Is your dog too fat? Does he need to go on a diet? Many owners are blissfully unaware that their dog has gained too much weight. Since we see them every day, we may not really notice that they need to shed a few pounds.
Estimates by veterinarians generally report that 25 to 40 percent of pet dogs in the US and Canada are overweight (defined as more than 20 percent over their ideal weight). As with people, the risks to dogs’ health rise as they put on excess weight. A few of these risks include arthritis, high blood pressure, diabetes, liver and heart disease, spinal issues and difficulty breathing.How can you tell if your dog is overweight? There are some very basic observations you can make. When standing over your dog do you see an hourglass shape? If so, then he probably doesn’t have a weight problem. However, if you see his sides protruding, then its likely that your dog needs to lose some weight. You can also run your hand over your dogs ribs. If you can feel them easily under a thin layer of skin and fat, then he is probably okay. If not, then some changes are in order.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: eliminating high calorie treats and table scraps is an important first step.Daily exercise such as taking your dog for regular walks and setting aside time for play and exercise will help both you and your dog. Eliminating high calorie goodies and substituting lower calorie treats isn’t hard to do. A few healthy snacks include apples, carrots, green beans, cottage cheese and broccoli. And yes, in most cases, your dog will eagerly devour these healthier choices. How about preparing your own healthy homemade dog treats? (see below)Adult dogs, like adult humans, don’t lose weight easily or quickly. When done properly, the weight loss will be gradual.For puppies, it is very important that you keep a close eye on your pups food intake. We all know that it’s hard to resist those puppy dog eyes. However, in the long term, its one of the wisest 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. You’ll find that once your dog is at a proper weight he will be happier and more energetic. Unfortunately, we sometimes simply fail to pay attention and dont realize the impact that our feeding decisions have on their overall health and longevity.
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