Corpulent Canines - Should Your Dog Go on a Diet?

Is your dog too fat? Does he need to go on a diet? Many owners are blissfully unaware that their dog has gained too much weight. Since we see them every day, we may not really notice that they need to shed a few pounds.

Estimates by veterinarians generally report that 25 to 40 percent of pet dogs in the US and Canada are overweight (defined as more than 20 percent over their ideal weight). As with people, the risks to dogs' health rise as they put on excess weight. A few of these risks include arthritis, high blood pressure, diabetes, liver and heart disease, spinal issues and difficulty breathing.

How can you determine if your dog has put on too much weight? There are some very basic observations you can make. When standing over your dog do you see an hourglass shape? If so, then he's probably doing okay. However, if you notice his sides protruding, then its likely that your dog needs to shed some weight.

Run your hand along your dog's ribs. If you can easily felt then he's probably not dangerously overweight. However, if you have to press hard to feel his ribs then he needs to slim down.

If possible, try take your dog to your veterinarian before making any significant dietary changes. The vet will be able to give you specific tips on your diet plan so that it includes the essential nutrients.

One thing is certain: no matter how much he might beg, you should stop giving him high calorie treats and table scraps.

Take your dog for daily walks and establish regular play and exercise periods. This activity will be helpful for both you and your dog.

Eliminating high calorie goodies and substituting lower calorie treats isn't hard to do. A few healthy snacks include apples, carrots, green beans, cottage cheese and broccoli. And yes, in most cases, your dog will eagerly devour these healthier choices. How about preparing your own healthy homemade dog treats? (see below)

Adult dogs, like adult humans, don't lose weight easily or quickly. A proper low calorie, healthy diet will result in a very gradual weight loss.

For puppies, it is very important that you keep a close eye on your pups food intake. We all know that it's hard to resist those puppy dog eyes. However, in the long term, its one of the wisest things you can do for your pooch.

Veterinary nutritionists generally agree that puppies should be fed only dog food that is formulated specifically for puppies. For the first three months, they should be fed four times a day.Then, for the next three weeks, reduce feedings to three times a day. After six months, reduce feedings to twice a day and then to once daily feeding when he is one year old. At one year of age you should switch to adult dog food and monitor his weight regularly.

Dogs that are at the proper weight are usually happier and more energetic. At times, we may simply fail to pay attention and don't realize the impact that our decisions about what we feed out dogs can have on their overall health and longevity.

Jim Navary has been a freelance writer and researcher for over thirty years covering a wide range of topics. He has also been enamored with dogs for longer than he'd care to remember. :-) Check out his DogBurg web site for canine friends at www.DogBurg.com. Once there, why not sign up for his newsletter for dog lovers and receive the free ebook, "Pamper Your Dog: 130 Recipes for Your Canine Friend."