Status: 15.01.2024, 08:40 a.m.
By: Sandra Barbara Furtner
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Dogs are known to gulp down everything they can get. But when is the measure reached?
If you just let dogs "do it", they would probably stuff everything that falls at their feet. It doesn't matter if they've just eaten and are actually already full. This is often where the problem lies and people are called upon. This is because too much food can have a negative effect on weight and health. This also includes an oversupply of food and treats, with which the four-legged friend is provided with every begging look. You can also find out about other feeding errors, especially at Christmas time.
Can a dog overeat?
Overfeeding occurs when a dog eats more food than it needs to meet its energy needs. This can lead to a variety of health problems, including obesity, gastrointestinal discomfort, and even life-threatening conditions such as gastric torsion.
Prevention of overfeeding
Sweets should also not necessarily be on the feeding schedule of dogs. (Symbolic image) © Shotshop/Imago
Prevention is crucial to maintaining your dog's health. Here are some tips to guide you. You can find out how much food your dog needs here.
- Create a feeding plan: Create a feeding schedule based on individual needs. Consider factors such as age, race, activity level, and health status.
- Correct amount of food: Measure the amount of food and roughly follow the recommendations on the food packaging or your veterinarian's advice. Avoid allowing your dog to have access to food on their own throughout the day.
- Regular meals: Feed your four-legged friend at roughly fixed times instead of constantly providing him with food. This will help you have a better sense of control over feed intake.
- Weight: Check your weight every now and then. A weight appropriate to age and breed is crucial to prevent overfeeding.
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What to do if your dog has eaten too much?
Despite all the precautions, it can happen that your darling has caught too much. Here are some steps you can take:
- Watch your pet: Watch for signs of discomfort such as abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, or diarrhea. If your dog shows signs of stomach problems, contact your veterinarian.
- Keep cool: If he has eaten a large amount of food in a short period of time, but does not show any signs of discomfort, you should keep calm for the time being. However, continue to keep a close eye on him.
- More movement: Getting enough exercise can help your dog burn off the excess calories. An extra walk can do him good. However, you should definitely take rest periods after feeding.
- Consult a veterinarian: If you are worried or your dog is showing signs of stomach problems, consult your veterinarian. Gastric torsion is an emergency and requires immediate medical attention.
The danger of gastric torsion
One of the most serious consequences of gulping or overeating too hastily and then romping around is gastric torsion. This is a life-threatening condition. It occurs when the dog's stomach twists and fills with gas. This can cut off blood flow to the stomach and affect vital organs. The symptoms of gastric torsion are violent vomiting, bloated abdomen, weakness and increased salivation. If you think your dog may have gastric torsion, you should see a veterinarian immediately.
The editor wrote this article and then used an AI language model to optimize at her own discretion. All information has been carefully verified. Learn more about our AI principles here.