Owning a dog could be the best thing in the world. It is not only about feeding and taking him out for a walk, but it is also about taking good care of him. As a dog owner, you would always want your dog to be fit and healthy. Every dog has different eating habits, and hence the overall health can differ. Most people think that stuffing the dog with fatty food can make him fat or healthy, which is wrong. If you have an underweight dog, it might be stressful for you to see him in such a condition and struggle to gain weight.
It is always advisable to contact your vet if your dog is facing issues related to weight. Most dogs tend to lose weight despite eating healthy food. If you observe this frequently, then this might be the right time to contact your vet. The ideal weight of the dogs also depends on their breeds. Some breeds tend to be heavier, while some tend to be lighter in weight. Hence it is important to undergo the proper consultation to decide on the right weight for your dog.
There could be several reasons due to which your dog can struggle to put on weight, such as stress, general pickiness, or illness. Here your vet can help you to fight against his illness and pack some good pounds. Apart from the regular vet consultation, you can also try out a few tips that would help your dog gain a few pounds. Here is the list.
Choose the right food
Eating the right type of food can certainly help your dog to pump up with additional calories. Most of the time, we tend to overfeed the dog with high-fat food or snacks, which can cause adverse effects on his health. Hence it is important to choose the right dog food that will help him to gain a healthy weight.
Always make sure to consult with your vet before making any drastic changes to your dog’s diet. Adding any calories at a time can result in diarrhea, inflammation in the pancreas, or vomiting. According to the experts, it is best to feed your dog with vegetables, eggs, meats, and fruits. Make sure to avoid food products like cereal grains. There are several websites like https://www.petstock.com.au/dog help you to choose the right dog food.
Keep a health Journal
Most of the vets would give you the advice to maintain a health journal when it comes to managing your dog’s weight. A well-maintained health journal will help you to keep track of their meals as well as other healthcare activities. You can also mention the total calorie intake and the portion size that the vet has suggested for your dog. Apart from this, you can also mention your dog’s mood, behavior, exercise routine, and weight in the journal itself. It becomes easy to understand the issues and find the solution to everything recorded in one place.
Start with small portions
It is always advisable to start with small portions when you are implementing any new changes in the diet. Your dog may or may not be comfortable with the new food options that you have chosen for him. Make sure to feed him at least 3 to 4 small portions instead of two big ones. This will help him to digest the meal faster and better. It is also recommended not to keep a gap of more than 6 hours between two meals.
Use weight gain snacks
As we discussed above, quality food will certainly help to gain the required pounds on your dog. There are several weight gain snacks available that can help him to supplement your dog’s meal. Feeding snacks to your dog at regular intervals will also add some variety to its routine. Generally, these snacks are made with nutrient-dense ingredients which keep your dog energized and full throughout the day.
Right Exercise
You would be surprised to know this, but dogs need exercise to gain a healthy weight. The right exercise helps to build up the muscle’s mass and add bulkiness to their body. Apart from this it also helps to boost the appetite as well. You can consult your weight for the right form of exercise for your dog.