FAQ: Does my pet really need to fast for 12 hours before their exam?
When breakfast has to wait: fasting before an MRI keeps pets safe and helps us capture the clearest images.
If you’ve ever scheduled an advanced imaging exam for your dog or cat, you may have noticed an important instruction: no food for 12 hours before the appointment.
For many pet owners, this feels tough—especially when your pet gives you those pleading eyes at breakfast time. But fasting is more than just a guideline. It’s a critical step to keep your pet safe and ensure we get the best possible images.
The short answer: yes, fasting is required
We ask that all pets fast for at least 12 hours before their MRI or CT exam. Water is usually fine, but solid food needs to be avoided. Here’s why.
Why fasting matters
Clearer images = better diagnosis. Food in the stomach can create artifacts and obscure the organs we need to see, which may force us to repeat the exam.
Safety during anesthesia. Pets are lightly anesthetized for these exams. If the stomach contains food, your pet could vomit and accidentally inhale stomach contents, leading to aspiration pneumonia — a serious complication.
Fewer delays and reschedules. If your pet hasn’t fasted, the exam may need to be postponed to keep them safe, adding stress and time to your day.
What to expect before the appointment
No food after bedtime the night before. A simple rule of thumb is to give your pet dinner, then skip breakfast the next morning.
Water is usually okay. Unless instructed otherwise, pets can have water up until the time of the exam.
Special cases. If your pet is diabetic, very young, or has another condition that makes fasting difficult, let us know. Our team can provide tailored instructions.
If you forget to fast your pet
Mistakes happen. If you realize your pet has eaten before their exam, the best thing to do is tell our team right away. We’ll work with you to decide whether it’s safe to proceed or whether rescheduling is the safest option.
Our priority: your pet’s health and safety
At Sage Veterinary Imaging, our radiologists, technicians, and anesthesia team are here to ensure every exam is safe, comfortable, and effective. Fasting is just one small but vital step that helps us do that.
Have questions about fasting or your pet’s upcoming exam? Call our scheduling team. We’re happy to walk you through the details and help make the process as stress-free as possible.
