There are going to be questioned that “is the safe starvation period of a dog more than a week?” All living beings, no exception dogs also, in our world require food to survive. We are lured to a tragic fact when we are deprived of nourishment… death.
When it comes to food it’s as necessary as breathing. Dogs going around without food are like a breathless body prone to collapse anywhere, anytime. True, as all living things require sustenance, so does the dog, but how long can a dog live without meals?
Why can a dog quit eating? There can be many causes it can be the outcome of some terrible medical condition going inside or a poor psychological condition like stress or depression.
Is it possible for a dog to starve itself to death?
Dogs have a great survival instinct that will push them to do whatever to survive; this, alongside their incapacity to comprehend suicide and mortality, implies that the idea that a dog will intentionally starve itself is false.
If you suspect your dog is refusing to eat and having suicidal attempts, take him to a veterinarian right once.
Safe hunger period for a dog
Dogs can go without meals for longer periods. According to vets, a dog can only endure five days to three weeks without food. But, the possible hunger periods vary in different breeds of dogs. The likely hunger period in some breeds of dogs is as follows
Working Dogs
Working Group dogs were originally developed to do practical tasks such as guarding and hauling carts and sleds. They are astute and devoted.
- Alaskan Malamutes, Kuvasz, Siberian Huskies, Great Danes, Doberman Pinschers, Anatolian Shepherds, Cane Corso, Huskies, Portuguese Water Dogs, Giant Schnauzers, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, Great Pyrenees, Black Russian Terrier. Bullmastiffs are some common examples of working dogs.
- Healthy working dogs can survive up to five days without food, but only if they are still staying hydrated.
- Some working dogs can spend up to seven days without eating, but you should never allow this to happen without getting your dog to the doctor.
Herding Dogs
Dogs in the Herding Group were originally developed to herd cattle and are intelligent and active, with the inherent ability to confine other animals.
- Examples of dogs in the Herding Group include Australian Cattle Dogs, Australian Shepherds, Border Collies, Cardigan Welsh Corgis, Old English Sheepdogs, Belgian Tervurens, Briards, Bouvier des Flandres and Belgian Malinois.
- Herding dogs are metabolically more active than other groups of dogs. The food they intake is digested within a very short period.
- They can endure three days and five days at maximum without being fed.
Terrier Group Dogs
Terriers are beloved watchdogs and pets. They are regarded as problem solvers, the most understanding, and the genius group of dogs.
- Some common examples of terriers are Airedale Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Jack Russell Terriers, Bull Terriers, Fox Terriers, Wheaten Terriers, West Highland White Terriers, Border Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Kerry Blue Terriers, Rat Terriers, and Scottish Terriers.
- For other dogs, it sometimes takes days or weeks before their nerves tire but in the case of terriers, it runs into months.
- Terriers can live without food for as long as five days.
Toy Dogs
Toy group dogs are tiny in height but great on intellect and devotion. They make excellent lap dogs and poodles.
- Examples of dogs in the Toy Group include Chihuahuas Maltese, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Chinese Crested Dogs, Bichon Frises, Yorkshire Terriers, Pekingese, Shih Tzus, and Japanese Chins.
- Toy group dogs can withstand hunger for three to five days.
Continuous dog refusal to food is an alarming call
This is most likely an important query. The solution is not straightforward; there are numerous scenarios why your dog is no longer eating. Some require only a simple vet visit, while others may necessitate a more involved recovery process. If your dog continues to starve it’s an alarming call that something is going wrong with your pet. It can be a medical or behavioral issue.
Medical Problems
If a dog loses its appetite it reveals some terrible medical conditions. Some of them are listed below
- Disturbed stomach
- Viral infection
- Hypersensitivity
- Pain due to arthritis (arthritis is more common in old dogs)
- Dental issue
- Leech, sponge, or any other parasite
- Autoimmune disease
- Cancer
- Diabetes
If your dog is suffering from any one of the above diseases the lack of hunger may be caused by them.
Psychological Problems
A few mental disorders that might arise in dogs can likely trigger him to lose his appetite. Depression and anxiety are examples of them.
Dogs are very adaptive animals they may refuse to eat with a change in their environments like the change of house or owner absence.
Let’s speak about the symptoms of sadness and anxiety in your dog.
Depression
Any or all of the following signs may be displayed by a sad dog:
- Canines suffering from depression are not as lively or energetic as other dogs.
- Their sleeping patterns may shift. This might indicate that your dog sleeps all day and night, only sleeps during the day, or just does not get adequate slumber. With time, this might lead to irritation.
- They’ve lost interest in things they used to appreciate.
- They are no longer entertained by your love instead they prefer to sit in a corner.
Worry
Worried dogs are more unstable and their behaviors will tell you something is going wrong with them. An anxious dog usually exhibits the following signs
- Aggressive behavior
- Shuddering
- Barking
- Grunting
- Hiding
- Curling tail between its legs.
- Constantly attempting to flee
- Incapability to walk outside without becoming anxious
- Afraid of being touched
Conclusion
A dog is the only thing on earth that never entertains itself with suicidal thoughts. The normal hunger span for a dog is from five days to three weeks. If your dog is experiencing starvation for more than three days…it’s symptomatic of other disorders. In such a condition you should consult a vet. You should be mindful of your dog’s schedule. Dogs that go without meals are like a weary corpses that can crash suddenly!
