Good nutrition is vital

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

McAlester News-Capitol -By Joyce McNally Special to the News-Capital

Without good nutrition, you dog can suffer from a number of problems, including allergies, malnutrition, skin and coat problems and obesity. Nutrition-related problems can affect any dog no matter the size.

According to the “Dog Bible, The Definitive Source for All Things Dog,” dogs can be allergic to many things. Some have food allergies to different meats, grains, dairy products, and artificial additives, such as colorings, flavorings, and preservatives. With food allergies dogs often develop skin problems, such as rashes, hives, chronic itching, and hot spots (painful, warm infected areas of skin). If your dog develops allergies to protein and carbohydrate sources simply change the sources of your food, for example, from beef and corn to turkey and rice. This may be just enough to stop the allergic reaction. If skin allergies are severe, you may need to switch your pal to a homemade diet.

Too much protein may contribute to kidney disease in some dogs. Some dogs, especially the large and giant breeds can develop bone problems if there were fed too much calcium as puppies. To avoid hypoglycemia, some puppies, especially the toy breeds, need many small, frequent, nutrient-dense meals. Lack of antioxidants like vitamins C and E could possibly contribute to an increased cancer risk. And inadequate fat can result in a dull, dry coat and itchy, sensitive skin.

Most pet dogs are more likely to become overweight than malnourished, but when a dog is fed a diet lacking in basic nutrients, he can become malnourished. Malnutrition can be caused by a diet that is not complete and unbalanced or by a limited diet, such as meat only. On the other hand, dogs that aren’t fed enough, often due to neglect or other poor conditions, are likely to become malnourished.

Obesity is caused by too many calories and not enough exercise. Does that sound familiar? Obesity can aggravate joint problems, arthritis, and heart disease in dogs. It could shorten your dog’s life and will definitely decrease its quality of life.

How do you tell if your dog is obese? With some dogs, it’s pretty obvious. There will be rolls of fat around the neck, wide, barrel-shaped bodies, sagging abdomens, and they tire easily. Look at your dog. Does it have enough energy? Is it retaining its youthful waistline or is it starting to look like a sausage?

You should be able to feel your dog’s ribs. If they protrude obviously, your dog may be underweight. If you can barely feel your dog’s ribs, he may be overweight. Your dog should have a waistline when viewed from above. A sausage-shaped or barrel-shaped body from neck to tail base may mean your dog is overweight. An extreme waist tuck with protruding hip bones may mean your dog is underweight. Your dog should be able to move easily and run around the yard in cool to warm weather without losing its breath. If you look at your dog’s abdomen from the side, it should tuck up slightly from the chest. A hanging belly is a sign of a weight problem.

It’s important to monitor your dog’s health and make sure weight gain isn’t caused by something other than overeating. Sudden weight gain or weight loss can be a sign of a medical problem.

When in doubt, check with your veterinarian. To keep your pal in optimum health, vaccinations and annual checkups are recommended. While you are on the phone schedule a spay or neuter for your pal also.

For information on the low-income spay and neuter procedures call PAWS Connection at (918) 470-7297. If you are looking for a new pal and or have pets that you can no longer care for, make that call today. Puppies, dogs, kittens, and cats await your call. Pick up the phone and make that call today.