When you become ill, it is easy enough to figure out what the problem is and find ways to address the issue. However, when it comes to your pets, it is not always that easy, and often a trip to the local veterinary practice is the only way to determine what is wrong. This can be time-consuming as well as very expensive, and often you will find out that the problem is something which could have been easily avoided. Making simple changes to your dog’s diet and nutritional intake could save you a lot of money on vet bills, and avoid more problems arising in the future.
Obesity
Dogs can be a menace when it comes to begging for food, and it can be hard to resist the temptation to give them extras here and there, especially when they give you the cute puppy dog eyes. However, over time these small amounts of food amount to a lot of extra calories which there is no need for your dog to be eating. While the occasional dog treat is acceptable, monitor exactly how much you are giving them each day, to avoid overfeeding.
Over 50% of canines in America are considered overweight or obese, and this can have serious effects on their health. Obesity is linked to increased blood pressure, a greater chance of developing arthritis, and a higher risk of being affected by canine diabetes. This also affects an animal’s quality of life; dogs are active creatures, and their physical capabilities are reduced by being overweight. To reduce the likelihood of obesity in your dog, monitor the number of calories you feed them and try to keep the fat content low, using leaner meats which contain essential fatty acids. It may also be useful to find out what the ideal weight is for your breed of dog and try to keep them within a healthy range.
Bladder stones
Bladder stones are a formation of minerals and other larger minerals which are not properly processed within the body and build up into small compounds, or stones. In dogs, these stones are usually made up of compositions such as calcium oxalate and crystals formed from the amino acid cysteine, though their composition can vary. Symptoms of bladder stones include your dog appearing to strain when urinating, or frequently needing to urinate without actually producing a great deal of urine. A diet which is low in calcium in phosphorus can prevent bladder stones from building up, and this is especially important if a dog had suffered from bladder stones in the past. It is also important to have a nutritionally balanced diet and to make sure your dog is drinking plenty of water, as this will help your dog maintain a healthy metabolism. Bladder stones are also less likely to develop in properly diluted urine. Special foods are also available which deter the formation of compounds which are commonly found in bladder stones.
Heart disease
While owning a dog has been linked to reduced heart risk in owners, the same can’t be said for dogs who are fed poor diets. Dogs can face the same cardiovascular issues as humans, and as people, their nutritional intake can be a large contributor to these problems. Early on, there can be very few signs of heart disease developing in your dog. However, over time symptoms such as fatigue, loss of breath, weight loss or coughing and hacking, can be an indication that there may be cardiovascular difficulties emerging. A high level of salt in their diet can be particularly dangerous, as this can be a cause of increased blood pressure. Excess fat can clog up arteries in a dog’s body, restricting circulation and increasing the possibility of blockages, which puts the heart under strain.
Diarrhea and Constipation
If you have a dog, then it is likely you have experienced the sad and hungry face from your dog when you’ve been sitting down to eat your own food. However, no matter how cute your dog is when they are begging for food, the temptation to feed dogs human foods should be avoided at all costs! A canine’s body is not designed to eat manufactured products, such as biscuits, or chocolate. Even things which seem healthy, such as grapes, mushrooms or onions, can be toxic to dogs.
Bowel issues are a common problem which can occur when dogs are being fed the wrong sorts of foods. As referred to by Vitality Science, constipation and diarrhea can cause dogs discomfort. Therefore it is recommended stick to produce which is specifically manufactured for a canine’s diet. A good diet can also be used to treat bowel issues; for example, a high fiber, low-fat diet can be beneficial for improving symptomatic diarrhea.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is a condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed. The pancreas controls the release of digestive enzymes, which become active when they reach the small intestine to break down and metabolize food. However, when a dog becomes inflicted with pancreatitis, these enzymes activate as soon as they are released, and will begin to attack the pancreas and other organs in the body, by breaking down the fats and proteins in the tissue. Visible symptoms of pancreatitis include loss of appetite, repeated vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
There are a few different causes of pancreatitis, but the main contributor to its development is a poor diet; Obesity is another risk factor, which again, is most often caused by malnutrition. To reduce the risk of your dog developing pancreatitis, try to reduce the amount of dietary fat they consume so that they are receiving a healthy amount. Try to use lean meats and reduce the amounts of off-cuts your dog consumes, such as bacon trimmings. If your dog is already inflicted with pancreatitis, then keep them on a bland diet which is easy to digest and low in fat.
Whilst a good diet is not going to completely prevent all these conditions from occurring, it will improve your pet’s general health, and may decrease the likelihood of problems emerging. Veterinary bills can be incredibly expensive, so keeping your dog in good health will be better for both your bank balance and your dog’s wellbeing.