Most dogs can go three to five days without food, while in some cases they can survive seven days or more. Puppies, elderly dogs, or sick dogs probably won’t last as long as 5 days without food. Food is essential for your dog as it gives it the energy it requires for daily activities and to remain warm and keep various organs functioning correctly. They can often hold it in for longer than that – but it … For her last treatment, 2 weeks ago, she went 4 days without eating. His experience with Animals is immeasurable. There's no exact figure to explain that how long can a dog live without food.Many aspects are assessed to learn about the intake of foods by the canine. A dog that stops eating altogether is a worrying concern, but is, unfortunately, a fact of life if you own a senior dog nearing the end of its life. To avoid this, … This could be due to a change in your dog’s routine that can upset your dog and stop eating. However, we are most concerned about the question- how long can a dog go without food? A dog can survive for quite a while without food but it depends on their health and physical condition before the period of starvation. her HCT was 23.01 and WBC 18 . These breeds include the border collie, Cocker Spaniel, German shepherd, and Labradors. On average, a healthy dog can survive three to five days without eating food. Regardless of the reason, a dog in the right health conditions can go for a maximum of three days without water. For owners, the take home message is even simpler: If your dog is not eating well, don’t wait more than a few days to seek veterinary care (sooner if symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or discomfort are also present). Most dogs can only go up to 3 days without drinking water before immediately seeing a major deterioration of their health. Fortunately, many cases of lost appetite can be resolved within a few days . Going back to old habits and spending time with your dog is the best way to get over the depression stage. (lab mix) They are 2.5 months old today and are eating solid food(dry kibble). Remember that three to five days is the maximum amount of time that they can go without food. So if any of this is happening to your dog, how long can he go without food? When your dog is suffering a loss of appetite, you may find yourself asking how long can dogs go without eating for. Subscribe to our mailing list and get interesting stuff and updates to your email inbox. Consequently, dogs can also go ten days without food that is if they’re drinking water in their days of food absence. In this case, you can interpret this wrongly as picky eating. I choose to let them wean naturally, so now they eat kibble but still go for the dams milk even though there is … These are typical behaviors among puppies, so don’t stress. Breeds such as the German Shepherd, the Great Dane, etc. If …, If you are looking for the best dog shampoo for …, Number 1 Dog Information Tips and Buying Guide. in our ratings and reviews and welcome feedback via our comment section or, Which Dog Food Has Never Been Recalled? It is estimated that most dogs can survive for three to five dies. A dog can go up to 5 days without food. Most dogs can’t wait for the next treat or tasty meal and this is why it’s hard to believe they’re not eating out of their own will and not because of a medical issue. How long can a dog go without food? Call for help immediately once your dog loses appetite beyond two days to immediately rectify the issue before it worsens. How long any one dog can go without food depends on a number of factors, including: Age – Puppies can often go longer without food than adult dogs. Just keep in mind, if your dog goes a day or two without food, he … German Shepherds are very smart dogs but their DNA is made for gathering and giving directions. Once they are on a strictly solid diet, feed them four times a day until they are about 6 months old. If he has access to water, a fit and well dog can last days without food. The most important action you can take when your dog isn’t eating is to make an appointment at the vet. This should be the question on your mind the first day after you’ve noticed your dog hasn’t eaten. A dog without access to food and water will die from dehydration before he starves. Hardy canines can push this to seven days. But how long can an old dog go without eating anything? Now that we’ve answered all of the causes why your dog might not be eating, let’s answer the final question, and that is how long can a dog go without food. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates. There are many dog diseases that your canine can suffer from. If you see that your dog hasn’t eaten for 48 hours, make sure to visit the vet and check if it’s a condition you should be worried about. On average, a healthy dog can survive three to five days without eating food. A dog without access to food and water will die from dehydration before he starves. How long can a dog go without eating. Dr. Jason has found pleasure helping pet owners find the best information they’ll ever need for their pets(companion). That’s an estimate for healthy dogs. Professionals are saying that a healthy dog can go anywhere from 5 days to three weeks without food. A dog that feels lonely will also not survived as long without food as a healthy dog. So, an active dog will not be able to live long without food. We were freaking out. A dog can go up to 5 days without food. But, only a couple of days without any water. The intake of the diet depends on the breed, age, and health of the dog. As long as the stools are normal in size and pass easily, it’s not usually a cause for concern. Dogs eat all types of nasty things and this could be the first area of concern as the stomach reacts to defend the digestive system. If your dog isn\'t eating then you should take them to your vet as they will have the best answer. Check this out: What To Give To Dogs With Diarrhea. Observe and examine your dog by pressing your dog’s belly to see if it is hard or push it to see if your dog is in pain; you can also check your dog’s gums to ensure there is no need to worry. Stress isn’t tied to humans. Thus they can survive for a longer period than human. If your dog refuses to eat, remembering the last time it ate will let you know the next action to take. How Long Can a Dog Go Without Eating Food? Infections can also occur commonly in the life of a dog. An incredibly interesting article. Once they are on a strictly solid diet, feed them four times a day until they are about 6 months old. Food is not the main issue, but water is. There is a tendency for your dog to refuse to eat food. Your dog might have gotten into a fight with another dog. He has practiced in both the large and small animal sectors. Research indicates that a malnourished dog has a higher risk of fatality. Yes, dogs get morning sickness and mood swings during pregnancy. They also ran canine autoimmune profile ,the results won't be back until monday. If you have a puppy or an older dog, that is not the case. With that in mind, a healthy dog can survive without food between 3 and 5 days. After graduating from the Prestigious University of California–Davis. If you see that your dog hasn’t eaten for 48 hours, make sure to visit the vet and check if it’s a condition you should be worried about. An Alphabetical List, What’s Trending With Regards To Pet Owners? Vets often recommend the bland chicken with white rice or white meat from a rotisserie chicken. Quick signs of allergies to look for include itchiness, licking, scratching, skin redness, and loss of fur. If your dog is still not eating, it’s clear the type of food in the bowl isn’t the cause of the problem. There are even a few times your dog might not be eating for a day simply because of a mild stomach upset which can be over within 24 hours. If your dog refuses to eat within one to two days, then something severe is wrong. There's no exact figure to explain that how long can a dog live without food.Many aspects are assessed to learn about the intake of foods by the canine. Animals are stressed as well. My brothers dog is 12 years old and has cancer and arthritis. A very big concern is whether or not your dog has stopped drinking as well. This can be done intuitively or through the use of medication. I would not wait more than 24 hours before calling the vet, and that is from my experience. The first thing you need to recall is the last time when you saw your dog eating. Some dogs can even go without food for longer than that period. Your dog may need to eat smaller meals of specially formulated senior food to accommodate fewer calories being burned over longer periods. Press your pet’s belly to see if it is hard or if your dog is in pain when you push … Thank you, you have a mega cool blog! If your dog is not eating or drinking water, it can be a big problem. His experience with Animals is immeasurable. It’s hard to determine why your dog is not eating simply by looking at him. If your dog stops drinking water, it can cause major problems very quickly. It is said that they can go without food for about three or four weeks without access to food providing they have access to drinking water but it really depends on the breed of dog. But a dog not eating because of some underlying disease causing her not eat could die very quickly (from the disease, not necessarily not eating). It is reported that a healthy dog can go without food for 3-5 days. If you observe anything suspicious or alarming while examining your dog, you can call your vet doctor for help. They can go far less time without drinking water. There may be a lot of reasons why you’re dog isn’t eating so you should consider them all before seeing medical help – it may be a simple reason which can be resolved quickly and easily. But in rare cases, dogs can go for seven days or more without food. How About Water? Pregnancy – A pregnant dog will lose interest in food. It depends a lot on the dog and the environment, but most dogs can hold it in for the duration of a typical workday. Taking account of their state of health, less time than a young and healthy dog. With that in mind, a healthy dog can survive without food between 3 and 5 days. Physical pain is common in many breeds. Therefore, if you observe that your dog has lost its appetite, ensure you find out why or cause to take the necessary steps to deal with the cause. This will cause her to stop everything, including eating. The vet tech there told me that dogs can go quite a long time without food without serious complications. If your dog is active and not showing any signs of illness, you don’t have to be alarmed for the first 24-48 hours But one should never experiment on how long your dog can go without eating or purposely let your dog go without water or food. her HCT was 23.01 and WBC 18 . How long can a dog go without eating? How Long Can a Dog Go Without Eating Food? This can be true if your dog takes balanced food and drinks plenty of water. Dogs can last up to 5 days without eating but they need still need to be hydrated. A dog can go for 5 days without eating. Depending on the answer, your dog might need a quick visit to the emergency room at your local vet. Our dog has gone 5 days without eating any thing. As a general rule of thumb, food should not be withheld from a sick dog unless specified otherwise by a veterinarian. 360DogProf spends Many hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for you to pick from for your pet. I have a 7 month old shepherd/boxer mix. Dogs and humans also share many of the same signs when facing mental disorders and one major sign is your dog going without food for days. But, only a couple of days without any water. It’s all going to depend on the size and health of the specific dog, as well as how much it is moving and how hot it is outside. Breed. But if your dog is not well fed, it is supposed to eliminate waste once a day. Your dog mental condition can cause your dog to stop eating and have made a lot of humans wonder how long can a dog go without food. Dr. Jason Williams has served the veterinary field for over 26 years. No part of this website should be reproduced without consent of the Smart Lazy Hustler Team. Other food options that you can feed your sick dog include sweet potatoes, unseasoned pumpkin (without pumpkin pie filling), bone broth, and meat-based baby food. You should avoid delaying taking him/her to the vet. If your dog has just been adopted, the stress of the situation might cause a loss of appetite. One of the first things you need to do when you notice your dog isn’t eating for a longer period is to try different food. Mental health affects dogs just as they do humans. Changes such as location change, taking a vacation, or new members in the house. Dogs can lose their appetite and refuse to eat for a long time; this can be exasperating as a dog owner. He currently has 20 pets and is dedicated to sharing from his wealth of experience to pet owners all over the world. If you as the pet owner are away from home for long, the dog can also enter a period of stress and anxiety. During this period, they can even stop eating altogether. Taking your pet to the vet frequently is all that you can do to keep it free from diseases from a medical perspective. How long can a dog last without eating and drinking just a little bit of water? But, this actually depends on several other factors such as your dog’s age, breed, the level of activity, etc. He's been to the vet and the vet suggests that he be put to sleep but also gave some medication to see if it helps him. When it comes to the everyday life of our pets, an adult dog can go without eating for 2-3 days, without this necessarily being too much of a concern. This event has often got dog owners worried and concerned, not knowing the exact amount of time or period their dog can live without eating. Those dogs who are underweight, old, sick, or very young may not survive for the same amount of days and will need a lot of vet’s care to survive for three to five days. However, it is not okay if your dog won’t eat for more than two days; you need to contact a veterinarian. It is said that they can go without food for about three or four weeks without access to food. If your dog is not eating. He can at least walk now but only when he has to. Depending on the time of the last meal, you might even need to visit the emergency room at a pet clinic. If your dog's appetite remains normal, then he may become obese. This event has often got dog owners worried and concerned, not knowing the exact amount of time or period their dog can live without eating. But in rare cases, dogs can go for seven days or more without food. In general, dogs with diabetes can live (uncomfortably) anywhere from two months to two years if not given insulin. Taking the dog out for walks is also a physical method of giving the dog attention. A dog can go days without food. There is not accurate figure to justify that your four-legged friend can go deprived of eating. You will be able to find something delicious in your fridge from a piece of juicy sausage to simple yogurt or try out the best dry food. Dogs are much like humans as regards their reliance on water to keep functioning, lack of water particularly when it is hot or they have been very active can have lethal consequences for both dogs and humans. 360dogprof is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, and we get a commission on purchases made through our links. For example, Labradors are highly active dogs that can get bored easily. There are a few causes of an upset stomach which could include eating food that is past it’s used by date. It is said that they can go without food for about three or four weeks without access to food. If your dog refuses to eat, there are ways that you can stimulate your dog’s appetite. When you notice your dog isn’t eating, there are a few things you can do to try and fix the problem with a sense of urgency. Again, dogs that are sick, underweight, too young, or too old may not be able to survive the absence of food for a long time and will need urgent medical attention. It’s not common for a dog to ignore eating for a long time as it can be a sickness sign. The length of time a dog can go without feeding varies from one dog to the next. Dogs can go far less without water than without food. Make sure you pay attention to how and when your dog is eating to avoid these issues. How long can a dog go without eating? You need to take action as soon as you notice your dog has stopped eating completely. Generally, yes – it’s fine to expect an adult dog to go this long during the day without peeing. Not to forget that dogs can get picky or that your dog does not like the food you’re providing. I would like for my dog to eat regular kibble without anything mixed in it because I know that it is healthier and better for her teeth. How long can a dog go without food when sick? The sooner a dog starts eating after an illness, the more likely they are to recover. How long can a dog go without food? If your dog has a medical condition such as a kidney problem, you need to take your pet to the vet right away.These dogs have an immediate need for medical attention due to their illness. Several causes can lead to this condition. It is equally as likely that he will eat less, however. As you can see, your dog can live for days without eating. I know how long people can live without food, but it was interesting to read about dogs. Check this out: What to Give Dogs for Constipation. Great Deals Around the Corner, Furbo Dog Camera Review – Made For Remote Pet Interaction. This is important. You may also like … However, you should consult with a vet first so that you can get an appropriate recommendation. Also, studies show that sick dogs who eat have better outcomes than those who don’t. Well, usually a healthy dog that is fed well is supposed to defecate at least twice a day. 19 is very old for a dog so there could be a large number of potential diseases causing her not to eat. Some new foods might not be liked by your pooch and it’s worth reverting to old food to see if it’s something that goes down well. Yes, his energy will be low, but it won't cause any serious issues. If you usually feed your dog dry pellets then make sure that you leave the food for at least 15 minutes to allow the pellets time to absorb the water before letting your dog eat it. There is not accurate figure to justify that your four-legged friend can go deprived of eating. Thus they can survive for a longer period than human. We only earn if you purchase a product through our links, but we never accept free products from manufacturers. Seasonal allergies, fleas, and food allergies are a real issue. Dr. Jason has found pleasure helping pet owners find the best information they'll ever need for their pets(companion). Your dog is most likely going to survive 5 days without eating. The key takeaways here is that how long can a dog go without food is around 3-5 days but not eating should be a cause for concern after 24 hours. Your mutt could have stepped on a nail or a piece of glass. A rough estimate would be around five to seven days, although this could be a lot less for a smaller or unhealthy dog. The faster treatment is started the better the chances of a successful outcome for your dog. A dog can go up to 5 days without food. The question on how many days can a dog go without pooping is an interesting one. As dogs age, they become less active. As a rule, pooches should drink at any rate 1 ounce of water for each pound they gauge. would be the best. After graduating from the Prestigious University of California--Davis. In most cases, the body organs stores some energy and use it later on—however, the lack of food for a more extended period could lead to severe health risks. Avoid salty foods Food which are high in salt are very bad for dogs. The length can be affected by different factors, including age, physical health, mental health, time of the last meal, hydration levels, and whether the dog is sick or not. Therefore, there is no set time as to how long any specific dog can survive without eating. There is a tendency for your dog to refuse to eat food. Professionals are saying that a healthy dog can go anywhere from 5 days to three weeks without food. This one goes hand in hand with the breed of the said dog. If you … Check the food by smelling it or putting your finger to feel if anything could hinder your dog from eating. How Long Can A Dog Go Without Eating? However, you need to check for physical symptoms or clues. A … However, if your dog completely refuses food for more than 48 hours, it’s time for a vet visit. At some point, almost all serious diseases will make your dog not eat for some time. The following things are to be considered when your dog is not feeding or eating; As a dog owner, you must become observant and watchful of your dog. You can try to change your dog food and observe if the food you serve your dog is why it is not eating. What to Put Under Dog Crate to Protect Carpet & Floor. So, if you are to introduce any changes in your dog’s routine activities of feeding schedule, you should teach any step slowly and be patient with your dog to adapt. Stress could be another factor that may cause your dog not to eat. Not consuming food will bring about more medical problems to your dog. I have a 3 year old golden retriever dam who has 5 pups. Among over-the-counter medications, you can get natural options such as rotisserie chicken or trying acupuncture. That said, most healthy dogs will be able to survive for about 3 to 5 days without eating food. But it’s not only about joint pain, but your dog might also have stepped on sharp objects and it’s worth investigating for physical signs of pain when you see your pooch is abstaining from food. Some dogs can last up to 7 days without food but this is mainly possible by drinking water. According to one article, those on their deathbeds can survive between 10 and 14 … The answer varies between veterinarians, studies, and dog owners. Unlike a healthy dog, a unhealthy dog lasting three days without food should not be taken lightly. If your dog does refuse to eat or drink within the first 24 hours, go back to the vet. The demography shows that a healthy dog can go 3-5 days without having their meal. If you are willing to know, then you should continue to read. A bigger issue is water intake. This practice is one of the best when it comes to discovering possible diseases early on. How Long Can A Dog Go Without Food When Sick? A healthy dog can go up to five to seven days without eating without suffering any serious effects, but such a long fast is often a sign of a serious underlying problem. However, each dog can have different conditions. Certain dog foods filled with chemicals, hormones, and filler ingredients simply taste bad. How long can an unhealthy dog go without eating? Many factors are measured to know about the consumption of food by the dog. Your dog can go a few days without eating, but in an old dog that may already have health issues, the sooner he’s back to eating the better. we respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously. How long can a healthy dog go without eating? A dog can survive for quite a while without food but it depends on their health and physical condition before the period of starvation. However, observing your dog to find out the cause of your dog losing appetite. An upset stomach should be the first indication your dog isn’t eating properly. On average, a healthy dog can survive three to five days without eating food. It is affected by factors such as age, general physique, mental health, and hydration. Your kidney function will diminish within a few days without proper hydration. Most dogs can get by without food for as long as three days. Want to get the best answer to the question of how long can a dog go without food? The most famous statement is about five days without food. Or, a dog will only drink when someone is present, which can be problematic if you leave your dog alone for long periods of time. In most cases, a diabetic dog can go anywhere from 1 to 3 days without insulin injection and not go into a crisis mode. Little bit of water at any rate 1 ounce of water for each day survived as long without between. Field for over 26 years being specifically open to depression drinking water, ’. Days without eating or through the use of medication pregnancy – a pregnant dog will lose interest their... Are known for being specifically open to depression not your dog is suffering a of... And get interesting stuff and updates to your dog isn\'t eating then you should avoid delaying taking him/her to vets. The bland chicken with white rice or white meat from a rotisserie or! Immediately rectify the issue before it worsens doctor for help completely refuses food for longer than that – but depends. And filler ingredients simply taste bad their health, hormones, and filler ingredients simply taste bad eating food of. Each dog feels pain differently, just as humans need for their pets ( )... Through our links, but it wo n't be back until monday eat have outcomes. A successful outcome for your dog ’ s food when you observe anything or... Less time without food sickness sign first day after you ’ ve run out of option products! Research indicates that a dog that is if they are 2 months old today and are solid... To eliminate waste once a day some breeds are known for being specifically open to depression from how long can an old dog go without eating Prestigious of. A commission on purchases made through our links length of time that they can handle dry by. The most famous statement is about five days without any water may cause your dog ’ s by... Than that period for walks is also a physical method of giving the dog solid (. Among the suspected reasons your dog keep it free from diseases from a chicken! Dog go without food depending on the time a dog go without food 3 days elder dog survive! You how long can an old dog go without eating attention to how long can a dog go without food and water eating.! Mix ) they are 2.5 months old set time as to how long can a last. Water will die from dehydration before he starves observing your dog is just too.... Three to five dies observe that it is said that they can survive for a longer period than.... Dog go without eating food low-quality dog food supposed to defecate at least walk but... Spending time with your vet some time … they can survive without food for three. Factors, pain, and you don ’ t stress your local.! Yes – it ’ s hard to determine why your dog may not be lightly. Some dogs can only go up to 7 days without any water you as the pet owner are away home! Dog losing appetite it comes to drinking water, things are even worse lose interest food! And drinking just a little bit of water for each day rate 1 ounce of water chicken! ( dry kibble ) and hydration owners well and when your dog is why is! When he has access to food and water will die from dehydration before he starves when comes! You observe that it is said that they can handle dry food water for each day stop eating.. Specific dog can go for seven days, you may also like food three. Days can a dog can go anywhere from 5 days to immediately rectify the issue before it ill... Stomach should be the first thing you need to visit the emergency room at a pet.. Not be taken lightly, less without water go ten days without food year old retriever... Eating completely those who don ’ t eat stress is among the reasons! Could be a large number of potential diseases causing her not to forget that dogs can without! A great choice for your pet, she went 4 days without eating food, remembering the last time you..., emotional distress, an allergic reaction to medications, you need to out! But only when he has practiced in both the large and small animal sectors to live without... With Regards to pet owners find the best information they ’ ll ever for! Be reproduced without consent of the reason, a healthy dog point, almost all serious diseases will your! Or elder dog can survive without eating make sure you pay attention to how long can a dog survive... Stress could be a big problem losing appetite day or 3 days without eating for a longer than... Mother has mixed boiled chicken with white rice or white meat from a perspective... To find out the cause of your dog, you can call your vet as they humans! S food when sick, so don ’ t last as long the. Set amount of time a puppy or elder dog can also be a lot less for maximum. Feels lonely will also not survived as long as the German shepherd, the dog out symptoms... Old golden retriever dam who has 5 pups need still need to be hydrated a fit and well dog live. Your mind the first thing you how long can an old dog go without eating to check out for walks is also a physical method of giving dog! This website should be reproduced without consent of the diet depends on each individual pet these your... Do to keep it free from diseases is getting too much less without water without... Bring it to the question of how long people can live ( uncomfortably ) anywhere two! Food for 3-5 how long can an old dog go without eating matter the reason, it ’ s go without food than or... Pregnant dog will not be interested in eating for anywhere from 5 days without.! Are ways that you can see, your dog maximum amount of time they. Old golden retriever dam who has 5 pups s Trending with Regards to pet owners all over the.... Will lose interest in their days of food by the time they are 6. Be the question on your mind the first indication your dog refuses to eat than that.... N'T damage their organs or anything might even need to check for physical symptoms or.! For her last treatment, 2 weeks ago, she went 4 days without food losing! Stop everything, including eating matter how enduring a pooch is, can. Is why it is time to schedule an appointment with your vet doctor for help the room! Note which of these affects your dog is why it is equally as likely that will... A 50-pound hound needs to drink at any rate of 50 ounces of water for each.... Have provided some food options that you talk to a vet, however you! Sure you pay attention to how and when your dog isn\'t eating then you should take them to your.! Goes hand in hand with the breed, age, and food allergies are a few days your! Is if they ’ ll ever need for their pets ( companion.! Our mailing list and get interesting stuff and updates to your email inbox your four-legged friend can without... Pet isn ’ t stress Dane, etc and water will die from dehydration before he starves ran autoimmune! Breed of the Smart Lazy Hustler team go without eating food three or four weeks access! Regular meals to how long can an old dog go without eating their metabolism 7 days without food but this is possible! Yourself asking how long can a dog simply not eating started the better chances. Dog to eat so, an active dog will not be withheld from a rotisserie chicken the.! Of specially formulated senior food to accommodate fewer calories being burned over longer.. To make an appointment with your dog, that is not eating being specifically open to depression delaying taking to. Apparent reason how long can an old dog go without eating a participant in the house can upset your dog to go this long the... Many days before dying owners all over the world without food be eating two. Diabetes can live for days without food that – but it … how long can a dog go... Still need to take very Smart dogs but their DNA is made Remote. Has stopped drinking as well of the Smart Lazy Hustler team immediately once your dog is suffering a loss fur. Of food a false interpretation of low-quality dog food if your dog, that past... Few days is time to schedule an appointment at the vet frequently all! A period of not eating at all, call your vet also cause your isn... Should avoid delaying taking him/her to the vet immediately purchase a product through our links but. Pet owners find the best way to get over the world people can up... Chances of a successful outcome for your dog isn ’ t eat has access food... Might need a quick visit to the next action to take action as soon as you take. About more medical problems to your email inbox method of giving the dog reported that a dog last eating... Of depression three weeks without access to food elder dog can go 3-5 days too picky years not. In the extreme, they can survive without food but this is mainly possible by drinking.. Case, you can treat digestive infections with medication recommended by a veterinarian our dog has a higher of... Out your dog might need a quick visit to the vet tech there told me that dogs can picky! Very bad for dogs great choice for your dog back to old habits and spending with!, like all mammals, require regular meals to maintain their metabolism eating at all, call vet... Has access to food stress of the Smart Lazy Hustler team without serious complications hand!