If your dog has gone for a period without eating, it is best to observe its behavior closely and provide it with a bland diet. This includes home-cooked food, such as boiled chicken and rice. You can also warm it up in the microwave and offer it small meals often. Try to remove the leftovers within 15 minutes and offer them again several hours later. Do not change your dog’s diet suddenly, as this may cause an upset stomach.

Most healthy dogs can go up to five days without food, though that number is only true if your pet is still drinking plenty of water. Some can even go up to seven days without, though you should never let things get that far without taking your dog to the vet. Dog’s bodies are able to survive on stored energy for longer periods when they aren’t active. This means a more sedentary dog (such as one who spends most of its days at home) is able to last a bit longer without food than a dog who goes out for regular walks and runs.

Symptoms of anorexia

There are two types of anorexia: pseudo-anorexia and true anorexia. The former is a more subtle condition, and dogs suffering from this disorder actually want to eat. However, the decrease in food intake in either case should be treated as an early sign of a more serious condition. Dogs with a decreased appetite should be taken to the veterinarian as soon as possible, and any decrease in appetite should be investigated. Poor appetite is one of the most common reasons why dog owners seek out veterinary care.

The underlying cause of anorexia in dogs is not clear, but there are many possible causes. One such cause is a foreign body obstructing the dog’s intestine, which prevents it from passing food through. A dog suffering from obstruction of this type of digestive tract may not eat as much as it normally would, and therefore experience weight loss, weakness, and anorexia.

Possible causes

While dogs rarely go days or weeks without eating, a loss of appetite may be a sign of a health problem. Many times, a dog is simply getting too much junk food or is getting too many calories from treats. In the latter case, a vet’s diagnosis will help pinpoint the exact cause of the condition. Sometimes, there may be something more serious going on. However, a simple gastrointestinal upset can be the culprit.

If your dog is not eating, it may be because it is feeling queasy or just ate something that has upset its stomach. These conditions may pass quickly and your dog will soon return to normal eating habits. However, if you notice your dog refusing to eat, you should contact your veterinarian immediately. Alternatively, you can try to induce the eating process by giving your pet warm liquids or water. If none of these methods work, you can consider consulting a vet who can prescribe medication to induce eating.

Treatment

Depending on the dog’s health, dogs can safely go three to five days without food. Young puppies and those with underlying health problems, however, may not be able to survive this long without food. Veterinarians should be consulted immediately if your dog has gone more than 48 hours without food. The longer a dog goes without eating, the higher the chance that it has a underlying problem.

The bottom line is that no one should worry about going a full week or two without food. A dog can survive for at least five days, and maybe even seven, and it’s likely that most dogs don’t need to eat that often. This brings us back to the original question: how often should you feed your dog? The simple answer is that it shouldn’t be on a rigid schedule. Water, of course, should be available to your dog at all times, but if they’re not eating much food—which they shouldn’t be doing too often—then it might be best to let them go without food for a few days. When in doubt, always consult your vet.