Dogs usually go three to five days without food, but this is not ideal. If your pet hasn't eaten for two days, it is strongly recommended that you call a vet. Most healthy dogs can go up to five days without food, although they must continue to drink a lot of water. In some cases, they can even go up to seven days without eating, but you should never let things get that far without taking your dog to the vet.
There are many reasons why your Great Dane might be losing its appetite. If it seems to last more than 24 hours, the best and safest bet is to call a vet. Generally, healthy dogs can survive up to five days without food, but only if they have access to safe drinking water. In extreme situations, dogs are known to survive without sustenance for much longer, but not without serious health consequences.
According to the vet, healthy dogs and cats can last “three, four, five days without eating, many even longer than that. When you ask yourself “how long can a dog go without eating”, the only true answer is “it depends”. Most healthy dogs can go three to five days without eating safely, but faster action is required in young puppies and dogs with underlying conditions. If your dog goes more than 48 hours without food (or more than a day without drinking), contact your veterinarian to determine the next steps for your dog.
Scientific studies are limited, but in humans, there is an increase in the mortality rate when they have lost between 35 and 50% of their ideal body weight. Animal pathologists speculate that the same parameters can also be applied to dogs. That means that a healthy dog weighing 50 pounds would be in danger of starvation when it drops to about 33 pounds or less. A 20-pound dog could waste up to 13 pounds before it is in grave danger of dying.
In general, dogs can go without food safely for five days to 3 weeks. Everything will depend on the size and health of the specific dog, as well as how much it moves and how hot it is outside. The most common reasons why great Danes don't eat their food include stomach tenderness, dental problems, changes in activity level or hormones, overeating, illness, anxiety, and vaccinations or medications. But how serious can it be for a Great Dane not to eat? I mean, they're pretty big and can afford to miss a meal or two, right? Let's dig a little deeper and see what could be the cause.
In addition to diagnosing why they don't eat, you'll also wonder how much it costs to feed an adult Great Dane. These are especially important for great Danes, as they are at increased risk of gastrointestinal cancer and joint problems. If your Great Dane suddenly becomes less active, try to determine if it is a depressive cause or illness.
