Fat dogs are the standard in America nowadays. If you're not surprised by this, you'll be similarly unmoved to learn that canine obesity closely mirrors human body weight issues. And like humans, oversized dogs assume health risk factors ranging from coronary dysfunction to diabetes - not to mention a life-threatening curtailed by a mean of 1.8 years according to dog nourishment experts.
But you might be pleasantly surprised to know that helping your best friend lose weight is not difficult. Discovering a few pointers in the following couple of minutes about reducing your fat dog's weight can make a significant difference in its life and health. Here's what you need to grasp.
How Do I Tell If My Dog Is Fat?
Here's a really easy way to establish if your dog is chubby. When you press on his rib cage with your fingers, you should be able to feel his rib cage. A dog's ribs should not be covered by a cover of fat. Mind you, the ribs shouldn't be clearly observable either. This would suggest your dog's weight is too low.
Between the rib cage and the backend is a dog's waist. When viewed from above, you ought to be able to see a well-defined waistline.
Did your dog pass the test? If not, these are some simple strategies to help your dog lose weight.
Are You Over Feeding Your Dog?
Many people overfeed their dog unsuspectingly. Please make sure you read the label on the dog food ensuring you're feeding only the amount recommended for your dog's weight and size. You should use the low end of the manufacturer's suggestions since the advised amounts are sometimes very generous.
Another choice is to switch to a light dog food that's made for oversized canines. These foods are typically lower in fat and higher in fiber. Be prepared though . Switching to a higher fiber diet could cause diarrhea until your dog adjusts. To make this switch-over less problematic, gradually increase the quantity of light food you give your dog while cutting back on the regular dog food.
Is Your Dog Getting Too Many Treats?
If you're like most fat dog owners you're most likely giving your dog too many snacks. Those little treats throughout the day really add up, particularly if your dog is older and not as active as he used to be.
What about table food? Many foods designed for us humans are too high in fat, sugar and salt to be good for dogs - and too high in calories. Not only does human food contribute to dog weight issues it can cause gastro-intestinal upset and pancreatitis, a life-threatening problem. Certain human foods are also deadly to dogs. If you do want to give your dog human food, choose veg and very low-fat slices of meat. And don't go too far.
Help Your Dog Lose Weight By Making Sure He Stays Active
Some dogs are lazy by nature. Left to their own devices they become the canine equivalent of slackers. As responsible dog owners, it's our task to get them moving again.
Overweight dogs that don't get sufficient exercise not only put on some weight but also lose muscle mass, which in turn can lead to orthopedic issues. If your dog has not been active in a bit, take a ten minute walk with your dog every day steadily extending the time to thirty minutes per day.
If your schedule is so tight you cannot find time for a regular walk with your dog, try enlisting the assistance of a reliable neighbor who might enjoy walking your dog. If no such luck with the neighbor, try Googling "dog walker" for lists of pro dog walkers in your town.
Other Pointers To Help Your Dog Shed Weight
Make sure the rest of your folks are on board with helping your overweight dog lose weight. All your efforts will be wasted if the remainder of the family slips your dog human food and other treats under the table. If they want to do something nice for your dog, encourage them to take it for a stroll instead.
Overweight Dogs And Weight Loss : The Bottom Line
Dog obesity is an expanding problem in America. It's a pattern that mirrors ballooning bellies among humans. Our responsibility (and our privilege) is to rescue our dear pets from this certain health danger. Help your dog (and perhaps yourself as well) "lighten up" for a more healthy, longer life.
Author Resource:-
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Gary Le Mon is a Board Certified Master Herbalist specializing in natural home remedies for dogs and cats. Please visit www.NaturalWonderPets.com for BOGO Specials and useful information on 100% natural herbal treatments you can use at home to heal your best friends.
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