Shar-Pei Not Eating: Causes, Solutions, and How Long Can They Go Without Food?

If your Shar-Pei is refusing to eat, the first step is to provide them with a suitable probiotic to help regulate their gut health. Carefully observe your dog for any other unusual symptoms and then take targeted action. There are several reasons why a dog might lose its appetite, primarily falling into physiological and pathological categories. It's crucial to identify the underlying cause to effectively address the issue. This will ensure your Shar-Pei returns to eating normally.

1. Physiological Anorexia

If your Shar-Pei is simply not eating but shows no other abnormal signs, it likely indicates physiological anorexia. This can be due to factors like pregnancy, teething, being in heat, dislike of the food, excessive exercise, extreme fatigue, thirst, or hot weather. Dogs in this state usually exhibit normal bowel movements and may show mild discomfort. Generally, offering high-quality canned food or meat may resolve the issue.

Important Note: Feed your dog at regular times and in measured portions to prevent gastrointestinal issues from overeating. Avoid giving them too much raw meat or human food to prevent them from becoming picky eaters.

2. Pathological Anorexia

Illness is another common reason why Shar-Pei dogs stop eating. Conditions such as fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, colds, gastroenteritis, and endocrine disorders can all cause anorexia. If your dog is also lethargic, vomiting, having diarrhea, or has an abnormal body temperature along with not eating, it could be due to a pathological cause. Immediate veterinary consultation is advised, with prompt treatment following diagnosis.

3. Emotional Anorexia

A dog's emotional state can also affect their appetite. A Shar-Pei that doesn’t receive enough affection from their owner or lives in a lonely or fearful environment will likely suffer from a poor mental state. Lack of appetite, lethargy, and depression are common symptoms. In such cases, spend more time with your dog, offer affection, and engage in playtime to help restore their appetite.

How Long Can a Dog Go Without Food?

A dog's survival time without food is typically 15 to 20 days, provided they have access to water. If they are also not drinking, this time decreases to 7 to 10 days. Dogs are fairly resilient to hunger under normal circumstances, but if a dog has an underlying health issue and isn't eating or drinking, it will likely lead to accelerated decline. It is essential to seek professional help if your dog refuses food for more than 24 hours.


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