POLOKWANE – Pets are curious and if you’ve got something delicious on your plate, chances are your furry friend will be next to you with puppy eyes. However, it’s not always a good idea to give your pet of what you’re eating.
According to Tanya Le Roux from the Polokwane SPCA, the wrong diet can cause different symptoms that include rumbly tummies, skin allergies, changes in mood and behaviour.
Here are some helpful tips for dog owners:
1. Unexplained changes in behaviour.
One of the biggest reasons for behavioural changes in dogs comes down to inconsistencies in their diet. To ensure that your beloved fur-child always feels their best, focus on feeding them a scientifically-formulated and balanced food that is nutrient rich and filled with high-quality proteins.
“Do some research on the various dog food offerings out there and stick to a specific, good-quality brand to prevent unexplained behavioural issues,” Le Roux advises.
2. Depression, tiredness and irritability.
If you’ve noticed that your dog has become less playful and energetic, preferring instead to lie around or sleep longer hours, or perhaps even lashing out at you or family members, it’s time to investigate the nutritional content of their food.
“An excess or deficiency in protein, carbohydrates, and fat content can all be attributing factors in behavioural disorders like depression, lethargy, irritability and aggression,” says Le Roux.
3. Excessive weight gain or loss
Too much food can cause breathing problems, joint issues and even heart disease, while too little food at meal times not only impacts energy levels but may also result in nutritional deficiencies.
“It is vital that your dog receives the recommended quantity according to breed, size and activity levels,” le Roux says.
4. Destructive chewing and guarding.
Dogs that chew up everything from shoes to the living room sofa or tend to ‘growl’ and become territorial of their food are often stressed or even bored.
“Most experts recommend feeding adult dogs twice a day to help with their digestion and stabilise their metabolism,” Le Roux says.
5. Stomach torsion.
Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV), more commonly known as stomach torsion, is when the stomach twists and dilates into itself. This causes excessively bloated tummies in dogs and puts pressure on the internal organs.
“While feeding dogs just one meal a day in the morning might seem like a good way to get them to burn off the energy during the day, this also places their digestive systems at risk of being ‘overloaded’ with too much food in one serving,” says Le Roux.
6. Allergic reactions due to incorrect ingredients
Some dogs may have allergies that can be brought out in the food they eat as the component may be hidden in the ingredients of dog food.
“Making sure that enough research goes into the diet of a dog and sticking to what works will help pets in this regard,” says Le Roux.
She added that people who are not sure of the feeding times that will work the best for different dogs can contact the SPCA or other animal health clinics for guidance and advice.
