Reducing Your Dog's Fat Intake

You may think your dog's pudgy rolls are lovable,
but a vet will assert that an overweight dog is
at more significant risk for health problems
relating to joint pressure, heart disease, high
blood pressure, arthritis, cancer and canine
diabetes. Controlling your dog's heaviness is
one of the most crucial things you can do as a
pet owner to keep your pet happy and healthier.

Most often, a dog's weight problems are due to
poor diet and lack of exercise. Weight gain may
also occur as a result of hormone issues like
Cushing's syndrome or hypothyroidism. Certain
breeds like beagles, pugs, cocker spaniels and
bulldogs are more genetically prone to being
overweight. For most dogs though, obesity is a
result of improper care.

Veterinarians generally classify dogs that
weigh more than 20% above the normal weight as
obese. At the ideal weight, you should be able
to feel your dog's ribs and he or she should
have a clear waistline. Overweight dogs will
have a belly that hangs and no visible waist. If
your dog falls in the latter category it is time
to make changes in his diet and routine.

A healthy diet is essential to changing and
maintaining your dog's weight. Consult with your
veterinarian to determine a healthy weight and
diet plan for your dog. A low-calorie regimin
may be recommended that will satisfy your pup's
hunger while providing essential nutrients and
vitamins.

To avoid causing an upset stomach, gradually
ease your dog into his new diet. Start by
including just a small amount of diet food mixed
with his regular food. Add a little more diet
chow each day while decreasing the amount of
regular food so he has time to adjust to the
changes.

Family meal time should be for the human family
only. Many dogs gain weight because their
table-side begging tactics work, gaining them a
morsel of steak or leftover dinner scraps. If
begging is a problem, keep the dog in another
room while you are eating and resist the
temptation to feed him from your plate.

Cut back on treats and use verbal cues or toys
as an alternative reward. If you can't resist
giving treats, make them healthier by offering
apple slices with a touch of peanut butter or
homemade oatmeal balls.

Exercise is also important to maintaining a
healthy weight. If your dog is overweight,
chances are that you need more exercise too.
Make exercising together part of your daily
habit. Obese dogs may need to start off slowly
but will eventually work up to taking long
walks. A rousing game of fetch can also burn
calories, build endurance and improve muscle
functioning. A trip to the dog park will provide
both exercise and socialization

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If you are still unsure about how to reduce your
dogs weight this year, please consult your vet.
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