Preventing Obesity in Dogs
1-Provide exercise
- Strengthens respiratory and
circulatory systems
- Helps get oxygen to tissue cells
- Keeps muscles toned and joints flexible
- Releases energy, relieves boredom, and
keeps mind active
- Aids in digestion
2-Choose the correct type and amount of food
Dogs need different types and amounts of food
during their life stages. Younger animals require more
energy, protein, and minerals than older dogs. Active field trial dogs, and
dogs
who are outside in cooler weather would also have
greater
energy needs. Pregnant or nursing dogs
require increased protein, minerals, and energy. 'Couch potato' dogs, however, have
much lower energy needs. Older dogs, even if they remain active, may require fewer calories
than when they were young.
Some dogs regulate their intake well, others eat
anything in sight. In general, it is best to provide
food as 'meals' rather than having a food bowl filled with food available at
all times (free choice, ad. lib.). This way it is easier to
monitor intake and food will not become stale.
In a multiple pet household, providing food as
meals also helps to ensure the pet is eating
the food appropriate for him.
3-Regularly monitor the dog's weight
It is easy for us to put on a couple of pounds
and not notice it until we try wearing something we have not worn for a while.
It is even harder to notice small weight gains in dogs. By routinely weighing
your dog (at the same time of day, on the same scale), you will be able to
notice a slight weight increase (or decrease) before it becomes a serious
problem.
4-Regulate the weight of young dogs
Dogs who are overweight while growing have a
greaterrisk of becoming overweight as adults. We need to make sure growing
animals have adequate nutrition, but we do not want to feed too much. In
addition to contributing to weight problems as the animal ages, excess weight
when young can contribute to other problems such as
joint disease.
5-Limit or eliminate treats and table scraps
The extra calories and decreased nutritional value of treats and
table scraps are often the biggest offenders when it comes to weight control. Treats are
generally better than table scraps, and have their use, as when training dogs to 'come.' But
giving too many treats can have serious consequences. Most dogs, when it comes right down to
it, would rather have your attention than a treat. Spending extra time playing or
grooming your dog will probably give you both much more satisfaction than the treat, which is
gobbled up in three seconds and then forgotten
6-Treat any contributing factors or diseases
Although most weight gain in dogs is simply due to feeding too much or
exercising too little, there are medical
conditions which can contribute to obesity. Many of these conditions can be treated.
If your dog has an unexplained increase in appetite or weight,
have your dog examined by your veterinarian to be
sure there is not a disease process causing the problem.
3/28/2013