In some situations, it is imperative that you put an end to your dog’s diet. As exceptional as these occurrences may be, you should be able to recognize when such a moment arrives, and act accordingly. In order to take steps in this direction pet owners need to understand that dogs do not take care of themselves; they depend on their owner to a great extent for their well being.
Sticking to the plan is often the best alternative for pet owners who are enforcing a diet in their dog. It is recommended that changes, if any, take place slowly. Changing your dog’s eating habits abruptly leaves little time for your pet to assimilate what you’re doing and can lead to health and behavioral complications. However, there are rare occasions when this is necessary.
It is possible that if your dog is due for some kind of operation, the veterinarian may indicate a change in diet prior to the day of the procedure. The use of anesthesia requires that the dog be in certain physical shape, thus the veterinarian may give you specific instructions regarding his food.
More often than not, dog’s are subject to stressful milestones in the owner’s own lifestyle. Such incidents like a divorce, a move or the death of a loved one can cause your dog to refuse to eat due to stress. Sometimes, trainers will use dog treats as rewards during their training and may ask that your dog skips a meal for better results.
In some cases pet owners must be ready to stop their dog’s supplements due to having the brand they are using recalled. If it so happens that the food or supplement your dog is feeding on is recalled, you should be ready to stop using them on the animal. If you feel it is necessary, consult your veterinarian immediately, or try looking around for a similar alternative that makes the change as painless as possible.
The case described above, is one of those moments when the change is mandatory, regardless. Given that you have no choice in the matter, you could try to diminish the effects of the sudden change. Looking for food that looks and tastes the same are some possibilities. Be aware of the consequences, and that your dog may resists eating anything else other than his traditional dog food. If you notice the resistance endures for more than 24 hours, seek professional help be ready to consider a different alternative.
Your veterinarian can be a good source of information on the matter, in order to keep your dog healthy during abrupt changes. Conditions such as diarrhea, upset stomach, and anemia often result with hasty changes in your dog’s diet, due to the fact it has not been given enough time to adjust. There are supplements available for this ailment as well, which will prevent your dog from getting sick during the first few days of adjustment. However, that kind of medication should not go unsupervised by your veterinarian, as it may be possible that some side effects accompany the treatment and the animal could end up with a serious illness in the end.