Lent began yesterday, February 22, a 40-day period in which Catholics prepare for Easter. During the Easter fast, believers cannot consume red meat, their doses of food must be small and they can only drink water.
And in this context some questions arise: it is good to put the fasting dog? Is it healthy for Fido? How long can a dog fast? Does our pet have to fast during veterinary exams? We will clarify these and other doubts in this article.
The choice to fast
Especially at the beginning of the year we make good resolutions, we want to live healthier and detoxify our bodies. Fasting is a widespread practice for this purpose.
But does this nutritional care also have a healing effect on the dog’s body by detoxifying their organism? Or, conversely, can it lead to health problems in our beloved four-legged friends?
Why fast the dog?
According to some theories, fasting for dogs is recommended. Here is explained why.
Fasting of dogs once a week
Some pet owners and breeders say they let their pets fast one day a week. In this regard, quadrupeds do not eat solid foods and only drink water.
These proponents of fasting claim that fasting helps cleanse and detoxify the intestines of the animal.
Likewise, they consider that a dog you voluntarily practice fasting occasionally as typical of the species as their ancestors did not always find food on a daily basis.
Feed the dog only every other day
The fasting trend has developed to the point that some owners have decided to feed their dogs every other day. In return, the animals receive double the amount of feed on the other days.
Some believe that fasting every other day for dogs improves health and helps pets lose weight.
It has not been scientifically proven that fasting has a purifying effect on Fido’s intestines: pets have a different metabolism compared to wild specimens, which involuntarily fast in the absence of food.
What are the dangers of fasting dog?
Important associations such as the PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) and some nutritionists warn of the dangers of these trends characterized by punctual or intermittent fasting for dogs.
The risks of fasting for the dog are above all related to the appearance of gastrointestinal problems. Prolonged food deprivation can in fact lead tostomach acidification and therefore pose risks to the health of our animals.
When can fasting be good for dogs?
A zero calorie diet lasting 24 hours may be necessary solo if the dogs have intestinal disorders, for example due to an infection or because they have eaten something wrong.
The animals, in these cases, usually suffer from diarrhea and vomiting and often voluntarily fast for a day.
How long can a dog fast?
The maximum period a dog can go without feeding is subjective. This depends on the physical condition of the animal and its general state of health.
Ask your vet if it is appropriate to fast your faithful friend and for how long, in order to avoid any health problems.
Is prolonged fasting good for dogs?
No, it is not recommended to fast your dog for more than 24 hours. Experts agree that the best way to feed animals is to provide them with high-quality food, leaving fasting in the background as it has no proven benefits and it can even put their health at risk.
In the event of obesity, the owner should always consult with his veterinarian in order to develop a food plan and establish dietary guidelines that do not endanger the quadruped’s health.
Before making drastic changes to your pet’s diet, you should consult your veterinarian.
Yellow vomiting and fasting dog: why?
Prolonged fasting is one of the main causes of yellow vomiting in dogs. The yellow discoloration of the regurgitation is caused by the animal’s bile.
Diarrhea and fasting in dogs
The dog should be fasted for at least a day in case of diarrhea. In this way, the irritated bowel can remain at rest, allowing for faster regeneration of the mucosa.
Dog fasting and veterinary exams
Some veterinary tests and procedures require the dog to be fasted. Here are which ones.
Surgery
It is recommended to take the dog to the clinic with at least 12 hour fast before an operation requiring general anesthesia.
Blood analysis
In case of blood sampling, the vets suggest fasting the dog between 8 and 10 hours. This in order not to have alterations on the results of the analyses.
Ultrasound
All abdominal ultrasound examinations require the animal to be fasted for at least 6-8 oreaccording to vets.
Endoscopy
Duodenal/ileal endoscopy requires general anesthesia and the dog should be fasted for at least 8-12 ore.
Exams that do not require fasting of the dog
In the following list, here are some tests that don’t require Fido to abstain from food.
Echocardiography
The echocardiographic examination, also called an echocardiogram, does not require the dog to fast.
Vaccine
If the dog has to get a vaccine, the vets advise that it is not necessary to put the dog on an empty stomach.