Preventing Obesity
Many veterinarians believe that obesity is the biggest canine health problem. Between 25 and 50 percent of all dogs are overweight. This unhealthy condition leads to many health problems, including diabetes, bone and joint diseases, heart and lung diseases, urinary and reproductive disorders, skin conditions, and various types of cancer. Even worse, dogs with extra body weight tend to have shorter life spans.
Poor quality food is high in fats and carbohydrates. Like human fast food, this inferior diet has refined carbohydrates that add inches to the belly and ribs. When you look down over the top of an overweight dog you'll see a roly-poly outline instead of the shapely hourglass figure that healthy dogs should have.
If your dog is on the pudgy side, the best way to take off a few pounds is to balance his food intake with the amount of energy he expends. He doesn't need any special low-calorie dog food to lose a few pounds. Simply cut down on the amount of food you give him and increase his exercise.
Exercise
For dogs that aren't used to working out, start slowly. Begin with a walk around the block once or twice a day for a few minutes. Gradually add more time until you're able to walk briskly for at least twenty to thirty minutes once or twice a day. Try to schedule your walks when the weather is cool.
With active dogs, increase your walk time or begin slow jogging. Being consistent with exercise helps you achieve the best result. Pain relief should be treated with an anti-inflammatory herbal combination rather than a single herb. The combination causes fewer side effects and has better therapeutic effects. For dogs that show signs of stiffness, the combination of glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and fish oil may be enough to limber them up. Consult a veterinarian for the correct doses for your dog.
Nutrition
Increasing the fiber, decreasing the amount of fat, and cutting back on the number of calories you feed your dog will help her lose a few pounds. Aim to reduce 10 percent of her excess body weight at a time. The trick to keeping her in top shape is to reduce slowly and gradually.
To satisfy your dog's hunger while he's on a reducing program, give him more fiber and vegetables. Spinach and broccoli supply vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Check with your vet to find out how much spinach and broccoli your dog should get; excessive amounts can cause calcium imbalances that may potentially lead to urinary stones. Green beans may be a safer choice. Cooked oatmeal is a good source of fiber and has a calming effect. Reduce the number of treats you feed your dog; they add too many calories.
Some overweight dogs are anxious and use food to ease their discomfort. Acupuncture is an effective weight loss treatment in these cases, as it reduces anxiety. Flower essences such as aspen, mimulus, impatiens, or Rescue Remedy may also help, as may misting an area with the aroma of lavender.
