Obesity in dogs is a growing problem, which can cause many problems including heart disease, joint problems, and diabetes. Almost half of dogs in America are fat, especially beagles, dachshunds, basset hounds, and Labrador retrievers. Before your dog reaches the point where they need insulin shots, you can slim them down. It will take almost a year, but it's worth it.
Even puppies shouldn't be overweight ? all dogs need to be slim, not fat, to be healthy. A dog is at the right weight if you can feel the ribs without excess fat covering. From the side, the dog's belly should be tucked up, and from above, there should be a noticeable waist in front of the hips. When you feel his ribs, they should be shallow indents which you can count, although you shouldn't be able to count them just by looking.
A major cause of overweight dogs is feeding them table scraps. While it is fun to feed your dog leftover food, there are serious consequences. One is, of course, that the dog will become unsure of who is the alpha in the family. The alpha is the one who eats first, and if the dog is being fed before or during the meal, the hierarchy of the family becomes unclear. Also, table scraps may not provide the right nutrition for a dog. For example, many dogs fed table scraps can get vitamin A toxicity, and excess protein and phosphorus. If a dog is fed exclusively table scraps, they usually won't get enough calcium and can get over-activity of the parathyroid glands.
To reduce the weight of fat dogs, one option is to just keep to the same feeding schedule, but feed the dog less, starting by feeding the dog only ? as much as you do now. This option, however, can produce a dog that whines a lot, so many owners can add bulky vegetables to the food. You can also get special low-calorie foods, which are high in bulk so the dog feels better fed. Dogs don't usually like low-calorie foods, but they will eventually eat it and get used to it.
Another option, which can keep the whining down, is to change the feeding schedule to twice a day instead of once a day. Never leave food out all day long. Treats need to stop being given, but instead of a treat, overweight dogs can be fed one of the two small meals. If you really want to give your dog a treat, use a carrot or an apple.
A balanced dog food is at least a quarter protein and 1600 kilocalories of energy per pound, but if the dog is not active, overweight dogs will need less food. For canned dog food, the calorie intake is measured at 500 calories per pound, although if the dog food is all meat, it's 600 calories a pound. For dry food, 1500 calories per pound, and semi-soft or moist food is 1350 per pound. So if a dog weighs less than 11 pounds, feed them about 4 ounces of dry food a day. Up to 22 pounds, feed 5 ounces, 22-50 pounds gets 11 ounces, 55-75 pounds gets 17 ounces, and 75 pounds or more get 35-30 ounces of dry food.
All these calculations don't necessarily work, though, as each dog metabolizes food differently and has different activity levels. Remember, a dog doesn't have to eat every day, and can go up to five days without eating. Also, spaying or neutering the dog does not cause obesity.
If your dog only nibbles at the food, don't be fooled. Nibblers tend to eat more in the long run than gobblers, and thus gain weight quicker. And if the obese dog is picky, the dog will eventually become accustomed to the healthy food, it may just take a while.
Once your dog is on a diet, keep track of the dog's weight. If the obese dog has lost even a little weight over two weeks, you're on the right track.
Walks should be given regularly (a couple times a day), but don't overdo it at first if the dog is really fat. Moderation in everything is the key to seriously overweight dogs. The goal should be double the amount of the walks your dog is getting now. Once your dog is trim, though, it's good to walk your dog a lot ? most dogs don't get enough exercise.
what type of little dog is best for me? HTML is what type of little dog is best for me? and the site provides advice and tips for selecting the best type of small dog, rating barkiness, intelligence, health, and even cuteness level.
home cleaning services Deerfield .."Westies" or West Highland White Terriers are furry coated dogs,... Read More
Why should you use the dog crate training method?Is the... Read More
Many dog owners find themselves frustrated, deeply concerned and even... Read More
Ringworm is an annoying, highly contagious fungal disorder that is... Read More
The benefits of feeding live food to fish in a... Read More
Mabeke is a young gorilla who was born in captivity... Read More
Now that you're dog has shown you so much love... Read More
You may wish to consider a chinchilla as a possible... Read More
According to holistic veternarian Dr. Jane Bicks, the maximum life... Read More
Weaning puppies is a perfectly natural process. Mamma dogs have... Read More
Puppies can be so exasperating! They know what we want,... Read More
Annual Vaccinations for Your Dog?Are they really necessary? - In... Read More
If the "tweet, tweet" of little beaks is in your... Read More
Buying dog doors onlineIf you need to buy a dog... Read More
Imagine that you are scolding your cat for scratching at... Read More
Some Dogs like Boxers unfortunately, are prone to several potential... Read More
For most cat owners, training their cat to use the... Read More
"Magoo was a big, playful Labrador retriever who often got... Read More
The real apistogramma's come from southern America, they all have... Read More
If your cat has recently decided not to use the... Read More
These days, it's hard to know what decisions are the... Read More
Is your cat talking to you?Many cat lovers claim that... Read More
In part one we talked about forming good behavior traits... Read More
Dogs come in many assorted breeds, shapes, and sizes. They... Read More
He will be there by your side, as your loving... Read More
recurring housekeeping Highland Park ..If you decide you want a purebred, make sure it's... Read More
Scottish Terriers are short-legged dogs, at a height of ten... Read More
When you get a puppy, one of the first things... Read More
Dogs are a fantastic edition to any family but like... Read More
Dog bite injuries are alarmingly the most common condition that... Read More
Which cat food should you feed your cat to be... Read More
If you're like me, then you don't really have the... Read More
Buy or Adopt - That is the question.If you intend... Read More
Can Your Dog Stomach This?There's an old adage that says... Read More
Lovebirds are so named from the way they sit close... Read More
Why should you use the dog crate training method?Is the... Read More
As much as you love the sound of your new... Read More
In the last decade or so, the popularity of sugar... Read More
Sadly, there are several household items which we tend to... Read More
I would like to write a few words about my... Read More
Your poor pooch is scratching himself all over. Plus, you... Read More
Are you thinking about getting some discus then and want... Read More
Whether you are searching for something to say "Happy Birthday"... Read More
One of the most difficult hurdles that any new puppy... Read More
To vaccinate or not to vaccinate? That's become the burning... Read More
Small dog breeds are great pets, but since their personalities... Read More
First pet stores began selling clothes for pets. Then kennels... Read More
Almost without exception, breeders will advertise that their favorite terrier,... Read More
You've picked out the perfect puppy. You spent hours on... Read More
Part2: Does your puppy want to be crate trained?Yes! in... Read More
Pet |