A proper balanced diet can make a big difference in your hound’s well-being. Ask your Otterhound’s breeder to provide you with the name, amount and type of food your hound is used to, as well as a feeding schedule.
If you are unable to purchase that food in your area, ask for suggestions regarding a change of diet. When you bring your new hound home, make sure you have several days’ supply of the food he is used to eating. Make the change to a new diet gradually, if necessary.
1. Don’t overfeed your new dog. When looking down on your pet, feed the amount that extends the stomach just slightly wider than the rib cage.
2. Ask your breeder, rescue group or veterinarian for suggestions for a healthy, appropriate diet and supplements for your hound.
If you are unable to purchase that food in your area, ask for suggestions regarding a change of diet. When you bring your new hound home, make sure you have several days’ supply of the food he is used to eating. Make the change to a new diet gradually, if necessary.
1. Don’t overfeed your new dog. When looking down on your pet, feed the amount that extends the stomach just slightly wider than the rib cage.
2. Ask your breeder, rescue group or veterinarian for suggestions for a healthy, appropriate diet and supplements for your hound.
|
Before exercising him, make sure that your hound rests for an hour before and an hour or so after eating to allow digestion time and lessen the chance of digestive upsets.
While counter-surfing is often discussed and laughed about by Otterhound owners, reaching and eating inappropriate foods or nonfood items can be hazardous to the health of your hound. |
|
Feeding Tips
Below are some tips on feeding your Otterhound for a long, healthy life.
- Don’t feed table scraps. This turns a dog into a finicky eater and can lead to obesity. Changes in food can also cause diarrhea. The quantity of food your pet needs will change over time. Be sure to make appropriate adjustments.
- Stick to a feeding schedule and feed your Otterhound in his crate or dog area. Feeding at the same time helps the housebreaking process. Your puppy/hound should be allowed to eat undisturbed. Most Otterhound owners feed their adult dogs twice each day.
- Moving to a new home or travelling away from home can sometimes affect your Otterhound’s appetite for the first couple of days. Call your breeder or rescue group if the problem persists.
- Don’t feed your Otterhound chicken, pork, beef or fish bones. These can lodge in the throat and puncture the stomach and intestines.
- Don’t over-feed. Obesity is a serious problem and can stress the heart and joints.
Food Hazards The ASPCA Poison Control lists the following as causing stomach upset and in some cases, severe toxic reactions:
Never allow your dog to consume alcoholic beverages. |
|
