A Healthy Dog is a Happy Dog!
A Healthy Dog is a Happy Dog!
1: Physical Appearance: A shiny coat with no signs of excessive shedding, dandruff, or bald patches. Their skin should be smooth, without any redness, lumps, or lesions. Their eyes should be clear and bright, and their ears should be clean and free from discharge.
2: Energy Level: A healthy dog should have a consistent and appropriate level of energy for their age and breed. They should display enthusiasm and interest and have a normal appetite. However, keep in mind that individual dogs may have different energy levels.
3: Weight and Body Condition: A healthy weight varies based on the breed and size of the dog. It's important to check if your weight falls within the recommended range. Additionally, you should be able to feel their ribs easily without them being overly visible or heavily padded with fat.
4: Breathing and Heart Rate: Your dog's breathing should be regular, quiet, and not laboured. Heart rate should also be within a normal range, which is typically between 60-100 beats per minute for dogs.
5: Digestive System: A healthy dog should have regular bowel movements that are well-formed and firm but not excessively hard or soft. They should have no signs of blood, or mucus in their stool. Proper digestion is also indicated by a healthy appetite and an absence of vomiting, excessive drooling, or discomfort after eating.
6: Dental Health: A dog's dental hygiene is crucial for their overall health. Teeth should be clean, without excessive tartar build up or bad breath. Gums should appear pink and healthy, without any swelling, bleeding, or signs of infection.
7: Behavioural Signs: Observing your dog's behaviour is also important in determining their overall health. A dog should exhibit normal behaviour patterns, including alertness, interest in their surroundings, and a willingness to engage in activities they typically enjoy. Any sudden changes in behaviour, such as lethargy, aggression, or withdrawal, should be taken as potential signs of health issues.
While these indicators can provide a general assessment of a dog's health, regular veterinary check-ups are essential for a comprehensive evaluation and to address any specific concerns.
How to check your dog's body condition
1: Physical Appearance: A shiny coat with no signs of excessive shedding, dandruff, or bald patches. Their skin should be smooth, without any redness, lumps, or lesions. Their eyes should be clear and bright, and their ears should be clean and free from discharge.
2: Energy Level: A healthy dog should have a consistent and appropriate level of energy for their age and breed. They should display enthusiasm and interest and have a normal appetite. However, keep in mind that individual dogs may have different energy levels.
3: Weight and Body Condition: A healthy weight varies based on the breed and size of the dog. It's important to check if your weight falls within the recommended range. Additionally, you should be able to feel their ribs easily without them being overly visible or heavily padded with fat.
4: Breathing and Heart Rate: Your dog's breathing should be regular, quiet, and not laboured. Heart rate should also be within a normal range, which is typically between 60-100 beats per minute for dogs.
5: Digestive System: A healthy dog should have regular bowel movements that are well-formed and firm but not excessively hard or soft. They should have no signs of blood, or mucus in their stool. Proper digestion is also indicated by a healthy appetite and an absence of vomiting, excessive drooling, or discomfort after eating.
6: Dental Health: A dog's dental hygiene is crucial for their overall health. Teeth should be clean, without excessive tartar build up or bad breath. Gums should appear pink and healthy, without any swelling, bleeding, or signs of infection.
7: Behavioural Signs: Observing your dog's behaviour is also important in determining their overall health. A dog should exhibit normal behaviour patterns, including alertness, interest in their surroundings, and a willingness to engage in activities they typically enjoy. Any sudden changes in behaviour, such as lethargy, aggression, or withdrawal, should be taken as potential signs of health issues.
While these indicators can provide a general assessment of a dog's health, regular veterinary check-ups are essential for a comprehensive evaluation and to address any specific concerns.
How to check your dog's body condition
1: Consult with a veterinarian: Before making any dietary changes, it's essential to consult with a veterinarian. They can assess your dog's overall health and provide guidance on the safest and most effective methods for weight gain.
2: Increase portion sizes: Gradually increase the amount of food you are feeding your dog. This can be done by adding a little extra to their regular meals or by providing an additional meal throughout the day.
3: Choose nutrient-dense food: Choose high-quality fresh dog food that is specifically formulated to promote healthy weight gain. Look for foods that contain a good balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates.
4: Add healthy fats: Incorporate healthy fats into your dog's diet, such as olive oil or coconut oil. These oils provide additional calories and nutrients.
5: Provide frequent, small meals: Instead of feeding large meals, offering smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day can help your dog digest the food more easily and may increase their appetite.
6: Treats and snacks: Offer high-quality treats or healthy snacks between meals to add extra calories.
7: Regular exercise: While it may seem counterintuitive, regular exercise is important for your dog's overall health and appetite. Engage in moderate exercise routines appropriate for your dog's breed and age to maintain muscle tone and stimulate appetite.
Remember, it's crucial to monitor your dog's weight gain progress and consult with a veterinarian regularly. They can adjust the dietary plan as needed and ensure your dog is gaining weight in a healthy manner.
Underweight?
Help your dog gain weight safely text here...
Overweight?
Quality, Quantity and Exercise!
1: There may be to many carbs and low quality fats in your dog's food. Tin and dry processed foods are renowned for this. Low quality, processed junk foods are deadly, they can contribute to cancer, obesity and gastrointestinal disorder. Switch your dog to a fresh food diet which is a much healthier option.
2: STOP feeding breakfast and dinner as it causes your dog to be in a constant digestive state. If you feed two meals a day then combine Breakfast and Lunch OR Lunch and Dinner. This allows their digestive system to rest and the immune system to commence. One meal a day is the healthiest option.
3: Is you dog consuming to many calories? Your dog needs to burn more calories than they consume so reduce the size of their meals to help with weight loss.
4: Is your dog getting enough exercise? More exercise will lead to weight loss. Taking your dog for longer or more frequent walks, throwing them a ball or just playing around with them all contribute to your dogs exercise. Your dog will love you more for it.
5: If you have dramatically reduced the size of your dog's meals, changed to a fresh food well balanced diet and increased their exercice they may have a Thyroid issue. Please consult your Veterinarian Expert
Obesity is a crisis that causes the early onset of nearly all degenerative diseases.
Overweight?
Quality, Quantity and Exercise!
Digestive Issues
A sick dog suffering from digestive issues should be fed a fresh food diet. Their gut is under stress and to reduce this stress, you need to move to the most natural possible option ensuring the gut is working in the most efficient manner, so it can keep your dog healthy long into the future.
Please consult your Veterinarian Expert.
Digestive Issues