How Long Can a Dog Go Without Eating? What Every Pet Owner Should Know
How Long Can a Dog Go Without Eating? What Every Pet Owner Should Know
Presented by Havanese Haven
Dogs are usually enthusiastic eaters, so when your furry friend suddenly turns their nose up at food, it can be concerning. Whether it’s a picky phase, an upset stomach, or something more serious, many dog owners wonder: How long can a dog go without eating?
The answer depends on several factors, including your dog’s age, size, health, and hydration levels. This post explains how long dogs can safely go without food, why they might stop eating, and when it’s time to call the vet.
How Long Can a Healthy Dog Go Without Eating?
A healthy adult dog can typically survive:
- Up to 3 to 5 days without food, if still drinking water
- Only 2 to 3 days without water before serious health risks occur
Important: Just because a dog can go days without food doesn’t mean they should. Skipping meals can cause malnutrition, organ stress, and worsen underlying issues.
Puppies Can’t Go As Long Without Eating
Puppies are much more vulnerable. Because of their high energy needs and tiny bodies, they can become weak or dangerously low in blood sugar (hypoglycemia) within 12–24 hours without food.
If a puppy refuses food for more than 12 hours, contact your vet immediately.
Why Dogs Stop Eating: Common Causes
If your dog suddenly stops eating, consider the following potential reasons:
1. Illness or Pain
Loss of appetite can be a symptom of:
- Digestive upset
- Tooth or mouth pain
- Infections
- Kidney or liver disease
- Cancer
Check for vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy alongside poor appetite.
2. Stress or Anxiety
Dogs can stop eating when they feel anxious due to:
- Moving homes
- Loud noises (thunderstorms, fireworks)
- New people or pets
- Being left alone (separation anxiety)
3. Changes in Diet or Routine
If you’ve recently:
- Switched their food
- Changed feeding times
- Moved their bowl’s location
…they may protest by skipping meals.
4. Spoiled or Unappealing Food
Check expiration dates. Dogs have sensitive noses, if the food smells “off” or stale, they’ll reject it.
Always store kibble in airtight containers and clean bowls regularly.
5. Dental Issues
Painful gums, broken teeth, or infections can make eating uncomfortable.
Signs may include:
- Drooling
- Pawing at the mouth
- Only eating soft food
- Avoiding chew toys
Signs Your Dog Is in Danger From Not Eating
Call your vet immediately if your dog shows any of the following, along with not eating:
- Vomiting or diarrhea for more than 24 hours
- Lethargy or weakness
- Dehydration (dry gums, sunken eyes, loss of skin elasticity)
- Refusing water
- Weight loss
- Gagging or choking when trying to eat
What to Do If Your Dog Won’t Eat
- Check for dental or mouth pain
- Tempt them with bland foods like boiled chicken and rice
- Warm the food slightly to enhance the aroma
- Offer wet food or broth to increase moisture
- Minimize stress in the home
- Rule out food spoilage or changes in feeding routine
If your dog refuses all food for more than 24 hours, or a puppy goes without eating for 12 hours, seek veterinary care.
Hydration Matters More Than Food (In the Short Term)
While a healthy adult dog might survive a few days without food, water is far more critical.
Signs of dehydration include:
- Sticky gums
- Lethargy
- Sunken eyes
- Skin that doesn’t bounce back when pinched
Encourage fluid intake with:
- Ice cubes
- Bone broth
- Watered-down wet food
When It’s Time for the Vet
You should contact your vet if:
- An adult dog hasn’t eaten in over 24–36 hours
- A puppy hasn’t eaten in 12–18 hours
- There are other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy
- You suspect a foreign object was swallowed
- Your dog is a senior, diabetic, or has a chronic illness
Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait Too Long
While missing one meal isn’t usually an emergency, prolonged loss of appetite is a serious red flag. Your dog relies on you to notice changes in behavior, and appetite is one of the earliest signs that something might be wrong.
At Havanese Haven, we always advise pet parents to err on the side of caution. When in doubt, contact your vet; your pup’s health and happiness are worth it.