Is your pooch pudgy? Should he go on a diet? Many owners don't really notice that their canine friends are gaining too much weight. Being with them every day, we may not really notice the changes that are taking place.
Experts estimate that 25 to 40 percent of dogs in North America are overweight (more than 20 percent heavier than their ideal weight). The more excess weight a dog carries, the higher the risk to his health. Some of these dangers include high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, heart and liver ailments, spinal problems and breathing difficulties.
There are some very basic observations you can make to determine if your dog is getting too fat. When standing over your dog do you see an hourglass shape? If so, then he probably doesn't have a major weight problem. However, if you see his sides protruding, then its quite likely that your dog is overweight.
Run your hand along your dog's ribs. If you can easily felt then he's probably not dangerously overweight. However, if you have to press hard to feel his ribs then he needs to slim down.
Its a good idea to take your dog to your veterinarian before making any major changes to his diet. Consult with the vet for additional tips and to ensure that your diet plan will still include essential nutrients the dog needs.
One thing is certain: table scraps and high calorie treats must be eliminated.
Take your dog for daily walks and establish regular play and exercise periods. This activity will be helpful for both you and your dog.
Substitute low calorie goodies for higher calorie treats. A few healthy snacks include carrots, apples, green beans, cottage cheese and broccoli. And yes, in most cases, your dog will eagerly devour them. You may also want to prepare your own nutritious dog treats at home (see below).
Adult dogs, like adult humans, don't lose weight easily or quickly. A proper low calorie, healthy diet will result in a very gradual weight loss.
For puppies, it is essential that you be aware of your pups food intake. We all know how hard it is to resist those puppy dog eyes, but, ultimately, its one of the best things you can do for your pooch.
Experts say that puppies should be fed only dog food that is formulated specifically for puppies, four times a day for approximately three months.Then reduce feedings to three times a day for the next three months. After six months switch to twice a day and then one daily feeding when he is one year old. At that time you should switch to adult dog food, and continue to monitor his weight on a regular basis.
Dogs who are at the proper weight are happier and more energetic. Sometimes we simply fail to pay attention or don't realize how much impact that our decisions about what we feed out dogs has on their overall health and longevity.
Experts estimate that 25 to 40 percent of dogs in North America are overweight (more than 20 percent heavier than their ideal weight). The more excess weight a dog carries, the higher the risk to his health. Some of these dangers include high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, heart and liver ailments, spinal problems and breathing difficulties.
There are some very basic observations you can make to determine if your dog is getting too fat. When standing over your dog do you see an hourglass shape? If so, then he probably doesn't have a major weight problem. However, if you see his sides protruding, then its quite likely that your dog is overweight.
Run your hand along your dog's ribs. If you can easily felt then he's probably not dangerously overweight. However, if you have to press hard to feel his ribs then he needs to slim down.
Its a good idea to take your dog to your veterinarian before making any major changes to his diet. Consult with the vet for additional tips and to ensure that your diet plan will still include essential nutrients the dog needs.
One thing is certain: table scraps and high calorie treats must be eliminated.
Take your dog for daily walks and establish regular play and exercise periods. This activity will be helpful for both you and your dog.
Substitute low calorie goodies for higher calorie treats. A few healthy snacks include carrots, apples, green beans, cottage cheese and broccoli. And yes, in most cases, your dog will eagerly devour them. You may also want to prepare your own nutritious dog treats at home (see below).
Adult dogs, like adult humans, don't lose weight easily or quickly. A proper low calorie, healthy diet will result in a very gradual weight loss.
For puppies, it is essential that you be aware of your pups food intake. We all know how hard it is to resist those puppy dog eyes, but, ultimately, its one of the best things you can do for your pooch.
Experts say that puppies should be fed only dog food that is formulated specifically for puppies, four times a day for approximately three months.Then reduce feedings to three times a day for the next three months. After six months switch to twice a day and then one daily feeding when he is one year old. At that time you should switch to adult dog food, and continue to monitor his weight on a regular basis.
Dogs who are at the proper weight are happier and more energetic. Sometimes we simply fail to pay attention or don't realize how much impact that our decisions about what we feed out dogs has on their overall health and longevity.
About the Author:
Jim Navary has been a freelance writer and researcher for over thirty years covering a wide range of topics. He has also been enamored with dogs for longer than he'd care to remember. :-) Check out his DogBurg website/blog for canine friends at www.DogBurg.com. Once there, sign up for his newsletter for dog lovers and receive the free ebook, "Pamper Your Dog: 130 Recipes for Your Canine Friend."
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment