Page 37 - Aussie Magazine - 2024 Issue 3

If your Aussie is always hungry, you’ll be
WHY ARE AUSSIES
well aware of how difficult it can be to keep
refusing them snacks, especially when they
pull out their secret weapon – those large
puppy dog eyes! But is every dog like this, or
is it just yours who melts hearts for a morsel
or torments you for a tasty treat? Every dog
is different, which means that there are many
complex reasons why some dogs are forever
famished. Let’s delve into the reasons why
your dog may always want food and what
you can do to help them.
Some Aussies are fussy eaters, because it’s genetic, they’ve
while others seem to be a exercised a lot, they have
bottomless pit on legs. Apart health issues (such as
from bothersome begging for diabetes or worms), it’s a
food, is having a hungry dog a side-effect of medication,
problem? they’re stressed, they’re
bored or because they’re not
Well, potentially, yes! getting enough of the right
type of food. It can also be a
If you always give in to your learned behaviour, so they’re
dog’s request for food, then not, in fact, truly hungry at
their daily intake of calories
all. If you’re concerned about
increases, along with their your dog’s appetite, always
waistline. Overweight dogs are talk to your vet.
more likely to suffer from other
health complications, which Sometimes, Aussies who
can shorten their lifespan too. don’t get enough mental
Understanding if and why stimulation may become
your dog is hungry is really food-focused. Providing
important, not only to make your dog with more mental
sure that they’re getting the stimulation and physical
right type and amount of food exercise could help to stop
but to rule out any underlying them from being so snack-
health issues. orientated. Try giving them
puzzle feeders, playing
So Why Are They obedience games with them
So Hungry? or taking them for longer or
Aussies can be hungry more stimulating walks.
A Worldwide Magazine for the Aussie • Issue 3/2024 | 37