Dog lovers know that dogs love to eat. They tend to be active animals and require regular healthy meals to function. Sometimes life gets in the way, and even the most reliable dog parent may forget to feed their pup. So, what happens if our dog misses a meal? Let’s find out more.
What happens if I forget to feed my dog?
Our dogs love to eat, and they depend on their people to provide them with a healthy diet. Dogs are not particularly good at regulating their food intake. They will happily eat until the bowl is empty, even if it was full 10 minutes ago. If its owner is constantly forgetful about feeding time, this could cause some problems for the dog.
After you’ve forgotten once or twice to feed your dog, it might be best to keep an eye on your pet’s behavior in the days that follow the missed meals. Many dogs won’t do anything unusual if their owner misses one meal or even several. But remember: every single time you skip a meal, it could be the dealbreaker between life and death for your dog.
On average, a healthy adult dog will live 2-3 years without its owner’s consistent care. A few missed meals here and there won’t kill them – but it may be enough to bring your pet into the danger zone. If they miss too many meals, your dog’s lifespan could be cut perilously short.
What to do if I forget to feed my dog once?
It might be best to call someone to bring your pooch some food for a scheduled meal if you are running late. If you have another pet owner in the family or a trustworthy friend, they may be able to drop by with some kibbles. Call on them before your dog starts to worry or gets too hungry.
Forgetting one time is not a big deal. However, be mindful of feeding the dog too late a night to make up for a missed meal. Eating too close to bedtime can affect the dog’s digestion and nighttime poop routine.
What happens if I forget my dog’s medication?
Dogs who take regular medication run an increased risk of serious medical problems if they miss a dose. Meds for arthritis or diabetes could drop their blood sugar to a dangerous level, leading to seizures and even death.
If you’re forgetful about pill time, it’s best to get in touch with your vet for help. Your dog might be able to take the medication less frequently or in a different form that makes it easier for you to remember.
What if I forget to feed my dog for a day?
Don’t panic if you forget to feed your dog for a single day. Canines are adaptable creatures and can go for several days without food. But make sure they get access to fresh, clean water, even if they haven’t eaten anything in a while. Dogs have a special receptor on the tip of their tongue that craves water – which is why they have no problem drinking out of the toilet!
This may be more of an issue if your dog is on medication that must be taken daily.
If you’re going out of town or won’t be able to look after them for some reason, it might be best to ask a friend or neighbor to take in your pup for a few days.
What happens if I forget to feed my dog for several days?
Many dogs can go for months without food when there is water available, but this doesn’t mean they won’t suffer from malnutrition and potentially fatal health problems. If you can’t get home for a few days, your pet could suffer from serious vitamin and mineral deficiencies. If they get too little protein, their muscles may waste away and their immune system could become weak and ineffective. Dehydration is also a danger, leading to organ failure.
A professional pet-sitter or dog boarding facility will come in handy if you are often away for days at a time.
You might consider adopting a second pet who can keep your first pooch company. This could also reduce the risk of bloat – when dogs eat too much food at once and their stomach twists, cutting off circulation.
Should I feed my dog more in the next meal if I forget to feed them?
If you know you won’t be able to feed your dog in the next couple of hours, it probably isn’t worth giving them a larger portion. But make sure they have some food available – either in their bowl or somewhere else in the house.
Can I give my dog too much food if I forget to feed it?
Dogs can eat more than their fair share if you’re not around. If they gobble up their entire meal in a few seconds, try splitting it between two or three bowls located at different places in the house. This will allow your pet to eat at its own pace.
What other ways can I prevent my dog from getting over-hungry?
There are some ways to help your pooch adjust to eating smaller meals more frequently. Feed them at the same time every day and slowly reduce the amount of kibble until they are taking in just enough food for one meal per day. This will help you avoid over-feeding them when you’re in a rush.
What should I know about feeding my dog?
A hungry dog can be an unhappy dog. If they get extremely hungry, this could lead to health problems and even death. A hungry dog may display behaviors such as chewing furniture or howling in the hopes that you will hear them and feed them. They could even get into the trash or beg for food at the dinner table, which you’ll want to avoid.
Is it OK if a dog misses a meal?
Yes, it is perfectly fine if your dog skips a meal. Sometimes our normally ravenous pups may skip a meal on purpose – not just because you forgot to feed them. If your dog goes more than 48–72 hours without eating, you should at the very least call your veterinarian to inform them of the problem.
Keep an eye on your dog’s food bowl, as you don’t want to leave dog food out all day. Leaving food out can cause a host of problems such as spoilage of food, attracting bugs, and pests such as rodents. Make sure your dog is also drinking enough water, regardless of its food habits.
If your dog is not particularly hungry and chooses to skip a meal, you can try offering a dog treat to see if they might be interested in eating. If your pup is not interested in their normal kibble, try putting it in their food bowl and surrounding it with wet dog food, gravy, or canned dog food.
Mixed together, this mixture can entice your pup to eat their kibble.
After making the above adjustments, if you’re still having trouble feeding your dog, it might be time to contact your vet about changing their diet.