What Are The Side Effects Of Salmon Oil For Dogs
While uncommon, salmon oil has some potential side effects. These side effects include:
Bad breath It should be expected, but the fishy breath caused by salmon catches many dog owners off guard. Stinky salmon breath can be reduced by choosing an unscented salmon oil or brushing your dogs teeth after feeding. Otherwise, youll have to go without those doggy kisses for a few hours.
Weight gain I know we mentioned this as a benefit, but if your dog is a healthy weight, then the extra calories in salmon oil can really add up. Especially if your dog doesnt exercise regularly or already has an unhealthy diet. If you are supplementing your dogs diet with salmon oil, you may need to adjust the portion size of your pups meals.
Diarrhea or Neusea Some dogs dont take to salmon oil. When they have it, bad stuff can happen at either end. Your dog may vomit, experience loose stools, or even diarrhea. The chances of this happening can be reduced by introducing your dog to a quarter dose of salmon oil before slowly increasing the dose.
If your dog suffers from any of these side effects you should contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Shes Stressed Or Anxious
Canine anxiety robs more than joy it can also steal your dogs appetite.
There are obvious triggers of stress and anxiety in dogs like fireworks and storms, but there are also everyday causes like separation anxiety or changes in routine. Some dogs are so sensitive that strange noises,like the furnace kicking on, can frighten them enough to cause food refusal.
Signs of canine anxiety include pacing, excessive grooming, and whining. This affliction isnt just a source of mental anguish either untreated anxiety can lead to additional health issues. You can combat canine anxiety with a few changes in your routine, but for stubborn cases, a vet visit may be necessary.
When A Dog Wont Eat: Summary
If a dog wont eat or eats too little is can be a sign of a health problem. So if your dog starts to look underweight, seems unwell, or if you are worried, have him checked by your vet.
If your dog wont eat or drink, he needs to see a vet now. Take your adult Labrador to the vet if he hasnt eaten anything at all for more than 24 hours even if he doesnt have any other symptoms. Unless you know theres a good reason like moving house.
Puppies need to eat more frequently than adult dogs. And lack of appetite in small puppies is unusual. If your normally hungry puppy refuses two meals in a row, have him checked by a vet. Dont delay. Whenever in any doubt visit your vet.
But is your dog is just being picky about what he eats hell eat one thing but not another and has no other symptoms at all? The chances are he is training you to feed him the diet of his choice.
For fit, healthy and happy dogs you can, if you wish, cure your dogs picky eating using the system described above. Let us know how you get on in the comments section below!
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Whatever You Do Dont Ignore The Problem
Most of the reasons that your dog might turn up their nose at their food bowl are benign. However, you should always take canine anorexia seriously and rule out any dangerous causes before writing it off as an anomaly.
Once you locate the problem, you can take steps to solve it so your dog can get back on their feed and save you from wasting any more expensive kibble.
Featured Image Credit: Pixabay
Puppy Wont Eat Food But Eating Treats
If your puppy is eating their treats but not their kibble, then its a good idea to slow down their treat intake.
Also be sure to use puppy training treats that are small and wont fill them up through training. We recommend True Acre Foods Chicken Recipe Mini-Training Rewards which are small enough not to overfill them.
TIP:Take note of the flavor of the treats that your puppy loves and look for a similar flavor of kibble.
It could also be because your puppy just likes it when you feed them from your hand. Try using their kibble as training treats. If they eat their kibble from your hand but not their bowl, then try changing their bowl or using the floor to feed them.
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No Routine Might Get Them Eating Kibble
Whilst the routine method can work, there is another way. Your puppy will find it difficult to stand still and eat an entire meal. Thats because puppies have a terrible case of shiny object syndrome.
Anything can distract them at a moments notice, and even spending time for an entire meal can be difficult for them. If this seems to be the case for your puppy then try the no routine method.
Instead of having a routine, give your puppy their daily kibble feed in a bowl and leaving it out for them.
Be sure to place it in a thoroughfare, somewhere your puppy travels often. Along with not giving your puppy any other options, and having them walk past their kibble, therell be a good chance theyll go to it whenever they feel peckish.
After the age of 6-months their ability to hold their attention will increase, and so you can start regular meal times.
Are you looking for a quality online training program, because we recommend Brain Training For Dogs, as its based on proven, positive techniques that will actually make your dog smarter the best way to cure unwanted behaviors!
If you would like to get your dog to eat kibble as treats, then be sure to read our post Can Kibble be Used as Treats?
Behavioral And Environmental Reasons
Behavioral reasons are , your dog is used to getting lots of treats and table scraps, your dog likes to eat alone or only when theres someone else in the room, or your pooch is used to being hand-fed.
Changes in the environment include a recent move or traveling, absence of a family member or another pet, weather changes, recent stress, or a change in the feeding schedule.
My dog refused to eat for two and a half days when she got a new food bowl. Maybe its a dachshund thing. The point is, you should consider every change in the environment and habits.
What to do?– Read about Treating environmental and behavioral loss of appetite in dogs
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When Puppies Dont Like Kibble
I suspect that many of these puppies havent eaten any dry food at all. If you put out a mix of meat and dry biscuits to a litter of ten young puppies, what do you think is going to happen? What chance do you have of knowing if all of them are eating a balanced meal?
No one denies that puppies prefer meat to dog food, but that should never be the point. I dont see parenting magazines saying that babies should be fed the foods they like over the foods they need. So why do it for puppies?
Honestly, I dont understand it. While those puppies are suckling at the breeder, theres all the time in the world to establish a balanced diet. I think its just that its a lot easier to start feeding meat, because the puppies will take to it faster.
Once those puppies leave the mother, weve got a new problem: how to get the puppy off the wrong diet without stopping them eating entirely.
Other Solutions For Picky Dogs
A slow feeder dish can entice picky eaters.
- Adding kibble to puzzle toys is a great way to make mealtime more exciting. This might be an actual puzzle feeder dish or a toy like a KONG. Feeding meals in a puzzle toy was a go-to when our dog Walter was a puppy. He still eats one meal a day from some sort of interactive toy.
- Sticking to a schedule helps your dog understand theres a finite time to eat and that food is not available all day.
- Drinking more water can help kibble-avoidant dogs. I like to keep extra bowls of water out. Investing in a pet fountain may encourage hydration, as well.
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How To Cure A Fussy Eater
The cure for a fussy eater is straightforward. But before you begin:
Trying to cure a fifteen-year-old Labrador of a lifetimes fussy eating is probably a bit mean.
Here are the steps:
- Set a timer for five minutes.
- When the timer goes off, take the bowl away.
- Do not feed him any treats whatsoever until his next mealtime.
- At the next time, offer the dog a small quantity of exactly the same food again. For exactly five minutes.
- Do not feed him anything else.
- Make sure he has clean drinking water available at all times.
- Rinse and repeat
Build up quantities as soon as he starts eating again. Thats it. All you have to do is ignore the pleading eyes, thwart any attempts to raid the fridge, and prevent the dog from eating the cats dinner or mugging your visitors. Some dogs will hold out for a couple of days. But you will win this battle.
Remember that no healthy dog will normally starve itself to death, but very occasionally youll meet a dog that will keep itself chronically underweight rather than eat what you are offering.
So what are the main points covered in this article?
The Best Herding Balls
In our hunt to find the best, we tested and reviewed over 11 different herding balls. It was a long journey, but we eventually narrowed down the competition to 3 winners, each great in their own way.
To start, Im going to share the best herding ball for most dogs. From there, Ill recommend the perfect herding ball for small pups and even an extra-large pick.
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Issues With Kibble Size Or Shape
Small dogs and puppies will require small-sized kibble and will struggle with large biscuits. Plus, if the kibble is too large for your dog, then it could be a choking hazard, especially in brachycephalic breeds like Pugs.
As well as size, there can be variation in the shape of the kibble so your dog may have a preference for one of these over another.
Your Dog Is Holding Out
Does this sound like you? Your dog wont eat her favorite kibble, so you switch brands. When she stops gobbling that up, you dress it up with something yummier, like cheese or chicken. Pretty soon youre sitting next to your pooch coaxing her to take a bite, wondering, why is my dog not eating?It feeds into this attention-seeking behavior where the dog says, If I dont eat, my owner will give me something better,’ Bain explains.
Another variation: Youve gotten your dog used to people foodhand-fed from the table, says Teller. The solution? After you get the okay from your vet , put down her dish of plain dog food, and take it up after 15 minutes even if she doesnt eat it, suggests Bain. Try again in the evening, doing the same thing until your dog gets the memo. If table scraps are ruining your dogs appetite, feed her at a different time and keep her away from the table as you dine, Teller advises. Now find out these other things your dog wishes you knew.
- Lori M. Teller, DVM, clinical associate professor at the Texas A& M Universitys College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
- Megan E. McClosky, DVM, lecturer in internal medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine
- Melissa Bain, DVM, professor of clinical animal behavior at the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine
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My Dog Wont Eat Kibble Or Dry Food Anymore: What To Do
Give your dog something to look forward to add tasty meal toppers to kibble and dry food! We have 5 delicious flavors of healthy, fresh, human-grade dog food toppers, and you can sample them all in our meal variety pack!
At Portland Pet Food Company, we often hear my dog wont eat kibble or my dog wont eat dry dog food anymore, and there can be a number of factors that could be causing this.
Lets look at some of the most common reasons that could cause dogs to stop eating kibble or dry dog food.
IllnessOne of the primary reasons that dogs stop eating kibble or dog food is that they simply dont feel well. They might be under the weather from GI issues, digestive troubles, or some other medical problem. Particularly, if their disinterest in kibble or dry food coincides with symptoms such as diarrhea or vomiting, you should take them in for a vet visit.
Dental IssuesIf dogs have dental issues, it can be hard for them to chew food. Since most kibble and dry dog food is hard, the food could be making it painful to eat. Dental issues that can make eating difficult for dogs include: broken teeth, infected teeth or gums, gum disease, missing teeth, and oral injuries.
Picky EatersSome dogs are inherently picky eaters or have lower appetites than others, something which can often be seen when theyre young. Other dogs become picky eaters over time. Most dogs that are picky eaters, in general, tend to prefer wet food over kibble or dry dog food.
What To Do When Your Puppy Isnt Eating
Remember, puppies dont have the same fat reserves as adult dogs. Therefore missing a meal or two can be problematic and be a cause for concern.
Always err on the side of caution and call your veterinarian for advice in these situations.
Below are some things you can do to try and tempt your puppys appetite at home.
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Is Your Dog A Senior
While senior dogs may have lower caloric requirements than young dogs, and therefore may eat less than they used to, marked weight loss or a refusal to eat is not normal and can indicate serious underlying health conditions.
These can include, but are not limited to:
Cognitive decline, mobility issues, or vision loss can also cause a dog to not eat if they are unable to find or get to their food bowl. It is important for senior dogs to have a feeding routine, that the food bowl remain in the same area of the house so that they know where to find it, and that they have a rug or yoga mat to stand on while eating to avoid slipping or having trouble standing on hard floors.
If your senior dog has gone longer than 24 hours without eating, they should see their veterinarian for a thorough physical examination and possible diagnostics to investigate the cause of their loss of appetite.
Meal Topper Ideas For Your Dogs Kibble
After ruling out medical issues for picky eating, meal toppers are one easy way to make your dogs dry food appealing again.
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My Puppy Or New Dog Wont Eat
Be suspicious if your puppy stops eating. Labrador puppies usually have voracious appetites, and will eat pretty much anything with relish. Even if your puppy seems otherwise well, talk to your vet if he stops eating altogether for more than a few hours. Moving home can be very stressful for a dog.
So if you have moved house, or if you have bought a new dog home from the pound, dont expect him to tuck into everything you offer him right away. He may need a little time to settle in first. And yes, its okay to spoil him a bit for those first few days, tempt him with treats, or whatever it takes.
His emotional health is the priority here, not your ability to control his diet. That can wait a week or two. But what happens when your dog eats everything besides the food they should?
What Can I Feed My Sick Dog That Wont Eat
If your dog is sick and wont eat, its tempting to want to force them to eat. But how do you get your sick dog to eat?
First off, if your dog isnt eating, give it some time. Your dog will be ok if it misses a meal or two, as long as its still drinking water. It could be something simple like indigestion that will pass quickly.
If it doesnt pass, you can try encouraging your pooch to eat by making the food irresistible. Add a treat to their normal food or heat up the food to release those delicious aromas these also help when you need to sneak in some medication.
For feeding a sick dog that wont eat, most vets recommend bland chicken with white rice or white meat from a rotisserie chicken. Other options are sweet potatoes, unseasoned pumpkin , bone broth, and meat-based baby food.
Lastly, you can try hand-feeding your sick dog. This can be very comforting to them and will help get them to at least take in a little food until they feel better.
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