Article From SubmitYOURArticle.com: How to Control Springer Spaniel Weight

Normal healthy springer spaniels dogs should not
have a weight problem as they are active very
active dogs. Springer spaniel weight problems can
occur just as ours do - if they eat more than
they burn off, and then weight gain is the
result. There are several possible reasons why he
may be getting more than his fair share, and they
may not be obvious to his owner.

Normal English springer spaniel size and weight
is as follows for the adult Show (Bench)
bloodline:

Male: Height 18-20[&quote;] (46-51 cm) Weight
50-55 lb (23-25 kg)

Bitch: Height 17-19" (43-48 cm) Weight 35-45 lb
(16-20 kg)

Field (thay is, working line) English springer
spaniels are a couple of pounds lighter.

Welsh Springer Spaniels are about 1-2 inches
lower, and weigh a couple of pounds less.

Check your dog's weight regularly, so that if you
do think he is overweight then you can monitor
his weight and changes resulting from any of
these suggestions below. Remember that golden
rule: If you do not measure it you cannot improve
it.

Check the Worming Schedule

Assuming that the dog is being wormed in line
with your veterinarian's recommendations -
intervals will depend on the worming treatment
being used - then you should therefore have no
suspicion of worms.

Now, moving on to food. If you are giving your
springer his regular food in the correct
quantities, then what extra might he be getting?

Feeding and Scraps

Some families share feeding responsibilities are
shared, so check that everyone is giving the
springer the correct quantities - occasionally
children can be a bit generous when those
appealing springer eyes are watching them prepare
the food.

Some owners give their dogs table scraps. Feed
your dog once a day, leave the bowl out for 10
minutes only, then clear it away and wash it. If
you have table scraps hold them till the next
meal and mix them in - don't give them as an
extra snack.

Treats

If your dog is getting treats, then check the
calorie content. A small treat to us, say 50
calories for a cookie, against our weight of say
130 lbs (60 kg) is, relatively, almost 3 times as
much to a normal adult springer of 50 lbs (20 kg)
weight. If you must give your dog treats (and
everyone likes to now and again!) then use dog
treats from your pet store.

Exercise

The correct amount of exercise for an adult
springer is about 30 minutes twice a day, on
average. Check that your dog is getting his
quota, and the children are not stopping off or
taking shortcuts when they are on dog-walking
rota.

Springers are not running dogs, they are
endurance dogs and a couple of ways of giving
them a bit more exercise which are easy on you
are:

* take him swimming on the weekends - he
should happily retrieve sticks from the lake or
stream, and it does not take much effort from you.

* Hunting - lay some bait (an old sock or
glove of yours) in a bush as you are heading out
on your walk (when he is running ahead and not
watching); then, on your way back set him on the
hunt while you take a break. Lots of fun!

Variety is important to springers, and if you
have half a dozen different places to take him
for his exercise, then you will find that he will
be much more active than on the same routine walk
round the block every evening.

As They Get Older

Springers who are in old age - say more than
about 9 years old - should be having a diet
lighter in protein and fat than a springer in the
full flush of adulthood. Change to the diet in
this way must be done carefully so as to keep the
dietary balance.

Of course, older dogs are less interested in
exercise as their joints stiffen up, and so some
adjustment to food quantity is advisable to
compensate.

If all this fails and you see no change in a
month or so, and your dog is generally active and
perky, then it is time to check with your
veterinarian.

We have talked here about weight gain, but loss
of weight can be serious, so keeping a monthly
record of your springer's weight is important.

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Things to check and monitor to control springer
spaniel weight can be found at =>
http://www.springerspanieladvice.com/springer-span
iel-weight/ together with lot more about their
care and welfare at
http://www.springerspanieladvice.com . Written by
a long term owner of English and Welsh springer
spaniels - rescue dogs and pups alike.

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