How to help my dog put on weight

When noticing that a dog has started losing weight, the most common response is to overfeed them; however, this is not the best solution. Before we share our tips and tricks with you, you should first check if your dog has any underlying health problems. You should not make any drastic diet changes without knowing if something is wrong with your dog.

One of the most common causes of apetite loss and consequently of weight in dogs is the presence of intestinal parasites. Parasites feed on the nutrients dogs eat, depriving them of vitamins and minerals; as a result, dogs lose weight rapidly. In some cases, weight loss is not noticeable as parasites can also cause swelling.

Therefore, it is important that you watch your dog closely, feeling their body by touch to check if the ribs are sticking out. If so, your pet is very thin and you need to find a solution: go to your vet, who will prescribe anti-parasitic medicine.

See our article on How can I know if my dog has parasites to be able to identify all the symptoms as soon as possible.

Another of the reasons why your dog may lose weight is stress. Any change in routine or environment can cause a considerable amount of stress for your dog: family separation, moving house, new habits...

If this has been the cause of your dog's weight loss, help your dog put on weight by restoring stability as much as possible. Make your pet feel safe and loved. Once everything returns to normal, your dog should recover their usual appetite and weight.

Follow the advice in this article on How to know if my dog has depression and ensure they are happy at all times.

The final most common reason why your pet has lost weight is an inadequate diet. This does not mean that you're feeding your dog bad food, but rather that it requires more nutrients, or that their diet is not the most appropriate for them. To make sure your dog is well fed, visit your vet so that they can the best options with regards to diet.

Here are some tips to help your dog put on weight. To begin with, you must feed your dog quality food. This is more important than quantity, and high quality is not to be confused with high prices.

If you want your dog to return to their normal weight, you should provide them with nutritious food. You must look for food that contains fat and meat, and at least 12 to 23% protein. A balanced diet will provide the nutrients that your dog needs to regain the weight they have lost. It is also important that you feed you dog with tasty food - mix their feed with food that they really like, like chicken, beef or a can of wet food.

Your pet must also receive regular physical exercise in order to gain weight. We're not talking about a simple walk: your dog should be able to go for a good run and play. When you return home, it will have a bigger appetite.

Your pet will not lose weight by increasing physical activity; in fact, they need to exercise their muscles. Do not forget to provide fresh water at all times, especially after engaging in physical activity.

Talk to your veterinarian to assess what plant enzymes they can provide. These come in the form of a paste, capsule or pill form. These enzymes help keep your dog's digestive system strong and healthy, and they will also increase the amount of nutrients your pet absorbs.

Apart from administering plant enzymes, you must also control the frequency of meals. Do not feed your dog whenever you want - you must do so according to their age. When dogs are older, they should eat once a day if they weigh less than 20 kilos, and a couple times a day if they weigh more.

These have been some tips on how to help your dog put on weight. Remember to get to the cause of their weight loss and to always consult your vet when in doubt. Feed your dog well and pet them for us!

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