The Tibetan Mastiff is a rare breed of dog that is well-known for its caring and watchful nature. Mastiffs have spent ages developing their skills as guard dogs, and as a result, they have acquired a highly refined and human-like method of interacting with people.
You will find this article helpful if you have recently obtained a Mastiff puppy or an adult one. To keep your dog cheerful, you need to keep it healthy. The challenges you might face while feeding your Tibetan Mastiff are discussed here so that you can know more about your furry buddy and make sure he is doing well.
Tibetan Mastiff Feeding Challenges
The majority of dogs enjoy eating. They are eager to comply during obedience class in exchange for a treat, and they will even do well at an agility contest to receive a reward at the end of the event. In addition, mealtime is a focus of the day that is eagerly anticipated and thoroughly enjoyed.
But every once in a while, you may notice that your dog is behaving differently concerning eating, leading to dog feeding problems. It is crucial to figure out why the dog is developing a different attitude about food to get them to resume healthy eating habits.
Feeding problems might differ from age to age of your beloved companion. If you are facing issues while feeding your Tibetan Mastiff, go through the content below to know the challenges and their solutions.
Puppy Feeding Issues
As is normal for young Tibetan Mastiffs, your puppy is adorable with its chubby appearance. They excitedly consume their kibble and soft dry dog food as they waddle to their bowl and begin eating it. However, there will come a time when your young dog will smell the bowl and then walk away from it.
Why does a puppy sometimes turn their nose up at their meals? What could be the problem?
The new furry family member may have some digestion issues. Chewers and biters by nature, puppies use these behaviors as a means of discovering their surroundings through biting and chewing. It’s possible they ingested rubbish or swallowed something that obstructed their airway.
When a new puppy joins your household, it is important to take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible. As a result of their mother’s milk, many pups will have an infection of roundworms, and as a result, they will need to be dewormed during this appointment. It is possible that your four-legged friend would refuse to eat because of the parasitic infection if they have not been dewormed yet.
One more reason your Tibetan Mastiff could stop eating is that they are stressed. If your puppy has only recently been part of your family, it may still be getting used to the fact that they are no longer in its usual environment. Try showering them with additional affection on top of the attention that you currently show for them and check if that helps cheer them up.
Middle-aged Dog Feeding Problems
The dog has been with you for a few years now, and they have always been a voracious eater. They eagerly wait for mealtime and often give you a nudge and remind you of their feeding schedule. One day, you may find it doesn’t come to the call for kibble.
Illness is among the most frequently seen causes of canine feeding issues. If you decide to give your dog a day off from eating, keep an eye out for further signs such as diarrhea, discomfort, or lethargy. If they do not want to eat, you should bring them to the veterinarian so they can be examined.
There may be a problem, including an infectious disease of the gastrointestinal system or a disease like Addison’s disease, induced by lower-than-normal hormone levels. Both of these conditions are possible causes. A decreased appetite can be a symptom of a variety of different medical conditions.
Wrong dietary choices are another factor that may contribute to a loss of appetite. If you consistently let your Tibetan Mastiff scavenge in the dog park or backyard, for instance, where they might come across wild plants, dog feces, as well as garbage, your dog may develop feeding problems.
These problems could include an inability to maintain a healthy weight. Do not, under any circumstances, give leftover food to your dog; doing so has been linked to a variety of health issues, including pancreatitis.
It is normal for your pet’s dietary requirements to shift slightly as they mature. It’s also possible that you are overfeeding them, and the fact that they aren’t eating is a sign that they’re not hungry.
Treats should only be kept for training, and you can talk to your veterinarian about reducing the amount of treats your furry buddy is eating. Your veterinarian will also be able to provide you with information regarding different diets that are suitable for dogs of middle age.
Senior Dog Feeding Problems
You might notice that your elderly Tibetan Mastiff is moving more slowly and not approaching their food bowl using the same ferocity as it once did. You should keep a keen watch on the situation and get them tested at a vet as soon as possible if they go over a day without eating.
Senior dogs might develop feeding troubles as they age, so you must stay focused on the situation. A dog with arthritis may be suffering bouts of pain, so they’re hesitant to approach the food bowl.
Try keeping the water and food bowls for your senior dog close to their preferred resting spot. If you suspect your canine companion is in discomfort and is moving as though they are in agony, talk to your veterinarian about vitamins or medicine that can reduce joint stiffness or arthritis.
Dental issues, including gingivitis and tooth decay, are common in senior dogs and typically manifest in the mouth. If you think there might be a problem with your dog’s teeth before they go in for their yearly checkup, you should get it looked at immediately, so the problem doesn’t get any worse.
If a dog is experiencing toothache or swelling of its gums, it may choose not to eat to avoid discomfort. Canines of advanced age frequently suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes and kidney disease; one of the first signs of these conditions is often a loss of appetite.
A senior Tibetan Mastiff that has experienced problems with eating should always be looked out for by the veterinarian as soon as possible rather than waiting until later. When an illness, such as one that affects the kidneys, is detected in its early stages, medication can aid by slowing down the progression of the disease.
Tips to Prevent Feeding Issues
Always provide your dog with food of a good grade. Cheap kibble is loaded with low-cost thickeners that do not include the necessary nutrients for your dog to lead a healthy lifestyle. Cheap food may leave your Tibetan Mastiff hungry, leading to tension and anxiety for both of you.
Your dog should avoid eating food that has an excessive amount of carbs and starch. Your buddy risks gaining excess weight and suffering from joint pain due to carrying around the extra weight. When a dog is overweight, it is more comfortable to laze around rather than do some activity, which can cause the dog to lose their appetite.
You should give your dog food at least twice a day, but if you find that they perform better on a few smaller meals throughout the day rather than two larger ones, you can divide the feeding times into more. Your dog will not experience the strain associated with hunger, which can prevent behavior issues from occurring.
Always Get the Opinion of the Vet
Regardless of your Tibetan Mastiff’s age, if your dog has feeding problems, you need to consult with the primary care veterinarian for your pet to address any underlying illnesses, parasite infections, or disorders such as joint pain.
Final Words
The above-mentioned feeding challenges make it difficult to keep your pet healthy and cheerful. If you keep a close eye on your Tibetan Mastiff, you may easily avoid them. Make sure to look into any abnormal behavior of your four-legged companion and bring him to the vet if necessary to ensure his good health.
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