| Obesity is on the rise for canines. The reasons for this | | | | Instead, fill their need for attention with games, petting |
| influx are similar to those that humans experience, too | | | | and playing or get a new toy or go for a walk. Habits |
| much food and too little exercise. The results of | | | | are hard to break, so here are few tips to help you. Do |
| obesity are similar for your canine friends too. Studies | | | | not leave food out all day. Set a schedule and a |
| reveal that 25% of overweight dogs experience | | | | location to eat. One meal per day (or two small ones) |
| severe joint problems. This effects their daily activities | | | | is all that a dog needs. Also, one day each week with |
| such as walking, standing and sitting. It also increases | | | | no food will help burn excess fat which they have |
| pain and makes jumping up or down off the bed | | | | stored in their bodies. Dogs are trained in behavior. If |
| difficult. If a dog is overweight its lungs cannot function | | | | they beg at the table and someone gives them food, |
| properly- the extra fat pushes against the lungs and | | | | they learn that begging results in getting what they |
| diaphragm and makes breathing more difficult. Carrying | | | | want. To help change this pattern feed your dog |
| extra weight decrease ability to preform daily activities. | | | | before you eat and keep them in another room while |
| It takes more work to do everything. Body systems | | | | you have dinner. After, take them out for a walk or to |
| have to do more than they were designed for | | | | play a game so they feel loved and get the attention |
| because extra weight places strain on the heart, | | | | they need. Once new patterns have been decided |
| muscles and respiratory system. Because being | | | | upon make sure everyone in the family is on board. |
| overweight causes daily tasks to be more difficult and | | | | Otherwise someone might feel "sorry" for the begging |
| causes more pain, dogs can become more irritable. | | | | dog and give them "just a little something" and this will |
| Dogs who are overweight have a shorter life span | | | | slow down or prevent your dog's weight loss, |
| and a lower quality of life. However, there are several | | | | especially if that "little something" is every day. Meet as |
| things that a pet owner can do to help their animals | | | | a family to discuss the need for changes in your dog's |
| shed the pounds and live a longer, happier life. | | | | diet and how your animal will be effected if you don't. |
| Assessing Your Dog | | | | This will help everyone understand why and help them |
| One way to get an idea if your dog is overweight is | | | | keep the new rules. |
| by checking their ribs. The ribs should not be visible as | | | | Excercise |
| they stand, but still detectable when you touch them or | | | | The enthusiasm for new changes might cause over |
| when they move (such as jumping in the air to catch a | | | | doing exercise at first, but it is important not to do this. |
| Frisbee). If you cannot feel your dogs ribs, they are | | | | Start slowly, for just a few minutes a couple times a |
| probably overweight. The first and for most important | | | | day. This will be sufficient at first and then you can |
| measure though, is to take your dog to their | | | | slowly increase their activity. Encourage your dog to |
| veterinarian. Your dog should be seen on a yearly | | | | move around the house with you. Movement |
| basis for a routine check up. One reason why visiting | | | | frequently and throughout the day is essential. If you |
| your veterinarian is so important is that some dogs do | | | | take your dog out for a hard run to get him "in shape" |
| not look overweight. Large dogs can especially hide | | | | it might do more harm than good. Especially when no |
| weight well. Your veterinarian will be able to decide if | | | | exercise has been implemented in his routine before. A |
| your dog is overweight and why. To help your | | | | nice, leisurely walk is sufficient each day and then a |
| veterinarian keep a record of what you are doing with | | | | couple of times a day as directed by your veterinarian. |
| your dog before you go. Record your dogs patterns | | | | Another way to get movement is by playing games |
| such as sleeping, eating and exercise. In some cases | | | | with your dog. As your dog increases in strength and |
| weight issues might be due to medical conditions, such | | | | endurance playing fetch is fun for the dog and helps |
| a thyroid problems, verses overeating and under | | | | them get in more activity. Follow your veterinarian's |
| exercising. | | | | plan and keep appointments. This is especially |
| Feeding | | | | important if the weight loss is significant. |
| Dog's have a strong need for affection. One reason | | | | Loving your pet is doing what is best for them. |
| dogs overeat is that pet owners use food as an easy | | | | Increasing their activity and reducing their treats and |
| way to show their affection. It is not recommended to | | | | table scraps will help them become their ideal weight. |
| do this. Using food as a means of reward trains your | | | | Your dog will move easier and breath lighter and you |
| dog to seek food for affection. This adds to their | | | | can sleep better knowing their health is on the right |
| weight gain and all the other associated problems. | | | | track. |