Posts Tagged ‘Obesity’
There are always times when we worry about our dog’s eating habits. The two most common worries are overeating and not eating enough. Both can have profound effects of your dog’s digestive system and health. Overeating leads to obesity, which in turn can affect your dog’s circulatory system, just as it does in humans. Not eating enough leads to poor nutrition which has a profound effect your dog’s immune system and can cause serious damage to other systems.
To combat overeating, which is usually snacking throughout the day, do not leave food for your dog at all times. Leaving a constant supply of dog food is referred to as free feeding or free range feeding. Some dogs just don’t do well being fed this way. In these cases, you need to feed your dog at the same time every day, allowing him only about 30 minutes to eat. He will probably balk at this in the beginning; you will need to offer him the food and remove the bowl if he hasn’t eaten in within the 30 minute time period, offer it to him later following the same routine. Once he has eaten his food, do not give him any more for the rest of the day. Repetition of this procedure at the same time every day will teach him to eat at that time and give you control over the amount of food he takes into his body.
Changing the habits of a dog that is not eating enough can be tougher, unless it is a result of a life stress: moving, losing a loved one (person or other animal), and changes in food are examples of life stress for a dog. In cases of life stress, the problem usually works itself out as long as the dog is given plenty of love and support. Sometimes, the problem can be a serious health condition and should be treated by a veterinarian. Because this is the case, we suggest that you take your dog to the vet if the problem persists.
Why is My Dog Moving His Food?
Dog’s may have different reasons for moving their food. Sometimes it is just a force of habit, maybe you have recently moved his food bowl and he is used to eating in the old place. If you have recently done this and he is taking his food mouthful by mouthful to the old place, give it a week or so. He may become comfortable with the new placement. If he continues to take the food after a couple of weeks, he’ll probably be more comfortable if you just go ahead and put the food bowl back in the old place.
If you have other dogs, he may be taking his food so that he can eat in peace. This happens more when there is a size variety of dogs in the house. Smaller dogs will take their food, by mouthfuls, to someplace that the larger dogs cannot get to. Then they feel more comfortable about eating and don’t have to worry about the larger dogs taking food away. It also happens in homes that have young children, as the dog is trying to eat in a place that the children cannot get to them. If your smaller dog is doing this, you need to work on ’sharing.’ This should be done with all dogs in the house. Our articles about food protection (one titled, Puppies and Food Protection and one titled, Resource Guarding) will help you accomplish this.
Another reason your dog may be moving food is that he just wants to be near you while he eats. In the wild, mealtime is one of the times that animals are most vulnerable to attack. Even though your dog is not, and probably has not been ‘in the wild,’ these instincts remain. He feels safer, knowing that you’re there to watch out for him while he eats. It may be easier in this case to just feed him when you can be close or move the food bowl near you.
Article Source: http://www.hobbyarticledirectory.com
downtown doggy manufactures dog clothes and dog jackets.
In many respects, dogs are very similar to humans. For example, one of their biggest health problems is obesity. To many owners, a tubby dog is extra cuddly, but the fact of the matter is that a fat dog is an unhealthy dog! In much the same way as obesity affects humans, dogs too can suffer from diabetes exacerbated by over weight, and their life expectancy can be seriously shortened.
Some pet owners do not know if their dog is overweight or not. A layer of blubber around the dogs midriff does not mean it has a comfortable weight. A simple way to find out is with a simple visual check. Your should be able to easily feel the ribs under the dog’s skin. If a dog is overweight then the will have a layer of fat over their ribs.
There are a number of factors that can effect a dogs weight. Over feeding is probably the most common, but lack of exercise can compound the problem of over eating dramatically. There are other factors too though, some not as obvious as those just outlined. For example, and depending on the age, breed and sex of the dog, conditions such as hyperthyroidism or hyperadrenocorticism can also play a part. If you suspect that you pet is overweight, then your first port of call should be to the vet, just in case something more serious is at play.
Once you have ruled out any serious health problems from the equation, you can start to deal with the other factors yourself. Make a plan of the quantity and quality of the food that you give your dog, and how many times you actually feed it. Many cheap brands of dog food are not fully nutritious, so one of the first things to do will be to get better quality food for your pet. If you have any doubts, talk to your veterinarian about the diet you give your dog, because they will be well placed to advise you with respect to the breed and age of the animal. If you do change your dog’s diet, do so over a period of time rather than all at once. Let your dog’s digestive system deal with the changes, especially if they are quite radical.
Treat your dog as you would treat yourself if you were on a diet. Cut out sweets for example, especially if they are high in calories. Make notes of exactly what you feed your dog, especially with respect to the calorific content. As with humans, losing weight is all about calorie deficit, and one of the first things to do is to check the dog’s calorie intake. Try and avoid feeding your dog leftovers as well, even if they are used to having them. Human food has not been prepared with dogs in mind, and will often have higher calorie content than a dog should have.
The other side of the weight loss coin is adequate exercise. Dogs need to have a huge amount of exercise to remain healthy, far more than you take yourself, no matter how fit you are. If your dog is overweight, they should go for at least two walks a day, of minimum duration of 30 to 45 minutes each. This will depend largely on the size of your dog. If you have such a thing as a dog park nearby, then take your dog there. Play lots of games which involve you throwing and the dog running. Less work for you and more for the dog, but that is the way that it should be. And it can be fun too!
Try to look at a long term plan for your dog’s weight loss, and not a crash diet. A gradual program will be more sustainable over the long term. Remember to record your dog’s weight too, a keep an eye on progress regularly.
By and large, dogs become overweight by overeating and inactivity, much as we do. Follow the feeding guidelines set by your vet, improve the quality of the food you give your dog, and increase the amount of exercise and activity your dog gets. Following these simple rules will get your dog back to being the way that nature intended. They will thank you for it!
Article Source: http://www.hobbyarticledirectory.com
Do you have an overweight dog? Discover how to find out if it is, and learn the best tips for getting your dog lose weight and look fit and trim.
When we think of dogs we tend to think of agile creatures that love to exercise and play, have speed and power, and are sleek or cuddly. However, just like humans and other animals, dogs are creatures that can be prone to weight problems, some breeds far more than others.
Most dogs love their food and treats, and although most love to exercise and play there are also those that are quite happy to toast their paws in front of the fire and play the “couch potato” whenever given the chance. And, of course, the combination of lack of exercise and over-feeding can lead to a very fat little dog.
Avoiding obesity in your dog
Some dogs can be far more susceptible than others to weight gain, and for dogs this can result in a range of associated health problems. Weight gain can not only make your dog miserable, but reduce his quality of life, and even reduce his lifespan.
This is why it is important for responsible owners to monitor and maintain a healthy weight for their dogs, and in the event of weight gain to take action in order to try and get their weight back on track.
We all love to give our dogs treats to show them how much we care, but often this is doing more damage than good. Just like with children, the odd treat is fine, but regular treats coupled with large portions of food can quickly lead to excess weight.
Another factor that can affect your dog’s weight is of course the level of exercise that he receives. Believe it or not, there are some dogs that actually have to be persuaded to go for their walks. In some cases, other health problems such as undiagnosed thyroid problems can affect your dog’s weight and cause your dog to get fat.
If you have a dog that is happy never to step out of the house, you shouldn’t just shrug and thank your lucky stars that you don’t have the extra duty of having to take him out each day. Instead, you need to make a concerted effort to ensure that he does get regular exercise, no matter how gentle. If your dog is very overweight you should get advice from your vet to find out why he has gained weight, and how you can get the situation under control.
A number of health problems can affect fat dogs, which is why it is important to keep your dog’s weight under control. Some of the weight related health problems that can affect your pet include heart, lung, liver, kidney, and joint problems, amongst others. Some of the breeds that are prone to weight gain because of genetics include Dachshunds, Basset Hounds, Labrador Retrievers, and Beagles.
Article Source: http://www.hobbyarticledirectory.com
Don’t forget to check out these articles on dog food and diet… Rebecca writes on puppy and dog concerns here.
Reduce Dog Obesity
An overweight dog does not look healthy, and this only occurs because of overfeeding, not because they choose this lifestyle. It is only through overfeeding that we make this happen to our pets.
DISEASES CAUSED BY DOG OBESITY
If you want to learn about weight loss for dogs, the first thing you should do is consult your vet and get his approval and advice. That said and done, there are many reasons and tips to help you achieve the goal of a healthy pet.
Obesity in our pets is ultimately our responsibility. After all we are in control of their nutrition. It has become an epidemic that is associated with our own “couch potato” lifestyle. There are many problems that can be caused by obesity in our dogs which can be prevented if they are fed an all natural healthy organic diet. Some of these ailments (which mimic our own problems with over indulgence) include:
JOINT AND WALKING DIFFICULTIES – this is due to added weight and stress put on joints, bones, and muscles. This can cause back problems, hip dysplasia, lethargy, and aggravation of arthritis.
HEART AND RESPIRATORY DISEASES – Obesity causes extra stress on the heart and lungs, making them tork harder than a dog that is physically fit.
DIABETES – This is more prevalent in obese pets.
LIVER DISEASE – This is also associated with obese pets.
SKIN PROBLEMS – Being fat causes difficulty in your pet’s grooming ability. Just as overweight humans have trouble reaching their feet to tie their shoes when a fat belly is in the way, a dog can’t reach all areas that need self cleaning. Dirt and bacteria can become embedded in fat rolls and cause infections.
STOMACH PROBLEMS – There is a painful and life threatening condition, called pancreatitis, which is seen more and more in obese pets.
Just as the above diseases mimic our own obesity related problems, they are curable or preventable if you keep your dog healthy, active and fed nutrionally premium dog food.
WEIGHT LOSS TIPS FOR DOGS
Putting your pet on a fat reducing diet and increasing exercise, as prescribed by your vet, is the best way to show your love to your pet. There are many excellent healthy organic dog foods available that are high in protein and low in fat. Check the labels carefully and make sure you buy the best organic dog food you can afford, with the highest amount of organic ingredients and low fat content.
Elimination of bad high calorie treats and table scraps is the easiest weight loss for dogs tip there is. Extra calories from treats pile up quickly. Choosing the wrong type of high fat, high calorie treat for your dog is not a good practice, so be aware of the difference between good and bad treats. Choose healthy!
TREATS
At 40 kcals is KARMA ORGANIC DOG TREATS
Bonz treats for small dogs 70 kcals
Milk Bone Dog Biscuit – one large 115 kcals
Fresh Carrot – baby size 3 kcals
Green Beans – 1 cup canned (this in my girls favorite) 25 kcals
Air popped popcorn (1/2 ounce) 54 kcals
1 slice Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza (NOT RECOMMENDED) 259 kcals
20 Dorito brand chips (NOT RECOMMENDED) 260 kcals
At 17 kcals is: MOTHER NATURE NATURAL DOG BISCUITS
At 45 kcals is: SOLID GOLD NATUR-BONE BISCUITS
At 50 kcals is: INNOVA HEALTH BARS – SMALL SIZE
Oreo Cookies – 2 (NOT RECOMMENDED) 130 kcals
McDonalds Quarter Pounder with cheese (YUCK!) 525 kcals
A kcal is a kilo calorie per unit or calorie as we call it in every day terms.
(A 20 pound dog needs 690 kcals daily for optimum health.) A few Doritos here, a Oreo cookie there and sharing a Quarter Pounder will equal your dogs total calorie need for a whole day. This on top of his regular dinner is simply unhealthy and easy to change.
Sometimes, just eliminating the unhealthy treats and going on a daily walk is all that is necessary is helping your pet become fit and energetic again.
Remember, we speak for our pets, and taking proper care and giving them the best that we can is what makes our bond with animals so special.
Article Source: http://www.approvedarticles.com
Older dogs are more common today than ever before due to better vaccines, better nutrition, and better health care; however, despite these advantages, older dogs have specific needs that must be met to insure continued health. As a dog ages he begins to experience hearing, vision, and dental problems.
He may undergo behavioral changes associated with arthritis and cognitive dysfunction. He may experience periods of disorientation, have accidents, and lose his tolerance. He may become less active and lose muscle and his organs could begin to fail. Although we can’t prevent these maladies all together, we can be ready for them and address the issues as they come.
Everybody would rather see a fat dog rather than a skinny one, unfortunately fat is unhealthy. The best thing you can do for your older dog is to watch his diet. If your pet has a tendency to be overweight, weight loss will be difficult, but you should continue trying. Make sure he’s eating a low calorie, low protein and high fiber diet.
What Other Types of Things Happen to Older Dogs?
While some people struggle with obesity in their elderly pets others struggle with the opposite. Many older dogs have trouble holding weight. Dental problems often make eating painful; changing to a softer food such as canned food or softening the food with broth helps tremendously.
Older dogs can experience trouble with their vision, along with their hearing. In this way, they can be quite similar to humans as they get older. It’s always a good idea to bring your dog to a vet every year so these items can be watched and monitored.
Also, an older dog who has become less active will have often developed arthritis. This can make it very painful to run as they once did. This can make it tough to do something as basic as going to the bathroom. Because of this, it is vital that you are patient and kind, in order to help them as it isn’ their fault. Your beloved dog is simply getting older as we all must.
Many elderly animals simply don’t have an appetite. In cases such as this a change in diet is recommended. A home made diet of milk, eggs, rice potatoes, hamburger, chicken and vegetable fortified with the correct vitamin and mineral supplements usually tweaks the dog’s appetite. People have found changing from canned dog food to canned cat food also helps.
The day to day aches and pains older dogs must endure can usually be controlled by supplements. Glucosamine and Chondroitin lubricate joints easing the pain of arthritis. A diet high in fiber controls constipation. Without these nagging pains older dogs are able to get the exercise they need in order to stay healthy.
The most important part of maintaining the health of your older dog is regular veterinary care. With regular visits many of these problems can be diverted before compromising your pet’s health.
Article Source: http://www.hobbyarticledirectory.com
Mike Long runs a dog training website that focuses on educating people about the different ways of training your dog or puppy. If you would like to learn more, including additional articles, and training tips, tricks, and ideas, check out his site at dogtraininginfo.wordpress.com.