The Merriam-Webster English Dictionary defines malnutrition as «the unhealthy condition that results from not eating enough or not eating enough healthy foods that is, poor nutrition«.
The first part of this is simple to understand, since if an animal does not eat enough food, then it will present a severe malnutrition.
It is also important to note that even if the food is consumed sufficiently, but there is a lack of nutrients or from a specific nutrient the same condition can occur. If a person, for example, is constantly consuming candy when he maintains a healthy diet, this will cause many essential vitamins to be lacking in your body, even if you are not underweight.
The same happens in dogs and that is why it is important that your dog's diet is well balanced and nutritious.
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 malnutrition.
This can lead to many health problems, in addition to just being underweight. Low blood sugar levels can cause problems with the liver, kidneys, heart and other organs and these conditions will continue to worsen until the dog is in a proper diet.
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 nutrition.
First of all, it is important that a malnourished dog start being fed quality food. Whether you've chosen raw food or packaged dog food, you should first investigate whether the food has enough of the nutrients your dog needs.
Do not choose a product because its price is lower, but because it has enough quality and nutrients for your dog.
It is also necessary to make your dog have his new diet as soon as possible, since the longer you are malnourished, the worse the stress that will be placed on your organs.
Remember that the dog health It is just as important as that of humans and that animals, like us, need to be treated if they feel pain or if they are sick, because the symptoms are just as annoying for them.
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.
How to know if a dog is malnourished?
There is a score table, in which the physical appearance of a dog is classified on a scale from 1 to 9. If the dog is below 5, then it is considered malnourished. Here it is:
- AND 2. The pelvic bones, the spine and the areas where the bones are prominent, will be evidenced at a distance. No type of fat will be noticeable and the great loss of muscle mass of the animal.
3 AND 4. Hips can be felt no fat. The outermost part of the spine is visible. The pelvic bones of the dog are being predominant. Obvious thinness in the hips and abdominal area.
5 and 6. This is the ideal scale, where every dog should be. The waist can feel without excess fat. The entire upper part of the dog can be seen without excess fat.
- Difficulty seeing the dog's waist. A fat structure is seen. Fat deposits on the upper part of the spine. The Abdominal fat may be present
8 and 9. At this point the dog is considered obese. Massive amounts of fat in the thorax, spines and base of the neck. Large deposits of fat throughout the body structure and in the abdominal area.