Dog expert warns this one eating habit could be a sign of illness

Experts warn dog owners that one eating habit could be a sign of illness, at which point they should take their furry friend to the vet. Dogs not only become great companions to their owners but also become a part of the family, to some, who even call their first ‘baby’, and with this in mind, they should be treated accordingly when it comes to their eating habits and routine.

Dogs should have a balanced diet, much like humans should, and this creates a stable routine to any adjustments in the home and creates a harmonious lifestyle. The same way adults may sometimes get ‘hangry’ ( hungry and angry ), it could be the same for a dog, so it is important to try and keep feeding times at the same time every day, experts at VCA Animals advise.

Once a dog has settled into its routine and adapted to the times it should eat, not only is it healthy for the dog, but it also alerts owners to anything they should be aware of.

Experts at VCA Animals highlight that “a break in eating habits can be a warning sign of illness. When dogs eat on a regular schedule, that habit becomes strong”.

“It is easy to see if all the food from a meal is consumed. If food is left, whether all or part of a meal, that is an important signal that something is wrong, and it is time to schedule a veterinary appointment.”

If a dog develops a medical condition, it is helpful to already have a routine in place, as some conditions require that dogs eat at specific times during the day ( e.g., diabetes ) or take medication with food. It will be easy to adjust this way.

It can be challenging for owners to try to stick to this as situations change and work schedules clash.

A user on Reddit shared, ”Sadly, my dogs get fed when they get fed,” followed by another in response, sharing, ”they probably feel bad that a more set schedule isn’t possible for them. For my wife and me, breakfast is pretty solid at 7 a.m.”

Sometimes, because of this clash, it can be easy to think that it will be a better option to feed your furry friends human food, which is not always bad, but also not advised. The Kennel Club said: “Some things that humans eat are not always appropriate for dogs. Foods such as grapes, raisins, onions, chocolate, and some artificial sweeteners can be poisonous to dogs.

“Table scraps are also often fatty and high in calories, which will not help your dog lose weight and may upset their stomach.”