Giving Your Dog Treats

Does your canine pal perk up at the very thought of a yummy treat? Dogs are always cute, but they manage to be extra adorable when they’re vying for a snack. Giving Fido his biscuits isn’t exactly rocket science, but there are some things to keep in mind here. A Lakewood, CO vet lists a few of them below.

Portions

Did you know that over half of our canine companions are obese? Fido’s love of treats definitely affects his expanding waistline. Pay attention to portion sizes! Even giving your pooch ten calories too many each day can cause him to pack on a pound a year.

Begging

Dogs have been our friends and companions for thousands of years. Man’s Best Friend had a lot of time to work on his begging skills, and he’s definitely perfected that sweet-sad-hungry expression that melts our hearts like butter. You may need to steel yourself against your furry pal’s theatrics. Begging is bad manners! It can also be dangerous. If Fido gets too bold, he may help himself from the table, which can lead to aggression. He could also end up eating something that isn’t safe for him. If you absolutely can’t resist, give your pup a carrot, instead of that hamburger he’s angling for.

Store-Bought Treats

Theoretically, choosing dog treats should be simple. However, it’s easy to get stuck in the pet-food aisle, trying to figure out what snacks are best for Fido. Get into the habit of reading labels. Choose products that list mostly meat, fish, and/or poultry. Try to avoid treats with long ingredients lists that read like science projects.

Trick Or Treat

Did you know that many dogs like having jobs? Fido is more or less hardwired to want to please his humans. (Cats, on the other hand, couldn’t care less what we think, but that’s another topic.) Have your furry friend do something for his snack, even if it’s just giving you his paw.

Unsafe Foods

Dogs have very hearty appetites, and they’ll eat, well, pretty much anything. Be very careful what you give Fido! Some unsafe foods include garlic, onions, scallions, and chives; grapes, currants, and raisins; chocolate; meat on the bone; avocado; pitted fruit; and raw dough. Ask your vet for more information. 

Do you have questions or concerns about your pet’s health or care? Contact us, your Lakewood, CO animal clinic!