A dog food is a food that is specially prepared for the consumption of dogs. It makes them healthier and happier. It’s important you feed your dogs, foods that are composed of good nutrients. The nutritional requirements for dogs vary in their breeds, age, size and their health conditions. Foods to be fed to your dogs must;

• Provide sufficient amount of all the necessary nutrients
• The food must be digestible by the dog
• The food must be free of toxins and toxic substances which can be harmful to the dog
• The nutrients must be available in the right proportion
• The food must be captivating enough to be eaten by the dog

COMPOSITION OF DOG FOODS

1. Meats; they are normally good sources of protein, essential fatty acids, iron and vitamins. They also increase the pleasant tasting of a product and they always digest faster.
2. Dairy products; which provides high standard and digestible protein. They also provide calcium and a number of vitamins. These dairy products used in food may include cheese and milk products.
3. Cereals; which includes maize, wheat, barley, rice provides a major source of energy, a quantity of protein and other nutrients including thiamine and niacin. They also have an advantageous effect on the health of the digestive tract to avoid gastric dilation and volvulus
4. Vegetables; which provides a considerable source of vitamins, minerals and fibre. An example is soya beans which provides a source of protein and energy, omega 6, vitamin B, fibre and minerals.
5. Fats and oils; which provides a supply of energy and necessary fatty acids. They are essential for optimal health, including kidney function, reproduction and a glossy coat.
6. Vitamins and minerals are needed to ensure the dogs are receiving the required daily dietary intake.
7. Sodium is an important nutrient for dogs and along with chloride which is important for fluid balance in the body. The sources of sodium in dog food include meat, poultry, fish, and eggs. It may even be included in prepared pet foods in the form of table salt to intensify the taste.
8. Dietary antioxidants, which play a prominent role in the long-term health and wellbeing of dogs. Some may add biological antioxidants e.g. vitamins C & E and selenium, to pet foods to help support good health and neutralize free radicals.

These ingredients can be processed in the dry and raw forms depending on the breed and age of the dog.

Dog owners are so in love with their dog to the extent of feeding it every time it bows. The love, concern and care they show them are very understandable but the effect of overfeeding them can be dangerous. Overfeeding your dogs can lead to obesity, which makes them more inactive to play and do exercises. It can also cause serious health issues such as;

• Liver disease
• Worsened fatigue
• Respiratory problems
• Loss of appetite
• Short life span

A very severe health condition caused by overfeeding is the Gastric dilation volvulus which is very dangerous and if not properly treated can lead to the death of the dog.

GASTRIC DILATION VOLVULUS (GDV)

Gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), also known as bloat, twisted stomach, or gastric torsion, is a very serious emergency medical condition in dogs. GDV is a life-threatening situation most that is seen in dog and it requires immediate veterinary intervention. When there is no immediate medical attention, dogs can die within a matter of hours or less and also suffer a painful death.              Gastric dilatation occurs when the stomach is filled and dilates with gas and/or food but remains in a normal position. Volvulus is when the stomach expands enough to rotate, twist or roll over, which closes the opening of the stomach leading into the esophagus and the pylorus (the place the stomach empties into the intestines), which would stop blood supply to the stomach and spleen. The excessive expansion of this stomach now causes an added pressure on the diaphragm and heart, causing difficulty breathing and abnormal heartbeat. When the pressure in the stomach fills up and cannot be released, the stomach tissue dies from lack of blood supply and the stomach often ruptures, which then lead to the inflammation of the abdominal cavity. This occurs mostly in male dogs than female ones. Dog owners also contribute to the high risk of their dogs developing GDV by feeding them large quantities of food. Symptoms associated to this illness includes;

• Rapid heartbeat rate
• Restlessness
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Intense salivation
• Swollen abdomen
• Shock
• Coma

Dog owners need to understand how to prevent (to decrease the chances of their dog developing GDV) and symptoms (to help improve their dog’s chances of survival). Fast treatment with the intervention of the veterinary helps to reduce the risk of mortality if your dog develops this condition.

As a dog owner, it is very important you recognize the different common illness your dogs can have, so as to be able to take necessary measures and also be able to contact your veterinary doctor. There are several diseases of dogs, but the common ones are;

• Canine distemper
• Heartworm
• Kidney disease
• Kennel cough
• Leptospirosis
• Rabies

The most deadly and severe one is the Canine Parvovirus.

CANINE PARVOVIRUS

Canine Parvovirus is a very highly infectious disease that can be fatal. The virus attacks cells in a dog’s intestines and stops them from being able to absorb vital nutrients. This means that a dog or puppy will become very weak and dehydrated. Many dogs who are diagnosed with canine parvovirus and not well treated will eventually die. Parvovirus spreads through body fluids, including in a dog’s feces and vomit. It is very hardy and can survive in the environment. It can even contract parvovirus by sniffing another dog’s poo and it’s not uncommon for dogs to catch parvovirus when out for a walk. If your dog has come into contact with bedding, food and water bowls, carpet, or a kennel that a dog with parvovirus has touched, they can catch the virus. Canine parvovirus can also be spread on shoes, clothing and human hands.

Prevention

It is really important to protect your dog against this horrible disease by vaccinating them. Vaccination for parvovirus is routine and is one of the three main diseases that dogs are normally vaccinated against. Your dog should be given a vaccination card with the date of the jab and the date the next shot is due. This will be signed by your vet or registered veterinary nurse (RVN). Boosters are important for dogs to keep up to date with, but the time between these varies so check with your vet to see how often your dog should be vaccinated.

Treatment

There is no particular drug that can kill the virus but treatment for canine parvovirus is designed to support a dog’s immune system and help their body become strong enough to fight off the disease. Dogs and puppies with canine parvovirus need to be treated by a veterinary doctor and are likely to be hospitalized. They will be put on a drip and given intravenous fluids to stop them from becoming dehydrated. They may also be given drugs to help control vomiting, which also helps to prevent dehydration. When the dog has been infected with a secondary infection as a result of a weakened immune system, they may be given antibiotics.