How long can a dog go without eating?

[maisybobbins]

Our poor old girl has lymphoma. She's had it for about a year, lived with it far longer than we thought she would but now worried she's in her final stages. She's still happy and bouncy and not in pain but no longer eats. In fact has eaten virtually nothing (one treat) in about nine days. She's in the kitchen with me now begging me to throw the ball for her. Where on earth is her energy coming from and how long can she go on like this? Any advice welcome. Thanks.

I'm sorry to hear about your poor old girl. Is she on any current medication? I usually say absolutely no longer than 5 days for a dog, otherwise the body becomes catabolic. Has she lost a lot of weight and condition?
Although you say she is no in pain, a complete lack of appetite (anorexia) is a huge indication of decreased quality of life. Have you consulted with your vet?

maisy, she can't go on like that, can she?
You do need to speak to the vet.
Thinking of you.

She's under care of an animal hospital, due to return there on Wednesday for more chemotherapy. I have a feeling the blood tests will reveal she's not able to carry on with the treatment. They say the lack of appetite may be a side effect of chemo but she wasn't eating before her dose last week.

Food was a great pleasure for her. Now she just has playing and being in the garden and short walks.

She has lost weight and her spine is becoming visible but she doesn't seem to be uncomfortable with it.

Bridget i suppose she can't come back from such a dramatic loss of appetite. She's still drinking water. Just looked up 'catabolic' and yes she must be. So sad. But surely I only call the vet when she becomes immobile and miserable?

Thanks for the replies ladies.

See what they say tomorrow, then, maisy.
You know your own dog best, and she sounds settled.

Thanks Chough I can't believe it might be nearly time for her. Tearful just thinking about it. Still yes let's see what they say tomorrow.

Just love her.

As chough says you know your dog best and you'll know at what point enough is enough.
A lot of my clients struggle with the 'right' time but i think a good way to look at it is you are doing the final greatest kindness you can by ending any inevitable suffering, so you do not have to wait until she is 'suffering' as such before making the decision. Your vet will also be able to guide you, just give them a call if you're concerned xx

Thanks so much for that both of you xxx

maisybobbins, just wanted you to know that I've been thinking about you and your girl.

Thanks Chough xxx All treatment has been stopped. Our girl has zero platelets in her blood so they think she is bleeding internally and will just 'go quiet' sometime soon. But they did give her an appetite stimulant which incredibly worked to some extent - she now enjoys sausages, chicken skin and homemade chocolate cookies. Not a great diet but right now we don't care :) X

Hello, maisy, what a strong and spirited girl she is.
It's good to hear that she seems settled and having the pleasure of nice things to eat.