Dog Obesity
Numerous studies have revealed that more people are obese nowadays than ever before and we are not the only ones. Not only are people getting fatter than ever before so are their dogs; and the phenomenon could have major implications for both groups. Overweight dogs run a lot of similar risks that obese people do. When a dog is above weight it is at higher risk of heart disease, respiratory ailments, weak joints and other problems. In short; it is every bit as dangerous for a dog to be carrying extra weight as it is for a individual – perhaps more so due to the shorter lifespan that dogs have. An overweight eight year old dog is akin to an overweight fifty-six year old man and subject to many of the same health risks.
Fortunately for us and our dogs; the equation is associative and works the same in the opposite direction. Just as a healthy diet and plenty of good cardiovascular exercise can trim down a chubby man; it can also take the extra weight off of a dog.
Dog Diets
To reduce the overweight or obese dog’s body weight, a course of diet and working out should be introduced. It is vital to visit a veterinarian as the doctor can decide whether the dog’s size is simply due to high caloric intake or some other medical concern like diabetes. The vet can also give you the best suggestions about diet and exercise. There are many brands of dog food on the market that are specifically balanced to help a dog lose weight.
Despite what food or dietary supplements you’re using, there is no substitute for the support and commitment of the family. Each member must agree to help control the dog’s caloric intake, feeding exact amounts at exact times and limiting the intake of snacks. Feeding the dog additional treats or table scraps on the sly will not be doing the pooch any favours.
Dog Exercise Programs
Exercise is essential for any dog. A dog that doesn’t get enough exercise rapidly gains weight and could become exceptionally keyed up or very lethargic. Fortunately, nearly all dogs love to exercise by nature. They enjoy running and playing with their owners. The overweight dog my be reluctant to exercise at first, but if you persist in taking him for walks or to play games like “fetch” (most dogs love to run after a thrown tennis ball or other object), the pup will soon come around and start exercising more regularly and for longer periods of time.
It Takes Time
People don’t get to their ideal weight overnight when dieting and neither will a dog. Remember that Rover didn’t put on those extra pounds all at once and they won’t come off that way either. Most dogs take between ten and twelve months to reach their ideal weight goal, depending upon how much extra weight must be lost.