All dog owners will know how irresistible puppy dog eyes are – and how tough it is to strike the right balance between treating as they deserve and overfeeding your pet.
This becomes more of a problem over the holiday period. Humans are more likely to overdo it at Christmas – and we can get so wrapped up in the festivities, that we end up being a little too generous with the treats for our dogs too.
Overindulgence in dogs can present in a number of short- and long-term health issues including diarrhoea, loose stools, gas, vomiting, and unhealthy weight gain, which all sound like things you want to avoid, right?
So, how to do you show your beloved pooch you love them, without taking it too far? Spotting the signs of overfeeding and acting quickly is a good place to start – and our Pointer pet experts are here to help with that below.
What are the signs of overindulgence in dogs?
You will most likely know if you’ve overfed your dog through a few indicators, though it is worth mentioning that every single one of our furry friends is different, so please consult a vet if you’re not sure.
If your dog has overeaten at Christmas (as many of us do!), or gorged out on too many treats as a one-off occasion, some short-term side effects can present as:
· Digestive issues such as diarrhoea, vomiting, and loose stools
· Gas and bloating
· Lethargy and acting ‘sluggish’
· Increased thirst and water consumption
Much like humans, a little overindulgence in a dog isn’t likely to cause long-term effects (presuming they’ve not eaten any harmful ingredients such as chocolate).
You can help alleviate these problems with hydration, light exercise, and returning to their normal diet and routine as soon as possible.
If you’re worried you may have been overfeeding your dog on a more prolonged basis, the signs of this can include:
· Weight gain
· Abnormal abdomen and body shape
· A persistent lazy attitude and low energy levels
· Consistent digestive issues
Though we love to treat our furry friends, the long-term implications of overfeeding aren’t something we want to see them suffer with. Diabetes, obesity, and joint pain are just a few of the conditions an overweight dog can struggle with.
So, if your beloved pet is presenting any of these signs, it may be time to consult your vet on how you can get your pooch back into a healthy, happy routine.
How to combat overeating in dogs
Don’t worry if you’re concerned about overfeeding your dog, there are many small lifestyle changes you can make that will have a big overall impact, including:
· Exercising – ensuring your dog has plenty of time every day devoted to burning off energy and fat. For advice on how much exercise your dog breed should be getting, check out this guide by the PSDA
· Low-calorie food – your dog’s main source of food will also be their main source of calories so, picking a healthier option can help avoid overfeeding · Responsible treating – click here to read our blog on responsible treating for your pooch, but we’d always recommend not overfeeding your dog treats (even when it’s tempting to do so) and giving them options that include nutrients such as fibre and vitamins, so you’re always treating with purpose
Our Pointer Mini Dogs are an excellent source of fibre, plus vitamin A and C, and quercetin. They’re bite sized and break easily, so can be given to your dog responsibly and as part of a balanced diet. Pointer’s Peanut Butter Small Bite Bones are also another great choice for sensible treating. Their small size mean you can control portions easily, but they’re so tasty that they’ll leave your four legged friend super satisfied. Another option is our Milky Petite Bones, perfect for chucking in your pocket during a dog walk but also a reasonable option that won’t load your dog up on calories and fatty byproducts. For more dog care tips and tricks from our Pointer pet experts, visit our blog, Instagram and Facebook.