Will A Dog Eat Itself To Death?

It would be highly unusual for a dog to eat themself to death, but some dogs will certainly overeat if given the chance. Free feeding is a common practice among some pet parents, and it may work for some dogs who will stop eating when satisfied. Other dogs, however, will continue to eat until they make themselves sick. Fatalities from gorging are extremely rare. That being said, bloat is a serious condition that can be caused by eating too much too quickly and can be fatal if not treated immediately.

Problems with overeating

While your dog isn’t likely to eat themself to death in one sitting, long-term overeating can certainly shorten their life and lead to a myriad of medical conditions including:

• Diabetes

• Heart Disease

• Arthritis

As is the case with humans, ensuring your dog eats a proper balanced diet is important to their good health. If your dog tends to overeat, then free feeding is not the way to go. Instead, you’ll want to put out measured amounts of food two or three times a day.

Why do some dogs overeat?

Like humans, some dogs tend to eat until satisfied while others overeat anytime they have the chance. There is no one simple answer as to why some dogs overeat, but potential causes include:

• Boredom

• Anxiety

• Former food deprivation

• Hormone imbalances

No matter the reason, curbing your pet’s overeating is important in order to help them maintain optimal health. Free feeding may be convenient, but if your dog doesn’t know when to stop, then it’s detrimental to their health.

Even though your dog isn’t likely to eat themself to death in one sitting, long-term overeating could lead to serious health consequences. If you’re not sure how much or how often your pet should be eating, talk to your vet for advice specific to your dog.