Just like humans, our pets can have a host of dietary issues that make eating a challenge. Without the proper attention, some of these dietary issues can lead to significant health problems for our pets. Being able to recognize when your pet is having a problem with a particular kind of food is an essential step to getting them help. Keep reading to learn more about some common pet dietary issues and their solutions:
Food Allergies and Food Sensitivities
Certain ingredients in foods can trigger problems for pets with allergies or sensitivities. These issues can result in problems with the skin, excessive itching, or even gastrointestinal upset. Often, the only way to reduce these issues is to figure out the allergen and remove it from your pet’s diet. Common food allergies and sensitivities include:
- Beef
- Dairy
- Chicken
- Wheat
- Lamb
If you suspect that your pet is suffering from an allergy or a sensitivity, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to find the source of the problem. Or structure a food-elimination plan to identify the allergen.
Digestive Issues
Certain foods might not agree with your pet’s system, or health issues could cause digestive upset, like vomiting, diarrhea, or other problems with digesting food. Introducing a new food too quickly can create issues. Maybe your pet has eaten from the garbage while you weren’t looking, or managed to eat a human food that is toxic to pets.
There is a wide range of other reasons for digestive upset, from infections to parasites to pancreatitis, bloat, or medications. Sometimes, all it takes to fix these issues is to make a few small dietary changes. Other times, it could be an extremely serious disorder. If your pet is experiencing digestive problems, especially for more than a day, work closely with your veterinarian. The medical team can determine if food (or another health issue) is leading to these problems and find the best solution for your pet.
Overeating and Obesity
For most pets, if you put food in front of them, they will eat it. It is very easy for pets to overeat and gain excess weight. Obesity in pets leads to increased risk for many health issues that can shorten their life or reduce their quality of life. These include:
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Heart disease
- Respiratory issues
- Difficulty moving
- Certain kinds of cancer
Your vet keeps a detailed history of your pet’s weight and will let you know if there have been any changes between visits that need attention. If you are struggling to find out how much your pet should be eating, feel free to discuss it with your veterinary team during your next wellness visit.
Deficiencies in Nutrition
Dogs and cats require certain kinds of nutrition to thrive. If an animal’s diet is lacking in a particular nutrient, it can lead to side effects for their health. While these often result from food choices (imbalanced nutrition in a homemade diet, buying low-quality food), the side effects could also indicate a deeper health issue. Talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s diet to ensure he or she gets the recommended nutrition. Common signs of nutritional deficiencies include:
- Significant weight loss
- Lack of growth (especially in puppies and kittens)
- Anemia
- Dull, tangled coat
- Wounds that take a long time to heal
- Loss of muscle
Pet dietary issues are concerning and shouldn’t be treated lightly. We want your pet to thrive and live a long, healthy life as your beloved companion animal.
At Westarbor Animal Hospital, we believe in partnering with pet owners to provide the best life for local dogs and cats. Our full-service veterinary care is here for every stage of your pet’s life. To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment, please call (734) 769-5391.
