[DJsMom]

I've been fasting DJ for the past couple of Sundays.
Have not been fasting George becuz he takes Tramadol for pain twice a day & I don't want to skip it.
I've never read anywhere that Tramadol NEEDS to be given with food, but isn't that just kind of a thing with most pain meds, that they should have something in their stomachs when taking them?
I'd like to fast George one day a week, but just not sure if I should & would love any opinions or suggestions ... thoughts on what you'd do.

 

[amynrichie]

I don't mean to be dense here, but what is the purpose of fasting? Do others do this too?

Tramadol is by far not the worst you can give as far as being hard on the stomach. You could give just a little bit of food with it to help him tolerate it better. A semi-fast.

 

[DJsMom]

I don't mean to be dense here, but what is the purpose of fasting? Do others do this too?

I started fasting one day a week (myself) several years ago as part of a "diet" to lose weight & have done so ever since. I just think it's a good way to give your stomach a rest & kind of clean it, rid the body of some toxins.
I'd never thought about fasting the dogs until I recently switched them to a raw diet & heard of others that fast their dogs once a week, tho I would think it's a good idea no matter what their diet is.

You could give just a little bit of food with it to help him tolerate it better. A semi-fast.

You know, that's what I did this past Sunday, but I just don't think a semi-fast serves any purpose ... I'm just not sure.

I suppose maybe it's just not a good idea to fast him since he's taking the Tram.

 

[Trainer]

I have done a lot of research and have never found any serious study that indicates fasting has any positive effect on human or dog other than weight loss. I don't buy the ridding the body of toxins or giving the stomach a rest claims.

 

[DJsMom]

But it certainly doesn't hurt anything & I just think of it as a good idea in general. I know that I personally do feel better after a day of fasting.
BUT, I can see that it's not always a good idea, such as in Georges case.

 

[Blizzard]

Fasting is really healthy but this is the first time I've heard of a dog fasting. Seems like a good idea!
So what time does DJ break his fast?

 

[DJsMom]

So what time does DJ break his fast?

He fasts for the entire day - no food after a large meal Sat eve until Mon morning.

 

[lovemygreys]

Geez....now I've read everything. Fasting does not remove toxins...your colon, liver and kidneys do a really fine job of that on their own. I suppose fasting is a good way to screw up your metabolism...but other than that there's really no healthful purpose. For spiritual or religious reasons, fine. But it's a terrible weight loss plan for humans or dogs. And the poor dogs don't even have a choice. It's just inflicted upon them.

As for the original question...tramadol can be given with or without food. For dogs with sensitive stomachs, I would recommend giving with food.

 

[DJsMom]

Glad I asked, & maybe I'll re-consider the fasting for DJ.

 

[Blizzard]

Fasting does have lots of health benifits but as Lovemygreys said, I wouldn't exactly say you should make your dog fast since it's not his choice.