weight
Of course, you know your dog best. If their behavior seems off in any way after skipping meals, don’t wait – contact your vet right away. Waiting too long can allow simple problems to escalate into emergencies.
At the Vet’s Office
To get to the bottom of your dog’s appetite and hydration issues, your vet will likely conduct:
- A full physical exam and palpation of the abdomen
- Diagnostic lab tests like a CBC, chemistry panel, fecal exam
- Imaging tests such as X-rays or ultrasound if a gastrointestinal blockage is suspected
- A dental and oral cavity exam to check for injuries, swelling, and dental disease
- Hydration assessments including checking gum moisture, skin turgor, and heart rate
Based on their findings, your vet will develop a tailored treatment plan. This may include:
- IV or subcutaneous fluids if your dog is dehydrated
- Medications to control nausea and vomiting
- Pain management if an injury is causing discomfort
- Antibiotics for infections
- Dental extraction or surgery to treat tooth and gum disease
- Modifications to diets and feeding schedules
- Follow up exams to monitor your dog’s progress
While most causes of appetite loss are treatable, prompt veterinary attention gives your pup the best chance at making a full recovery. Have patience, offer encouragement, and work closely with your vet.
Providing Proper Canine Nutrition
Once your dog’s health issue is identified and treated, you’ll need to get them back on track with a nutritious diet. Here are some tips:
- Select a high-quality commercial dog food that contains quality animal protein as the first ingredient.
- Look for foods with probiotics, fiber, and joint supplements if needed.
- Feed the appropriate food for your dog’s age and activity level.
- Stick to a consistent feeding routine with scheduled mealtimes.
- Ensure your dog gets daily exercise and playtime to stimulate their appetite.
- Address any stress and environmental factors that could be diminishing appetite or causing anxiety.
- Make water easily available at all times.
- Schedule annual vet exams to monitor your dog’s health and weight.
Transition gradually when introducing new foods over a period of 4-7 days. Start with a mix of 25% new food and 75% old food. Slowly decrease the old while increasing the new until your dog is eating 100% new food. This helps avoid gastrointestinal upset.
While a missed meal may just mean your dog is a picky eater, it could also signal serious health issues that need a vet’s attention. Know the risks of hunger and dehydration in dogs, and act quickly at the first signs your furry friend is refusing food or water. With prompt care, you can get your pup’s appetite back on track and enjoy mealtimes together again.
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So, let us know did you find this article helpful? Are there any other questions you would like us to answer? Let us know in the comment section down below. If you are a dog or pet lover in general here are a few more articles you may find interesting:
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