Most pet owners keep in high regard the health and well being of their dog. Sometimes, if the situation calls for it, it is necessary to alter your dog’s diet. But when do you as a pet owner know when that time is? What kind of information do you require and what facts do you need to know in order to make such a decision?
It may seem that your dog is doing just great with whatever drops into your cart at the supermarket. But further details and some tenacity may be required on your part to figure out if this is really true. As a pet owner you need to observe your dog’s behavior, eating habits, how often he defecates, what the stools look like, among other factors, in order to make a have a more accurate idea of the health of your dog.
Small aspects of your dog dog’s activities can say a lot about his diet and whether he needs a change or not. Is he running around licking the floor all the time? This behavior can be indicative of an insufficient diet that leaves your dog lacking for food and looking for more. A satisfied dog is more likely to follow a feeding schedule and will actually show he is pleased with what he ate.
If you stop to look at your dog’s excrement, there are certain clues about his diet you could gather just by the sight of it. A wet, messy stool is indicative of indigestion, or too much fiber in his diet, and that will need to be looked into. A consistent and firm stool, with slight dark brown color is a good sign of a healthy eating diet.
When your dog spends all day lying around sleeping and lacks any initiative to pursue physical activities, this may also be a result of his food intake. Not feeding your dog appropriately, with all the vitamins and minerals he requires for a balanced diet, with cause your dog to grow thin and weak, and lack the energy and enthusiasm that he might otherwise have with a balanced diet.
As your dog grows older, his body’s metabolism changes and so should his food. A puppy for instance, requires higher levels of vitamin C for stronger bones and teeth. During maturity his requirement for vitamin C is replaced for a higher content of fiber, necessary to keep his digestive cycle in top shape. Finally, in his later days, your dog will probably need to be supplemented with specific vitamins and minerals unique to his aging condition.
Your pet’s surroundings also play an important factor in his diet. A dog living in the country eating the same diet as a dog living in an apartment will most probably cause overweight issues on the dog living in the apartment. It is in the dog’s best interest that you as the owner keep an eye on his weight and size, and determine if changes are necessary.
There are many other signs and symptoms that may provide the grounds for a change of diet in your dog. However, some of them are not visible to the naked eye, and require further examination and study. This is why you are best advised to consult your veterinarian, in order to make sure you are doing what’s best for your best friend.
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