Giving Your Dog Treats

There’s a pre tty important doggy celebration coming up. February 23rd is National Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day! Treats are actually beneficial for several reasons. They make great training aids, help you bond with Fido, and just brighten up his day. A local Anderson, IN vet offers some advice on giving your pup snacks in this arutley.

C  hoose Wisely

There are a few things to keep in mind when picking out snacks for your dog. First and foremost, be sure to get things that are the right size for your canine pal. Your pooch could hurt himself eating things that are too big or too small for him! It’s also a good idea to take a look at the ingredients list. The best brands will use whole, healthy ingredients. Try to avoid anything that reads like a chemistry experiment.

Make Fido Work

Have your four-legged buddy do a trick for his snacks. This is a great way to reinforce his training, or expand his repertoire. If your pup is still working on the basics, like Sit, Stay, and Come , work on these. Otherwise, show him something cute, like Gimme Paw or Roll Over .

Don’t Go Overboard

We know, it’s cute seeing how happy treats make Fido. It’s easy to want to spoil your canine friend this way. Be careful, though. Treats should only make up about 5 percent of your pup’s daily intake!

Resist Begging!

Dogs are very good beggars. Fido is certainly very talented at getting us to share our food. However, this is bad manners. It can also be dangerous. Some dogs get very pushy once they think they can demand food whenever they want. There’s also a chance that someone could inadvertently give your pooch something that isn’t safe for him.

Don’t Share Unsafe Foods

While some people foods are safe for dogs, there are plenty of things that aren’t. Never let your furry pal have anything that contains garlic, onions, scallions, or chives; caffeine; chocolate; alcohol; grapes, currants, or raisins; avocado; pitted fruits; nuts; mushrooms; or anything with a lot of salt, sugar, or fat. Foods that contain xylitol are also unsafe, as are meat on the bone and raw dough or yeast. Ask your vet for more information.

Do you have any questions about your dog’s diet or care? Call us! As your local Anderson, IN veterinary clinic, we’re here to help!