or you might find yourself in the DOG house…
Little healthful tidbits that go a long way – what to do when it comes to your pup’s extra poundage & what you need to know to help Rover get back in shape.
From time to time I will include a health section for pet owners – because a fluffy little friend who is also healthy will make you feel good too – and we all know that feeling good is a healthy thing for us humans too.
When that wagging tail greets us at the front door after a long day, stress fades away in a slobbery instant. And all the love we get from our loyal companions makes us want to reciprocate – often with food. But showing affection with bones or biscuits can lead to extra weight gain – and extra pounds pose weighty issues. “Dogs may suffer many of the same diseases as humans as a result of too much weight,” says Ernie Ward, a veterinarian and senior veterinary editor of the Pet Health Network (pethealthnetwork.com) – think arthritis, joint damage, blown knee ligaments, high blood pressure, breathing problems, and, in some cases, type 2 diabetes. The following is a road map for keeping your dog at a healthy weight.
Weigh In – Getting an accurate scale reading requires a trip to the vet, but there are indicators that you can check for at home. “You should be able to feel but not see your dog’s ribs; if you can’t, it’s likely over-weight,” says Louise Murray, a veterinary internal-medicine specialist and vice president of the ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, in New York City. Chubby dogs may also have a saggy belly, visible from the side. If your dog shows any of these warning signs, schedule an appointment with the vet.
Treat Lightly – People tend to blame canine weight gain on lack of exercise, but over-feeding, particularly of treats, is usually the culprit. “Treats are silent saboteurs of good health, and account for a tremendous amount of calories, salt and fat,” says Ward. He recommends nutrient-rich alternatives like small pieces of veggies (broccoli, green beans, carrots) or lean cooked meat, which taste better than processed treats. Single-ingredient store-bought treats, like salmon flakes or freeze-dried fruits and meats, are also good options. Treat within reason. If you notice weight gain, scale back.
Chat about Chow – how much to feed at mealtime depends on the type of food, the dog’s metabolism, and other variables like activity level, age and gender. (Note: spaying and neutering can slow metabolism). Portion guidelines on dog-food labels may be unreliable – they’re calculated to meet the most demanding canine lifestyles of active unspayed or un-neutered dogs. As a result, people are over feeding their dogs by 25 to 50 percent each day. Check with your vet to see what kind of food your specific dog needs and how much.
Get Moving – Dogs, like humans, may benefit from daily aerobic exercise. Half an hour each day is recommended.
By Jennifer Tzeses
Check out these dietary supplements for ultimate health & well-being for your pet at http://www.myultimatepet.com/
**Check out Ward’s canine-to-human treat equivalent at http://www.marthastewart.com/treat-cheat-sheet.)
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