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.
reliable maid service Highland Park ..A few years ago, before I decided to stay home... Read More
Making sure that accidents don't happen in the first place... Read More
As a business, I've not been in the holistic pet... Read More
The real apistogramma's come from southern America, they all have... Read More
I get a lot of horse training questions about stopping... Read More
The first thing to realize when you are training a... Read More
You may be hearing more talk these days about "Essential... Read More
So, you read somewhere that introducing a new kitten into... Read More
Dog Shock CollarsDog shock collars are a touchy subject among... Read More
When it comes to the art of giving, a gift... Read More
Selecting a Kitten It is best to choose your... Read More
So you have a mature pair of discus fish that... Read More
Lemon TetraGlassily transparent, the lemon tetra (hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis) could appear... Read More
You love your dog. You would do anything for your... Read More
Gone are the days of boring bird cages. Today's bird... Read More
Is your dog due for a makeover? Has she been... Read More
Yesterday we talked a little about the 6 Keys for... Read More
People love big, protective and loving dogs and that's why... Read More
Proper training of your dog should begin when he is... Read More
Goldfish care is critical for the health of your goldfish.... Read More
Did you know that there are key health benefits that... Read More
Show an uninformed dog lover a photo of a Westie,... Read More
Canine Parvovirus, is a viral disease that attacks dogs and... Read More
For Discus fish, there are 2 consideration in tanks -... Read More
Teaching your puppy crate training is the first and best... Read More
house cleaning company Lincolnshire ..Obesity is one of the most important health concerns facing... Read More
The proper selection of a training collar can have a... Read More
I'd like to talk to you about pet vaccinations. I... Read More
Unfortunately, there are a number of household items which we... Read More
Breed specific legislation otherwise known as "BSL" has started to... Read More
Pet DoorsAre you considering installing a pet door for your... Read More
Just say the word cancer and any of a host... Read More
House rabbits are a perfect pet for many people, regardless... Read More
Puppies are a bundle of newfound joy. You've prepared the... Read More
The 10 Greatest Puppy Training Tips of All Time According... Read More
According to holistic veternarian Dr. Jane Bicks, the maximum life... Read More
A few years ago, before I decided to stay home... Read More
Every month I am approached by dog owners of my... Read More
What is Canine Distemper?Canine distemper is a highly contagios disease... Read More
This is a question that has been asked of me... Read More
Flea control can be a very hard thing to do... Read More
How do you build a goldfish pond outdoors?The tools you... Read More
When it comes to the art of giving, a gift... Read More
If you take a quick look at this species they... Read More
Wondering how to begin crate training your puppy or dog,... Read More
My dog has fleas. That one statement is enough to... Read More
Puppy TrainingPuppy training can be a trying time. The key... Read More
There seems to be an alarming trend to have cats... Read More
One of the reasons I strongly encourage horse owners to... Read More
We all know that good food, a loving home and... Read More
Pet |