5 Tips To Prevent Pet Obesity
Homemade Puppies, LLC strives to be your trusted source for not only connecting with your new fur-baby, but also answering the dog related questions you may have to enhance your experience with your dog/puppy. Each week our in house dog expert, Katie, answers your puppy and dog questions. Submit your canine questions to info@homemadepuppies.com.
As always puppies advertised with Homemade Puppies, LLC are always 100% raised in-home by responsible family breeders...never raised outside or in a barn, etc. No Puppy Mills, ever. We promise. www.homemadepuppies.com
Here is this week's blog from Katie!
Obesity is a problem that plagues the human population as well as our pets. Statistics show that 56% of the dog population in America is overweight, with more than half of those dogs being over 5 years old.
How do you tell if your dog is overweight? When you place your hands on the sides of your dog, you should be able to feel their rib cage under a slight layer of fat. If you have to push hard to feel the rib cage or you can't feel the rib cage at all your dog might be overweight. Another body indicator is your dog's waistline. The area directly in front of his back legs is your dog's waist. When your dog is standing you should see a slight indent and a bit of a tuck at his waist. If your dog's waist bulges out or hangs down instead of being tucked up, he is probably overweight. Each breed has a breed standard. It usually gives a range of weight that the breed typically falls in. For example the typical weight range for a male Labrador retriever is 64-79 pounds. There are definitely exceptions to this of course! Your veterinarian can help you determine if your dog is at a healthy weight.
If you determine that your dog is overweight, here are some tips to help him get to a healthier weight.
1. Consult your veterinarian. Some health issues cause a dog to gain weight. Thyroid disease, diabetes, intestinal parasites, hormone imbalance and stress among other causes can lead to unhealthy weight gain. Consulting with your veterinarian is very important before starting any sort of weight loss program for your dog. Rule out any medical issues that could be causing your dog to gain weight.
2. Feed them less. Over feeding is the number one reason for excessive weight in our dogs. Decreasing your dog's daily calorie intake is the first step to weight loss. There are commercial foods that are meant to help with weight loss by being lower in calories while still being filling for your dog. It is recommended to pre-portion your dog's food for the day. By doing this you and your family can be on the same page. Mom won't think the dog didn't have breakfast even though Dad just gave breakfast before he left the house, and Sister gives Dog a little snack while she eats breakfast and then Brother gives a few treats on his way out the door... you get the picture.
3. Feed healthy treats. Many vegetables and fruits are healthy for dogs and are lower in calories than commercial treats. One Milkbone is like a whole donut for your dog. Carrots, sweet peppers, green beans, bananas, and blueberries are all healthy choices for treats. When training, treats can be super tiny! The size of your pink finger nail or smaller. Real, lean meats such as boiled chicken or fish can be a healthy treat alternative. Resist giving too many treats. Remember, your dog's daily diet provides all the nutrition he needs. Treats are extra.
4. Find alternatives to food rewards. Many people use food to reward their dog. Find rewards that your dog enjoys that aren't food. It could be petting and cuddles, a fun game of tug or fetch, or special permission to chew a favorite bone or special toy. Chewing on non-consumable bones/toys can be very satisfying to your dog and is also healthy for their teeth and gums.
5. Exercise. Increasing your dogs daily activity will help burn off calories. Exercise doesn't have to be just taking a walk. Hiking, playing in the yard, and swimming are all great forms of exercise. Use active/ interactive toys for meal times. There are treat balls the dog has to push around to get the food out. Snuffle mats are a type of mat with long pieces of cloth that you can hide your dog's food in. You can make a scavenger hunt where the dog has to search the house for prices of kibble that are hidden here and there. These types of games are great for mental stimulation as well as a great way to get your dog active.
Taking slow, steady steps to decrease your dog's weight is the best plan to get your dog healthy. Working together with your veterinarian will ensure that your pet loses weight at a safe rate. Maintaining your pet at a healthy weight is a wonderful way to show your pet you love them and that their health is important to you.
Do you have a question for Katie? Submit your question(s) to info@homemadepuppies.com.
Looking for a puppy? We have a large variety of puppies from pure-bred to mixed breed and large to small. Check out the in-home raised puppies we offer at www.homemadepuppies.com. The puppy's information such as location, description, price, breeder's contact information will be listed on the puppy's page. As always puppies advertised on Homemade Puppies are always 100% raised in-home...never a kennel or barn, etc. No Puppy Mills, ever. We promise.
Do you have a litter of in-home raised puppies that you would like to advertise on www.homemadepuppies.com? Email info@homemadepuppies.com for more information on how to get started!
