Improve your dog's diet

The Blue Cross this week highlighted the growing problem of obesity in dogs, and is encouraging owners to avoid feeding their pampered pet high calorie human foods. This is in light of recent press coverage of the benefits of regular dog food, compared to fast food consumed by humans.

Caroline Reay, chief veterinary surgeon at The Blue Cross animal hospital in Merton, says: "The biggest risk to dogs from food - apart from foods that can sometimes be toxic, like chocolate or raisins - comes from obesity. Dogs are usually a lot smaller than humans, and giving your dog a sausage can be a substantial boost to its calorie intake, especially if it's a little dog. Dogs are just like humans in one respect; they like high fat foods."

Although the link between dog health and salt is in its early stages of research, Caroline says dogs with heart disease should avoid foods that contain high levels of salt. She adds: "Well-meaning attempts to encourage healthy bones in big dogs by giving vitamin or mineral supplements have been linked to problems. Particularly if given in excess, some scientists believe that these may actually cause bone and joint problems."

If you have a large or giant breed puppy, such as a Great Dane, discuss a feeding plan with your vet, as there is some evidence that excessive feeding may cause bone and joint diseases. Recent reports in the press also highlighted the dangers of feeding your dog chocolate. 

As Caroline explains: "Chocolate can be toxic for dogs, sometimes in quite small quantities. Dark chocolate, cooking chocolate and cocoa powder can make your pet unwell. Milk chocolate is less dangerous, but can produce symptoms depending on the amount. A medium sized bar eaten by a small dog can be enough - so be wary at Christmas when dogs may chew through wrapping."

Symptoms include:

• Vomiting
• Restlessness
• Twitchiness
• Walking difficulties.

Caroline Reay also reminds dog owners that raisins - if eaten in large quantities - can cause poisoning, as can macadamia nuts. "Onion which are raw, cooked or the growing plants, are also poisonous" she adds.

For more information on how to feed and look after your dog, click here