Introduction
Signs of a healthy dog
Body Language
- Weakness
- Low tail carriage
- Lack of focus
- Dropped Ears
- Sleepiness
Other Signs
- Watch for toxic reactions in your dog
- Diarrhea is a sign of indigestion
- Vomiting
- Flatulence
- Loss of energy
- Loss of appetite
How do dogs taste?
Know what is and is not safe for your dog to eat
Chocolate and Caffeine - The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is for your dog. They contain a higher concentration of caffeine and theobromine, both of which cause toxicosis in dogs.
Grapes and Raisins - The grape and raisin can cause kidney failure. Watch for frequent urination, fever, and dehydration.
Alcohol and Bread Dough - Signs of intoxication include vomiting, disorientation, high temperature, restlessness, tremors, and failure of the organ systems.
Xylitol - This is an artificial sweetener found in diet foods and drinks. It can also be found in toothpaste, chewing gum, mouthwash, chewable vitamins and cough drops. The substance will cause a drop in your dog's blood sugar level as well as liver damage.
Other foods to avoid include dairy products, avocado, apples, uncooked meats, and bones.
When it comes to the zingy foods, the spices that are going to be seriously dangerous include garlic and onions. Anything in the onion family is toxic to dogs. They cause gastroenteritis, anemia and serious damage to the red blood cells. Signs of the poisoning may not appear for a few days. You may see orange or red-tinged urine and notice your dog behaving lethargically.
The bottom line is this - don't share your zingy food with your dog.
Teach your dog to eat
First, feed your dog from a bowl. Keep the bowl clean. Do not free feed the dog. Set up designated times to eat. Establish the appropriate amount of food for your dog. This will vary by your dog's age, size, and activity level. Place the food in the bowl. Place the bowl in the space designated for feeding the dog. Leave the dish for about 20 minutes. If the dog does not eat, do not leave the bowl sitting out. Remove the bowl. When it is time for the next meal, repeat the process. Your dog will quickly learn to eat when food is presented. If your dog eats half of what is eaten, then feed the dog half what you had presented in the next meal serving. Offer food twice a day. Your dog will not starve.
Do not make feeding more complicated by feeding at the table or spoiling the dog by sharing your snacks. Remember, a dog is perfectly happy to eat the same thing every day. Keep it simple and consistent for healthy feeding patterns.
Healthy feeding habits keep your dog safe from harm
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Feed your dog balanced dog food
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Correctly portion food based on size, age, and activity
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Do not feed the dog foods with toxic substances, like garlic and onions
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Establish a feeding routine that everyone adheres to in the family