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.
Rolling Meadows Cadillac Escalade rental .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareThere is a lot of talk going on about what... Read More
Many pet owners don't like using a leash, for a... Read More
Hamster breeding can sometimes be confusing for a hamster owner.... Read More
What is Canine Infectious Hepatitis?The word hepatitis refers to an... Read More
I have had Goldens and Black Labs for many years,... Read More
Pilling a cat can be a "nightmarish" experience. Cats don't... Read More
A poorly trained dog can embarrass its owner and offend... Read More
It was November and I had spent 3 months searching... Read More
How do you build a goldfish pond outdoors?The tools you... Read More
When looking for the best dog food - consider Life's... Read More
Buying a new dog is more than simply finding the... Read More
Mum, dad, can we get a puppy? Its a plea... Read More
We all know how special interest groups can blow things... Read More
It is hard to get an early diagnosis of lyme... Read More
a) GrowlingIf your rabbit growls or grunts at you, she... Read More
The shutting and opening door trick can be taught to... Read More
This has been one of the most rewarding adventures I... Read More
Are you ready for a Boxer?The answer is "no" if... Read More
Dog eye problems can occur at any time. You should... Read More
If your dog could talk, these are some of most... Read More
It has been said that everything old is new again.... Read More
He will be there by your side, as your loving... Read More
Good filtration is the prime priority in the discus tank.... Read More
Many dogs today suffer from itchy skin caused by a... Read More
Most pet owners have become very educated about their pet... Read More
Des Moines rental limo ..Unfortunately, accidents can - and DO happen, so it's always... Read More
You know what it's like. You see a cute curly... Read More
If you thought dog noses were just a source of... Read More
Gain some insight into how your favorite feline actually feels... Read More
One of the cutest looking dogs around is the Lhasa... Read More
The 10 Greatest Puppy Training Tips of All Time According... Read More
Many people think cats are asocial, but in fact they... Read More
A New Understanding of AllergiesAllergies of all kinds seem to... Read More
Selecting a Kitten It is best to choose your... Read More
The 6 Keys To Building A Life Long Partnership With... Read More
If you're looking for an unusual, eye-catching pet, it's hard... Read More
Of the thirty-three terrier breeds (most of which were first... Read More
Could a horse trainer, born about 154 years ago, teach... Read More
Without agility, the most muscular person in the world couldn't... Read More
Almost all communities in the U.S. require at least one... Read More
Last summer, we added a new pet to our family... Read More
One we must regrettably share with our children for they... Read More
Oscar is kind of a funny name and it fit... Read More
This is an 11 step guide to setting up a... Read More
The term applehead Chihuahua refers to the shape of a... Read More
Cute cat names? Max is popular, Lady a favorite for... Read More
You want your dog to swim?We're going to try to... Read More
Dog training is not rocket science and is not as... Read More
For realistic tips for humans who are moving with cats,... Read More
So what does it mean to float a horse's teeth?... Read More
Pet |