|
Your Dogs Eating Behavior
Your dogs eating behavior can be an indication of a health problem in your pet. Sometimes when you are very close to your pet, you may fail to notice ‘the little things'. Often though, it can be important for you to pay attention when your dog’s eating habits change or if you suspect they may be abnormal. A change in eating habits, or eating habits that are abnormal, may be your pet’s way of telling you that something is wrong. Read the tips below to find out if you should worry when your dog displays eating habits out of his norm.
Dogs That Eat Grass: Your dogs eating behavior can sometimes include eating grass. This does not have to be an abnormal thing. Your pet may simply like the taste, and it can be considered normal grazing behavior. Grass can provide your dog with an excellent source of vitamins that he may not otherwise be getting. And, the majority of the time this grass-eating is harmless. But, if your dog frequently eats grass (more often than what you feel may be normal) it could suggest a possible chronic stomach problem. He may be eating grass to promote vomiting. If you suspect this may be the case, you should consult your veterinarian to investigate and see what should be done about it. Dogs That Eat Garbage: It is well known that a dogs eating behavior often consists of eating garbage. This is due, in part, to their natural foraging instinct. Sometimes, though, they cannot seem to resist the smelly temptations emanating from the garbage cans or compost heap. Eating garbage does not have to suggest a particular health problem. This may be more of a behavior issue than a health issue. You may, however, have cause for concern about them eating garbage in that some of the things they eat may be hazardous to them, or even may even poison them. The best solution to this problem is prevention. Make sure that refuse containers and compost bins have secure lids so that your dog cannot get into them. And, never allow your dog the ‘run of the neighborhood’ bwecause you don't want him to get into your neighbor’s garbage either. Dogs That Gobble: A dog that gobbles his food may be in danger of a choking hazard. To help prevent this eating behavior you need to slow down your dog’s ability to grab his food. One solution may be to spread his food out on a large flat surface such as a tray or cookie sheet. This will slow him down while he eats the scattered food. Another solution may be to put a large ball (one that he cannot grab and remove) in the middle of his food dish. This will cause him to slow down again to eat around the ball. Both of these tactics work best with dry foods. Dogs Who Are Picky Eaters: Most times, if your dogs eating behavior includes being a picky eater it is probably because he is looking for attention. Sometimes, though, it can be a cause for concern. Your pet may lose his appetite due to a medical problem. If you suspect this to be the case, you should consult your veterinarian to see what the problem may be. It could also involve an emotional issue. Your pet may be upset if you have moved recently or if they have had some other change in their environment. If your dog is only looking for attention, it is best not make a fuss over his food. Give him his food as normal with adequate opportunity to eat it. If your dog does not eat the food in a timely period, then remove it and put his dish away until the next mealtime. You will soon discover that when your pet gets hungry enough (if he is in normal health) he will resign himself to eating his food as usual. Dogs That Have Eaten Unusual Objects: Dogs may sometimes eat items that you would never think they would. Your dog may even eat a sock, simply because they think it smells good. Or sometimes even they may swallow a rock. If this happens you may have cause for concern. These items could cause a blockage in his intestine which could possibly be life-threatening. If you find your dog has eaten something you think they shouldn’t, you should consult your veterinarian immediately. Dogs That Eat Stool or Feces: Although we humans consider this a very gross practice, for the most part, this type of dogs eating behavior is harmless. This behavior may have been carried over from basic-instinct animal behavior of parents eating the waste of their offspring to hide them from other preying animals. It can also suggest though, a lack of certain vitamins in your dog’s diet. If this type of eating is abnormal for your dog, you may want to review your pet’s dietary needs and include supplements in their diet. No one knows your dog better than you do. If your pet suddenly displays eating behavior out of his norm, it may be time for you to take notice to see if you should be concerned.
|
