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By nature, pet-owners worry about their dogs. While every dog has his own way of communicating needs, sometimes people have a hard time understanding what these needs are. Both pet and owner often overlook one of the most basic needs - proper nutrition. There may not be blatant signs that your dog is not getting the nutrients he needs in his diet until it is too late.
There are some obvious behavior changes that may indicate that you furry buddy is not getting the right nutrient balance. For example, if your dog is lethargic or often pants without reason, it may be time to change his diet. The bundles of energy that we see in our dogs are a direct result of a healthy diet.
However, a more effective analysis stems from a much less appealing observation. Your dog’s waste is the best place to discover whether what you have been feeding him is what he needs. Just like humans, dogs’ bodies are programmed to take in all of those great and useful vitamins and nutrients and distribute them to where they will do the most good. But, just like humans, there are a lot of things that dogs eat that do not fall into the “useful” category. These extras need to be disposed of quickly, and, depending on the amount of excess you feed your dog, quite often.
This is by no means to suggest that you pull out rubber gloves and start dissecting! There are easy ways to tell the difference between the waste of a healthy dog and that of a less healthy dog. For example, your dog’s urine should be a translucent yellow. Any darker than that is a sign of improper nutrition or dehydration, both of which can be very serious.
Additionally, your dog’s bowel movements should be regular and a solid brown. Watery or consistently soft movements suggest a lack of nutrients. An adult dog should have a bowel movement 1-2 times every day.
Of course, these are merely guidelines. There is no reason to run to a vet if your dog have loose stool one day or doesn’t go to the bathroom on a schedule. But it is an important part of being a puppy parent to notice and keep track of any irregularities in this area. Sometimes dogs get sick, or eat something that disagrees with them (Yes, it happens to dogs too).
As responsible pet owners, it is our duty to worry about the health of our animals. Proper nutrition at an early age can help prevent illnesses and other risks such as obesity, bone loss, and joint problems. Spending time with your dog and familiarizing yourself with his habits can help you to better identify any nutritional needs.
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