Does your pet gobble down their food too fast? Eating quickly is a common issue among dogs, which may lead to severe problems. Eating too fast can also lead to stomach and digestive pain and be a choking hazard. There are several reasons why your dog eats fast.
Health Issues
Did you know that different health problems can lead to eating too quickly? For instance, if your dog has intestinal parasites, they might have an increased appetite due to the decreased nutrition. They may also have discomfort that might be helped with a full stomach. If parasites are the problem source, your vet can give you simple treatments, including over-the-counter dewormers, once he or she has identified the pests. Other health conditions, such as diabetes mellitus or Cushing’s Disease, can cause canines to overeat.
Lack of Nutritious Food
Not all dog food is made equally. So, it can be challenging to determine if your dog’s food is giving them proper nutrition. If they are not receiving the right nutrition for their age and size, they will still be hungry after consuming. This will lead them to eat quickly.
Competition
Even as a solo pet, your pet’s history might influence how they eat. If your dog faces competition from other animals or goes hungry for portions of their life, the instinct to eat quickly might always stay. While there are steps you can take to break them of the need to eat fast, you might discover that it’s a habit they can’t shake.
Help Your Dog Eat Slower
If you have discovered that your dog eats fast, there are several methods to help him or her eat slower. You can do this by ensuring your pet eats away from other animals or people. If your pet knows there is no competition, they can relax. You may also feed them in smaller portions more frequently throughout the day. This shows that your canine won’t go hungry during the day and helps to relieve stress from traumatic history.
Support Your Pet’s Wellness at Alexander Animal Hospital
Alexander Animal Hospital is a full-service animal hospital located in Severna Park, Maryland, serving the Severna Park, Pasadena, and Arnold Areas. Our goal is educating clients on the needs of their pets and understanding the importance of individualized veterinary care in order to strengthen the human-animal bond between owners and their pets.
We understand you have a choice when deciding on the care for your pets, and we strive to provide you with unparalleled services including wellness exams, vaccines, lost pet microchip ID, dental care, surgical services, digital radiography, and in-hospital laboratory services and diagnostics. Other highlights of Alexander Animal Hospital are the separate cat and dog waiting and exam rooms, as well as after-hours on-call emergency services.
Please take a look around our website and then give us a call at 410-777-8678 to set up an appointment. We’re social! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest for all the latest updates!