Our dogs rely on us to keep them happy and healthy. As a dog parent, being aware of signs that your pup may need a special dietary plan is important. The good folk over at Nextrition tell us there are some clear indicators that your furry friend could benefit from hypoallergenic dog food or another tailored way of eating. Recognizing these cues early can enhance their wellbeing.

Lack of Energy

A telltale sign that warrants attention is if your typically energetic dog seems to be running low on fuel quite often. Healthy dogs generally have abundant endurance for activities such as strolls, retrieving games, or learning new tricks. Nevertheless, if your furry pal has become increasingly inactive or fatigues much more rapidly than normal, their current dietary intake may not be adequately balanced to satisfy their requirements.

Excessive Itching or Hot Spots

Does your dog persistently lick, bite, or scratch particular regions of their body? These annoying “hot spots” could potentially arise from cutaneous irritation or sensitivities to specific constituents in their dietary intake. Dogs predisposed to pruritus induced by ingredients such as poultry, bovine products, dairy, or wheat may find relief by transitioning to a specialized regimen devoid of those elements.

Chronic Ear Infections

Canine ears require cleaning maintenance to prevent infections. But some dogs still deal with recurrent issues like head shaking or ear scratching despite regular care. If chronic ear troubles persist, adjusting their nutritional plan may help strengthen their immune response. Certain elements like Omega fatty acids found in some special diets can promote ear health.

Unexplained Weight Changes

Has your dog’s weight fluctuated for unknown reasons recently? Sudden or unexplained gain or loss of pounds could indicate an underlying need for dietary adjustments. Some dogs have sensitivities and trouble digesting grains, which leads to weight shifts. A tailored menu to support healthy processing could get their size back on track.

Digestive Upset

No one wants an upset stomach, including your pup! If bathroom habits seem off with more constipation, diarrhea, or gas than normal, stomach troubles may be brewing. An intolerance to ingredients like wheat, corn or soy could be the culprit. Moving to a gentle or limited ingredient diet made for sensitive systems could improve digestion.

Dull Coat Condition

Does your dog’s shiny, luxurious coat suddenly seem lackluster? Nutritional deficiencies can negatively impact external nutrient-reliant structures like hair, skin or nails. Dry, itchy skin and excessive shedding are also tied to coat quality. A diet change to include more Omega fats, vitamins and minerals may revive their lush fur.

Age-Related Factors

Advancing age can understandably change dietary demands for dogs, too. Young puppies and senior dogs have unique nutrition needs for healthy growth or aging. Puppies require dense calories for development, while aging pets benefits from senior formulas supporting joint, brain and heart health. Assessing age-based requirements at least yearly helps catch any adjustment needs.

Underlying Health Conditions

Sometimes a dog’s existing health issues necessitate special nutrition modification. Dogs managing illnesses like diabetes, pancreatitis, kidney disease or cancer often thrive best on customized regimens to work with their condition. Consulting your veterinarian helps identify any requisite diet shifts that could enhance their daily comfort and wellness.

Conclusion

Paying attention to subtle and obvious cues from your dog provides crucial insight into their health. Strong indicators like energy loss, skin irritation, ear issues, weight fluctuations, digestive upset or a lackluster coat deserve a deeper look. While occasional incidents are normal, chronic or exaggerated symptoms may implicate necessary food changes. Working with your vet gives vital perspective on specific needs. Supporting your pup with the right nutrition encourages their best life moving forward together.