How Much to Feed a Shih Tzu in One Meal?
When you bring a new dog home, it's crucial to inquire with the previous owner about how much they were feeding. Stick to the same amount they were on, and avoid making any changes to the feeding quantity yourself.
New dog parents often lack experience and might be concerned when they see their furry friend eagerly scarfing down food and then舔 the bowl clean. This might lead them to believe their dog isn't getting enough to eat, so they keep feeding them, resulting in a belly as round as a balloon. However, this could be problematic.
This overfeeding can easily lead to acute gastroenteritis in dogs, which presents with symptoms similar to parvovirus: vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and gradual weight loss, which can ultimately be fatal. The severity of this condition is no less serious than that of a contagious disease.
Therefore, once you start feeding more, the consequences can be severe. After a week, we can assess whether the current feeding amount is still appropriate. We'll examine their stool to make this determination.
If their stool is short and grainy, it indicates that they're not getting enough to eat, and we should gradually increase the amount in small increments.
On the other hand, if their stool is very sticky and soft, it suggests they're being overfed. If it's also particularly smelly, it's a clear sign that they're being overfed significantly, and a reduction in quantity is necessary. Otherwise, problems may arise.
