Proper diet and nutrition plays an important role in a pet’s health and activity, as well as their overall level of well-being. Similar to people, pets, as individual organisms, have specific dietary requirements. These requirements vary based on several factors which include the pet’s breed, age, activity, weight, health, and lifestyle. Modifications in the health and behavior of your pet can be reasons to check their diet. Nutritional counseling can help you develop a diet specific to the requirements of your pet.
The following are six indications that your pet’s diet requires counseling.
1. Sudden changes in weight (gained or lost)
Unusual increases or decreases in a pet’s weight can be signs of several health issues. These weight changes may be the result of your pet’s increased caloric intake, a change in regular exercise, increased caloric intake from treats, or reduced regular caloric intake. Some weight changes can be the result of health issues.
Your veterinarian can assess your pet’s weight and body condition, in order to determine if changes to diet (food and treats) and routine may be beneficial.
2. Poor quality of coat
Your pet’s coat can provide you with information regarding your pet’s health. An unhealthy coat is dull, shedding, and rough. Changes in your pet’s diet may be one reason for a dry and dull coat, a rough coat, or an unusually oily coat. A coated pet’s diet is directly related to the health of the skin and coat. Coat changes are not always diet related. Coat and skin problems may be caused by allergies, parasites, infections, and a number of other health and medical problems.
Changes in coat may be the first thing you notice, but if you see changes that are concerning you, talk to your veterinarian. Changes to your pet’s diet may be needed, but you may want to wait until after your vet check.
3. Changes in Energy Level
Symptoms of low energy may be hard to notice at first, particularly if the pet’s normal active behavior is replaced with normal sedentary behavior. If you feel something is off with normal behavior, you should check for other signs, including illness, pain, stress, lack of / change in input and output, diet, age, and illness.
Lessened interest in activities previously enjoyed is a cause for concern. Your veterinarian may rule out illness and behavioral issues to check for unnecessary low energy.
4. Digestive Problems
Digestive problems should not be ignored. These problems include chronic vomiting and diarrhea, constipation with fever, and gas and changes in the quality of stool. These signs are caused by something that is out of the normal range. Problematic digestion may be caused by one or many recent changes and include changes in diet, unsuitable treats, food sensitivities, and a problematic feeding schedule.
Digestive issues can also occur for reasons besides food. Some digestive issues can include persistent or severe symptoms, which are all signs that veterinary care may be necessary.
If your pet has issues with almost constant digestive problems, your veterinarian may be able to help you construct a new diet or recommend the next step.
5. Changes with Food Interest
Changes with the interest in food can also be concerning. Some animals lose interest in food; others gain interest, eat, and still act hungry. These things can be a reflection in the activity level, feeding habits, food preference, and diet of your pet. They can sometimes reflect an issue with the pet’s health. Contact your vet if your pet has a change in food interest or if this change becomes a pattern. Switching foods becomes less important than the reason behind the change in the interest of your pet’s health.
A professional will help decide if a diet change or food alteration is needed and if further veterinary work is necessary.
6. A Pet’s Inability to Maintain Good Overall Health
Your pet’s weight is important, but body condition matters more. If you can easily feel your pet’s ribs, but cannot see them, and if, when looking from above, you can see a waist – that represents a healthy body condition. However, the healthy body condition for your pet may be different from these examples based on breed, size, age, and individual characteristics.
If, even with what seems to be an appropriate amount of food, your pet is unable to maintain a healthy body condition, a review of your pet’s diet is needed.
Your vet can customize a plan based on your pet’s food, treat, and exercise regimens, along with your pet’s general health.
Why Your Pet’s Diet Matters
Different types of pets require different types of diets. Puppies require different nutrition than adult dogs. A pet’s dietary needs could also change. For example, the needs of a less active pet are likely less than the needs of an active pet. You should take the general advice on diets with a grain of salt. Your pet should be treated as a separate, unique case.
When Should You Talk to Your Veterinarian?
Set an appointment with your vet if you notice a significant change in your pet’s weight, energy, digestion, skin, coat, or general health. Do not be afraid to ask for a consultation regarding your pet’s diet if you are not sure about how much you are feeding your pet, what type of diet is safest for your pet, how many treats you are allowed to give your pet, and how your pet’s diet will be affected in the future as your pet grows older.
The help you receive now will be extremely helpful in the years to come as you are able to care for your pet the way it deserves.
Provide Your Pet with A Properly Balanced Diet
Every pet needs a proper diet in order to be healthy. Weight, appetite, stomach problems, changes in energy levels and coat condition as well as body condition should not be ignored. Call Alpenlofts Veterinary Hospital if you would like to address your pet’s diet based on their current health, your activity and lifestyle, and their age.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I know if my pet’s diet needs to be reviewed?
Changes in weight, appetite, digestion, skin, coat, energy level or body condition could be indications to have your veterinarian examine your pet’s diet. Your veterinarian will be able to determine if the feeding plan presently in place is correct.
2. How can food impact my pet’s weight?
Food, the number of calories, exercise level, and metabolism are all factors in your pet’s weight. Consulting your veterinarian will help you determine the feeding and exercise plan.
3. Can food affect my pet’s skin and coat?
Coat and skin problems can be attributed to many factors aside from diet. These include parasites, allergies, infections, and other medical conditions. Any of these factors should be addressed by your veterinarian.
4. Should I change my pet’s food if they have digestive problems?
Digestive problems are very complex and may have several causes. Most of the time, a change in food is not the proper solution. Always consult a veterinarian first.
5. What are the dietary needs of senior pets?
As pets age, there may be changes in their dietary needs. Many factors, including their age, weight, physical activity, and general wellness, are all considered. See your vet for feeding advice.
6. How many treats do I get to give?
Treats should be subtracted from your pet’s daily calories. How many treats you give depends on their size and health, and how active and what kind of food they eat. See your vet for advice
7. When do I need to change my pet’s diet?
An older pet requires a change in diet. Weight, as well as general physical activity, and vets’ determined health conditions also affect pet diet needs. Consider visiting your vet for dietary analysis and adjustments during your regular visits, as your pet conditions mature.
