Selecting an appropriate diet for your dog is a tedious process. The variety of dog foods to choose from is overwhelming. Sadly, there is no specific diet that’s ideal for every dog. Finding the right food for your dog can be an extensive process, but with a gradual transition, switching to a new dog diet will be a success.
There are some reasons why there’s a need to switch your dog to a new diet, such as changes in life stage and lifestyle. More often than not, veterinarians usually advice you to change their diet based on their age or if they are diagnosed with an illness.
To determine if your dog needs to switch to a new diet, here are 5 common signs that you’ll need to be cautious of:
Lethargy And Weakness
In some cases, dogs might suffer malnutrition due to the low quality of dog food that they are eating. This will manifest in your dog being lethargic and weak all the time because they’re not getting enough energy from their diet.
There’s a possibility that your dog might be experiencing these symptoms due to a medical condition, such as an infection or a life-threatening disease, or it might also be something as simple as a need for diet change. The best solution is to seek advice from your veterinarian to rule out any illness or suggest a change in your dog’s diet.
It’s suggested that foods with high levels of antioxidants can help boost immunity to speed up your dog’s recovery and get them back on their feet in no time.
To help you decide on choosing the right diet for your dog, you can find tips online, or at Dog Food Care to find the answer regarding your dog’s needs.
Flaky And Dull Coat
Did you know coat and skin health is directly linked to your dog’s nutrition? If you’re starting to notice your dog has flaky skin or a dull coat, there are ways you can do to change it. Dogs eating low-quality dog food may not be getting the proper nutrients to support them. You need to make sure your dog’s receiving enough nutrients to have a healthy skin and coat.
Fat, protein, vitamins, and minerals play vital roles in getting a shiny coat and healthy skin of your dogs. A diet containing Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids help make your dog’s coat shinier. Apart from that, diets rich in essential fatty acids are the key components to keep your dog’s skin healthy.
Many dog foods are designed to improve your dog’s skin and coat. They contain the necessary components that’ll make your dog’s skin healthy and coat shiny. Having shiny fur signifies your dog is receiving proper maintenance and good nutrition. When the dog is healthy inside, it reflects on their coat and skin.
Bathroom Habits
Remember to pay attention to your dog’s bathroom habits. If your dog had a sudden change in diet, you’d notice them passing loose stools and constant flatulence. In time, your dog will be accustomed to the new diet, and their bathroom habits should return to normal.
You should be careful in choosing the food you give your dog, because there are certain foods that can make your dog suffer from unusual bowel movements, resulting in dehydration and eventually affecting their overall health. Keep in mind to choose quality food that is rich in protein, contains healthy fats, and less carbohydrates.
The best way to monitor your dog’s digestive health is through the quality of their stool. The color and consistency determine if there’s a health problem that needs to be addressed. You should consult your vet immediately if you notice any difference in their stool.
Nausea Or Vomiting
Always check your dog for behavioral changes, and be wary of symptoms like nausea or vomiting. These can be signs your dog is suffering from an illness or allergic reaction to their food. Here are some reasons why dogs throw up:
- Bacterial Infections
- Intestinal Parasites
- Ingestion of Foreign Objects (Garbage, Toys)
- Food Intolerances
- Diet Change
- Bloat
If your dog is experiencing one of these symptoms, bring them to a veterinarian immediately. After some laboratory tests, they’ll be able to tell you whether your dog has an underlying medical issue or their diet is causing nausea and vomiting. Then your vet will be certain if your dog needs medication or just a change in their diet.
Aging
As your dog gets older, there’ll be changes in its demeanor. Dogs who are seven years and older are prone to digestive issues and other illnesses. You have to be on the lookout if your dog is less energetic and moves much slower than usual. If there’s no change after days of observing, bring them to the vet immediately.
Senior dogs need to change their diets as they grow older, because their nutrient requirements change too. Veterinarians will recommend a particular diet to give a senior dog. Supplements are also prescribed, such as probiotics, Omega-3, and Omega-6.
Keep your dog healthy and in good condition by giving them proper diet and nutrition as they grow old. Follow the advice of your dog’s vet to prolong the healthy life of your dog as they age gracefully.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a proper and healthy diet is one of the most important ways to ensure your dog will live a happy and long life. Some people may say your dog must stick to the same dog food until they age. The truth is, as dogs grow older, their dietary needs also change.
Watch out for these five signs to know if your dog needs to switch to a new meal plan. Be aware if your dog is lethargic and weak, has skin and coat issues, change in bathroom habits, and vomiting. As these symptoms might be more serious than what we think, keep in mind that prevention is always better than cure.
If you’re seeing even just one of these signs, bring your dog to the vet for a consultation. That way, you’ll know if it was caused by an underlying illness or your dog just needs a change of diet. Taking the time and effort to feed your dog right will ensure good health and long life, the best gifts a pet owner can give to a man’s best friend!
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