Traveling With Your Dog

Obesity has not only become a pandemic among humans, but pets as well. Weight gain can be attributed to over-eating, lack of exercise, genetics, and health conditions. Obesity in pets is more than a problem, it is becoming a lifestyle. To combat the effects of obesity in pets, here are some suggestions.

The most prominent reason for dogs to becoming overweight are: Uncontrolled eating, too many extras, such as treats, lack of exercise, being fed a diet of "people food" and one of the causes may be medical in the form of Hypothyroidism.

Pets that are obese can develop an array of health problems such as diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, liver disease, painful joints, and a shorter life span. To determine the appropriate weight for your pet, visit your vet. He can ascertain the ideal weight for your pet based on breed, bone structure, and type of body.

Once you have these facts, you can then begin changing your dogs diet and increasing your dogs activity. A diet consisting of a low fat , high fiber and high quality meat based dog products are a place to start. Stop giving your pet treats as this may help in reducing your dogs weight. Your dog should not be a part of your evening meal as this may stop you from giving scraps as your dog begs at the table.

Do not leave any food around the kitchen or living room area. Many times when we are watching TV, we tend to have a snack or two. Try to stop presenting this type of temptation to your pet.

As with humans, pets can also become sedentary. The more weight they gain, the harder it is for them to adjust to a healthier lifestyle.

In addition, there are certain breeds that are more vulnerable to weight gain than others.
For example, a beagle is first and foremost a hunting dog. Most owners keep their beagles outdoors. They exercise the beagles daily and are usually taken to open fields on the weekend so they can run and do that which is natural for them.

Conversely, there are beagle owners who keep these dogs indoors. While they may take them for daily walks, the beagle grows accustomed to the sedentary lifestyle. While beagles can range in size from 13 inches to 16 inches, the more they gain weight, the more they become sluggish and lethargic and lose the energetic flair they are most known for. The lazy lifestyle is contrary to their nature.

Let’s face it; you put food in front of any pet, especially a dog, and they can swallow the contents of an entire bowl in seconds. Even then, they are not fully satisfied. Pets that are especially pampered and not given a daily routine can become obese.

Prevention is the first step in assuring your pet maintains a healthy lifestyle. They need to burn calories, and exercise can achieve that. If you can’t feel your pet’s ribs, but are met with folds of skin; it’s time to take put your pet on a diet.

In addition to daily walks, take your pet to the park on weekends or arrange a play date with other pets in the neighborhood. The more active they are, the less likely they will develop health problems. Feed your pet the same time every day and do not leave a bowl of food around for them to eat at will. Hydration is important so your dog should have access to water at all times. It's important to recognize that the calories burned must exceed calories taken in. You can reduce the food, fat , calories and increase exercise. It works best when you use each of these approaches.

Pets rely on us for everything. Too much food, and the instant gratification it offers, would be the ultimate disservice to them.

If you are not convinced that your dog is overweight check your dogs ribs. The ribs should be easy to feel but are not visible. Next feel the dogs hips. You should only feel a small amount of flesh, not large clumps of muscle and fat.

Still not sure your dog is overweight? Have your veterinarian do the same exam of your dog. Obesity is one of the most common things vets see in their practice.

We can trust our vet due to their education and overall knowledge about dogs to confirm for us whether or not our pet is fat. The vet wants only what is best for your dog. The dogs should have an hour glass figure, if he's not overweight.

Once the vet confirms your dog is overweight it's up to you to change your bad habits as it relates to your dog and start placing your dog on the track to good health and a reasonable weight. Follow your vets advice for the best results.

Fran Gratton RubMyBellyToo.com POB 107 116 Gay Street Phoenixville, PA 19460 610-933-5810 888-558-3837

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