I Don't Want That: 4 Ways To Help Your Finicky Canine
Dogs have a mind of their own, especially when it comes to the foods they're willing to eat. They may be willing to dig through trashcans in search of tasty treats and then turn their noses up at the food you place in their food bowl. Don't get discouraged. Here are four simple tricks that will turn your fussy eater into a happy eater in no time at all.
Don't Beg
Dogs love attention. If you make a big to-do out of each meal time, you may be discouraging your pet from eating. This is particularly true if you give more encouragement when your dog is slow to arrive at the food bowl. Your dog may be waiting for more attention. Instead of making a big deal about mealtime, set the food bowl down and walk away. Your dog will soon learn to approach the food bowl without the added attention.
Set Limits
Dogs tend to get fussy about their food when they have access to it all day long. Instead of providing an extended mealtime, place a time limit on it. Place the food bowl on the ground and set the timer for one hour. When the timer goes off, remove the food bowl. Wait for about 30 minutes and then place the food bowl back down on the ground. Be sure to set the timer again. Your dog will learn to eat their food as soon as the bowl is placed on the ground.
Avoid Table Scraps
Table scraps are a great way to create a fussy eater, especially if you're providing them with tasty treats at each meal. If you're pet eats plenty of table scraps but avoids their more nutritious canine diet, it's time to say no to the scraps.
Know the Danger Signs
If you've tried all the tricks discussed above and your dog is still not eating properly, it may be time for a trip to the veterinarian. There may be an underlying health issue that's causing your dog to avoid mealtime. Here are some warning signs you should be aware of.
- Disinterest in food or water for more than a day or two
- Lethargy
- Dry eyes or gums
If your dog has become a fussy eater, you need to get their diet back on track. The simple tips provided above will help you get your dog eating again. Be sure to see a veterinarian at a clinic like Bayshore Animal Hospital & Bird Practice as soon as possible if they begin showing signs of sickness.
Share