Is your dog or cat eating only a little bit of its food? Or none at all? Chances are the lack of appetite is due to an illness. If this is the case, take your pet to a veterinarian right away. After a complete physical, your veterinarian should be able to diagnose what is wrong your dog or cat and recommend a course of treatment. Follow your veterinarian’s plan and administer all medications as directed, and pretty soon your furry friend will be up its old self.
While your pet is overcoming its illness, you might want to try some of these tips to help it eat.
More is better. Instead of having two or three meals per day, increase your pet’s feedings to four or five per day, but in smaller quantities. This will allow you to gauge how well your pet is taking in food. Also, you will be able to determine if the medication is causing any side effects when combined with food.
Try a little chicken broth. It can help your pet increase its fluid intake and stimulate its appetite.
Add some chicken meat. If your dog or cat warms up to chicken broth, you might want to mix in a little bit of mashed potatoes or plain yogurt. Add small quantities. The point is to start adding some substance into your pet’s diet. Avoid salt, spices, or sugar when preparing the food.
Introduce some meat. If your pet is responding to the broth and mashed potatoes, try mixing in some chicken meat. Remember small portions is the key.
Try some TLC – a little tender loving care can go a long way. As your dog or cat is eating, give it some gentle strokes on the head or neck. The added display of affection can help increase its desire to eat.
Hand feeding your pet is a good way to get it to eat. The extra attention can make your four-legged friend regain its appetite.
As your dog or cat starts to feel better, consider providing it with supplements or vitamins. Important: Please consult with your veterinarian before introducing supplements and vitamins into your pet’s diet.
Dog supplements can contain antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, and probiotics. Dogs with arthritis and joint problems can benefit from joint supplements. A concentrated omega fatty acid supplement can help promote healthy skin. Multivitamins for dogs can supplement their nutritional needs and help maintain good overall health.
Cat supplements provide additional support to cats. Supplements for cats can contain antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and probiotics. Various types of cat supplements can improve conditions involving the feline joints, cat immune system, feline heart, and feline liver. Cat multivitamins can supplement their nutritional needs and help maintain their overall health.
To sum it up, a lack of appetite is usually a sign that your dog or cat is not feeling well. A visit to the veterinarian will help determine if your pet is suffering from any maladies. Feeding a sick dog or cat should include giving it more meals per day, but in smaller portions. Chicken broth is a good way to increase your pet’s fluid intake while stimulating its appetite. You can then introduce mashed potatoes or plain yogurt into the broth. If this goes well, you can try adding small pieces of chicken meat into the diet. Also, some extra tender loving care or hand feeding can help entice your pet into eating. Once your pet starts feeling better, you may want to feed it dog supplements or cat supplements to help address any health-related issues. Ask your veterinarian which supplements are right for your pet.
Do you have any feeding tips to help pet owners with a sick dog or cat?
Please share them in the comments section.
0
0
