How long can a dog go without food? My vet says 3-5 days!?

Question

My dieting pup, Lucky (11?yr old golden) is on Slentrol.  He has been on it about 2 weeks, down 3 lbs and he is very happy.  Last week, he was not keen on eating, but I did whatever I could to get him to eat at least once a day (unsweetened applesauce helped a lot!).  He is on Innova Low Fat and he likes it.  The Slentrol causes lack of appetite and a general disinterest in food.  I am supposed to double his dose now, but I told the vet I won't until the weight loss plateau's, if it does.

Anyways, I was concerned about him not eating and she said a chubby dog can go for 3-5 days without food, maybe a handful here and there, but with water, that's all they need.  I find this totally absurd!  There is no way I would allow any of my boys to not eat for that long!  Unless it was a medical issue where they could not or should not eat.  

So, what do you all think?

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

I remember your question from last week.

I think you are correct and should go with your gut instinct with this.

My thought is if your dogs appetite is alerady severely decreased why do you need to double the dose.

However, I have zero experience with this drug.

I think to asuage your fears you should take your dog into another vet for a consult so that you have another opinion.

Anonymous · Answer

I am so sorry. It must be so terrible to lose a buddy such as a dog:( What had you fed him around this time? Any human food? Did your dog used to chew pebbles, like some Jack Russells and other breeds are known to sometimes do? It wasn't your fault though, it was just unfortunate. Vet Tech's right about the necropsy to give you some closure, honey. Demand one. Again, I am SO sorry:*( I know it doesn't make YOU feel any better about losing him, but at least he's not suffering any more. How much longer would you have been able to see him like that, in such pain, discomfort, and misery? And him not being even able to understand why it was all happening. I'm sure the vets tried everything they could. Sometimes X-Rays are hard to accurrately judge. But you will someday recover from this terrible blow. You'll be in my thoughts.

Anonymous · Answer

I think you need a new vet, dogs should not go without food.

Sorry for a vet to say this is okay, I would never trust again.

It could be medical and not just a picky eater....

Anonymous · Answer

Well I am sure they can go that long without food and not die, but it just doesn't seem right to me.  In the hospital people are often not fed for several days (for medical reasons) and do just fine.  

I would continue with offering small amounts of food.  You can always consult another vet if you are not comfortable with yours.

ms manners · Answer

Its not unusual for carnivores in the wild to go several days without food, and then gorge.  So...I think she may be right about that.

However, I saw your original post, and I would not be happy with the way he is reacting to the medication.  I would want to try a different approach, and probably get a second opinion.

EVO makes a 95% meat canned food....I would be more likely to try a little of that mixed in his food, rather than applesauce.

Tysnatch · Answer

well, you should test how long your dog can go without food :)

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How long can a dog go without food? My vet says 3-5 days!?

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