The Merriam-Webster English dictionary defines malnutrition as "The unhealthy condition that results from not eating enough or not eating enough healthy food, that is, malnutrition".
The first part of this is simple to understand, since if an animal does not eat enough food, then it will exhibit a severe malnutritionHowever, it can also exist in dogs. malnutrition Even if the animal eats daily, if what it ingests does not have the necessary nutrients or is poorly balanced for their life stage, size, or activity level.
It is also important to note that even if the food is consumed sufficiently, but there is a lack of essential nutrients or a specific nutrient deficiency can cause the same condition. If a person, for example, is constantly consuming candy while maintaining an apparent healthy dietThis will cause many essential vitamins and minerals to be lacking in your body, even if you are not underweight.
The same applies to dogs, which is why it's important that your dog's diet is good. balanced and nutritiousbecause both a deficiency and an excess of certain nutrients can seriously damage your health.
A balanced and nutritious diet
Unfortunately, a large number of dogs that are taken to the vet are treated because they have been neglected or suffer from malnutritionThis malnutrition doesn't always mean being very thin: a dog can be obese and malnourished also if the quality of their food is low or poorly formulated.
This can lead to many health problemsin addition to simply being underweight or overweight. Low blood sugar levels They can cause problems in the liver, kidneys, heart, and other organs, and these conditions will continue to worsen until the dog is in a proper dietSimilarly, excess calories and certain minerals (such as sodium or phosphorus) can contribute to obesity, hypertension, and kidney failure.
It is not uncommon for shelters to rescue and host dogs with underweight or malnourished, but the good news is that this can be reversed with proper care and a good nutritionIn other cases, the problem is a house dog fed cheap kibble, leftovers, or unbalanced homemade diets, which ends up showing signs of [disease/problem]. vitamin, calcium or protein deficiencies.
First of all, it is important that a malnourished dog If your dog is malnourished, start feeding it a high-quality diet on a plan supervised by your veterinarian. Whether you've chosen balanced raw food, a supervised BARF diet, or high-end commercial wet or dry food, you should first investigate whether the food contains sufficient nutrients. quality protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals and energy that your dog needs.
Don't choose a product because its price is lower, but because it has enough quality and nutrients for your dogPoor food quality, with deficiencies in calcium, phosphorus, vitamins, or protein, can lead to Rickets, osteodystrophies, growth disorders, and general weaknessespecially in puppies and young dogs.
It is also necessary to make your dog have his new balanced diet as soon as possible, since the longer the animal remains malnourished or undernourished, the greater the strain on its organs. In cases of severe malnutrition, the veterinarian must implement the diet promptly. progressive To avoid the so-called refeeding syndrome, electrolytes, hydration and weight are monitored regularly.
Remember that the dog health It is just as important as for humans, and animals, like us, need to be treated if they are in pain or sick, as the symptoms are just as bothersome for them. Signs such as loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, dull coat, bad odor, or recurring infections They are usually clear warnings of poor nutrition or diseases that affect the absorption of nutrients.
If you are going to adopt a pet, you must bear in mind that you will need to apply a certain amount of care to it. His diet, health and physical well-being and emotional is you responsibility, so if you feel that you cannot take this responsibility, do not bring home a new pet, which may later end up being abandoned.
Main causes of undernutrition and malnutrition in dogs
When a dog is malnourished, it's not always due to a lack of food. There are other reasons. multiple medical and management causes that may be behind it:
- Digestive medical problemsIntestinal tumors, chronic inflammation of the intestine, bacterial overgrowth, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, or malabsorption syndromes decrease the ability to utilize nutrients, even if the dog eats.
- Intestinal parasitesGiardia, roundworms, and other parasites steal nutrients and damage the intestinal lining, causing weight loss, diarrhea, and poor coatA regular deworming plan is essential.
- Systemic diseasesLiver, kidney, endocrine, or heart diseases alter energy metabolism and can cause both pérdida peso , the secondary obesity.
- Pain or problems in the mouthDental disease, fractures, oral tumors, or foreign bodies in the mouth and esophagus make chewing difficult and cause food refusal.
- Stress and environmental changesChanges in the home, new pets, or moving can cause persistent loss of appetite and weight loss if not corrected.
- Overfeeding and excessive rewardsGiving too much food, table scraps, or high-calorie treats causes obesity, diabetes and joint problems, despite lacking a balanced diet.
- Poor food qualityPoorly formulated homemade diets or very low-nutrient feeds may be calorically sufficient, but deficient in vitamins, calcium, fatty acids and proteinsgenerating diseases in the medium and long term.
Identifying the specific cause is key to correcting it and ensuring the dog receives adequate nutrition tailored to its needs. needs of breed, age, size and activity.
How can you tell if a dog is undernourished or malnourished?
There is a body scoring chartThis scale categorizes a dog's physical appearance on a scale of 1 to 9. If the dog scores below 5, it is considered thin or malnourished; if it scores above 6 or 7, it is considered overweight or obese. This scale helps to visually and tactilely assess the dog's condition. amount of fat and muscle mass Of the dog.
- 1 and 2. The pelvic bones, spine, and areas where bones are prominent will be evident from a distance. No fat will be noticeable, and the large loss of muscle mass of the animal, which may show severe weakness and apathy.
3 and 4. The hips can be felt no fatThe outermost part of the spine is visible. The dog's pelvic bones are prominent. There is a obvious thinness in the hips and abdominal area, although less extreme than in grades 1 and 2.
5 and 6. This is the ideal scale, where every dog ​​should be. The waist can feel without excess fat and is slightly visible from above. The ribs are easily felt but not visible to the naked eye. The entire upper part of the dog can be observed without excess fat, with a adequate muscle mass.
- Difficulty in seeing the dog's waist. A heavy build is visible. There are fat deposits over the top of the spine and at the base of the tail. Abdominal fat It may be present, and the ribs are more difficult to feel by touch.
8 and 9. At this point, the dog is considered obese. There are massive amounts of fat in the chest, spine, and base of the neck. There are large fat deposits throughout the body and in the abdominal area. The risk of [disease/problem] increases significantly. cardiovascular, respiratory and joint problems as well as diabetes and pancreatitis.
Symptoms of malnutrition and poor diet in dogs
In addition to the body condition score, there are many other signs that can indicate your dog's diet is inadequate, either due to a deficiency or excess of nutrients:
- Weight loss or wasting: progressive thinning, very prominent ribs, loss of muscle mass in the back and legs.
- Dull coat and hair lossThe hair becomes rough, dull, with dandruff and patches of hair loss. Other symptoms may also appear. dermatitis, itching and allergies linked to poor nutrition.
- Digestive disordersFrequent diarrhea, loose or very dry stools, constipation, foul-smelling gas, repeated vomiting, or persistent bad breath are often associated with inadequate diets or absorption disorders.
- Unpleasant body odorA generalized bad odor, unrelated to poor hygiene, may be associated with liver overload, poor digestion, or an excess of certain ingredients.
- Recurrent otitis mediaEar infections that recur over and over may have a component of Food Allergy or intolerance to some ingredient in the diet.
- Discouragement and lack of energyA lethargic dog, one that plays little or gets tired quickly, may not be receiving enough attention. sufficient energy and nutrientsor be suffering from diseases associated with malnutrition.
- Food-related behavioral changes: rummages through the trash, demands excessive amounts of food, steals food from the table, or, conversely, lose your appetite and leaves food on the plate. Both extremes are warning signs.
- Growth problems in puppiesBowed legs, difficulty moving, lameness, or bone deformities may be related to a incorrect intake of calcium and phosphorus in early ages.
If one or more of these symptoms appear, it is essential to consult a veterinarian to assess the animal's overall condition, rule out underlying diseases, and adjust the treatment. personalized dog diet.
Dogs at higher risk of malnutrition
Some groups of dogs are particularly sensitive to nutritional imbalances and require closer monitoring:
- Puppies, especially large breedsThey need an adequate supply of calcium, phosphorus, protein and energy To develop strong bones and joints. Incorrect diets can contribute to dysplasia and osteodystrophies.
- Very old dogsThey often have a reduced appetite, mobility problems, and chronic illnesses. Malnutrition at this stage reduces their quality and life expectancy.
- Sick or convalescent dogsThey require specific diets to manage or recover from their condition. Any deficiency or excess can worsen their situation.
- Small breeds and very spoiled dogsThey tend to be picky eaters and receive many treats. This makes it easier for them to... unbalanced diet such as obesity.
- Rescued or abandoned dogsThey usually arrive with severe malnutrition, parasitosis and digestive disordersTherefore, they need progressive nutritional plans and intensive veterinary control.
Taking care of your dog's nutrition, observing changes in weight, coat, and energy levels, and visiting the veterinarian at the first sign of any alarm is the best way to ensure that your companion stays healthy, strong, and enjoys a good quality of life for many years.