How long can camels go without drinking or eating?

On average, camels can survive up to two weeks without drinking water, although they may drink more frequently if water is available. Camels can also go several weeks or even months without food, depending on the availability of food and the amount of stored fat they have. Even though camels can survive a long time without access to water, for their health and well-being it is better to provide them with food and water regularly. 

Camels can live without drinking for months

Camels are well-known for their ability to go for long periods of time without drinking water. This is a characteristic that has allowed them to thrive in arid environments, where water is scarce and other animals would struggle to survive. There are several reasons why camels can go for months without drinking water.

Camels have a large hump

First, camels have a large hump on their back, which is made up of fat and other tissues. This hump serves as a reserve of energy for the camel to use when food and water are scarce. When the camel needs to conserve water, the fat stored in its hump will break down and will be used as an energy source. This allows the camel to continue moving and foraging for food, even when water is hard to come by.

Efficient renal system

Second, camels have a highly efficient renal system, which allows them to conserve water and extract as much moisture as possible from the food they eat. Unlike other animals, camels can process their food in a way that allows them to retain more of the moisture it contains. This means that they can get more hydration from the food they eat, which helps them to stay hydrated for longer periods of time.

Long periods of dehydration are ok

Third, camels are able to tolerate high levels of dehydration. When other animals become dehydrated, their bodies begin to shut down and they become weak and lethargic. Camels, on the other hand, can withstand significant dehydration without experiencing these negative effects. This allows them to continue functioning normally, even when they haven’t had a drink of water in a long time.

Due to these specific body features, camels are able to go for months without drinking water due to their large hump, efficient renal system, and ability to tolerate high levels of dehydration. These physiological adaptations have allowed them to thrive in arid environments, where water is scarce and other animals would struggle to survive.