Top 5 Doggie DIET Illnesses — What’s Fido Eating?
We LOVE our pets. Hard to resist that ‘look’ and not slip in a few treats or add that ‘awesome sauce’ to his food bowl. I am guilty as charged! So, in an effort to help each other change our behaviors (yes I said our behaviors) and make good choices without feeling the guilt I will share with you the most common illnesses seen in dogs that are directly affected by their diet.
“Not scare tactics, just a reality check!”
Over 50% of dogs are affected by this epidemic! Obese dogs are more prone to arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer (#1 killer of dogs). Paying attention to calories and fat content can make a difference. An excess of either can cause or exacerbate obesity. Those treats can add up!
Consult with your veterinarian or use a Healthy Weight Calculator to determine what is right for your dog.
2. Pancreatitis
When the pancreas becomes inflamed, it causes digestive enzymes to be released into the abdomen. Not good-the enzymes will breaks down fat and proteins in the other organs. According to petMD, dietary fat is known to be the culprit of this illness. Keeping your dog food fat content in check can help.
3. Bladder Stones
Not all bladder stones are created equal. They can start small but over time grow and multiply, causing issues such as urinary accidents, urine discoloration, and straining. Speak to your vet if you have concerns. A balanced diet, lower in calcium and phosphorus can help prevent.
4. Heart Disease
Just like us, our dogs diet is a key contributor to heart issues. Too much sodium can cause water retention and elevated blood pressure. Elevated pressure, harder the heart has to work.
Common culprits, table scraps and treats… don’t get me started -it’s a free for all out there!
5. Diarrhea
I did not want to go here if you know what I mean, but as a pet care provider, I know this all too well (the shi**y side of my business). Dogs frequently suffer from bouts of diarrhea; the most common, small and large bowel diarrhea.
Small bowel will typically produce large amounts of soft stool but just a few times a day. When your pups is straining to produce small amounts of watery stool frequently lends to the large bowel.
For large bowel diarrhea “a high fiber diet has been shown to be beneficial. Ideally, both soluble fiber and insoluble fiber should be included.” For small bowel a recommendation of a bland, low fat and easily digestible diet seems to be the gold standard.
Always discuss with your veterinarian how fat, fiber, protein and other dietary nutrients influence your dog’s overall health and wellness.
So maybe it’s time to give the pig back his bacon and get the leash out. Carrot stick anyone?
