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Weight Control and Treatment
Did you know that the following
problems are linked to obesity in dogs?
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Diabetes
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Cardiac disease
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Musculoskeletal disease
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Early onset arthritis
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Pulmonary disease
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Decreased Life Span
We can help your full-figured dog by
providing a safe means of exercise to compliment whatever
nutritional and medical care your dog is already receiving.
Primary means of exercise initially is hydrotherapy so that
your dog can exercise without added joint stress secondary
to obesity. The program is monitored to your dog's
tolerance. As he begins to shed the pounds, other
exercises can be added for variety and fun as well as
increasing his cardiac workout.
It is important to accept that there is no magic cure
involved.
It takes DIET and EXERCISE.
We recommend a nutritional consult with your vet, an
orthopedic evaluation and then therapeutic exercise 3-5
days/week initially (some of this exercise can be walks with
the owner if possible). Your dog should be weighed
once a week. Punch cards are available.
The fat and happy approach
Dogs love to eat, and because they so obviously enjoy their
food, it is fun to feed them. We know overweight dogs don't live
as long, but dogs don't worry about the future anyway. Why not
let your dog live a shorter, more contented life? This is a
reasonable approach, and you may decide to let your dog be fat
and happy.
As he gains more weight, the fat and happy dog will become less
active. As middle age approaches, lameness problems usually make
it difficult to move around. There will be a greater likelihood
of diabetes, respiratory problems, heart trouble and other
diseases.
The lean and lively approach
The lean and lively dog may not be quite as well satisfied at
mealtime, but as he ages your dog will continue to be interested
in the world around him. He will enjoy running and playing well
into old age.
Although the "lean and lively" approach may be better for the
dog, it is harder on the owner. Food must usually be given in
measured amounts, divided into two meals a day. If your dog has
been over-fed and suddenly finds himself on a diet, you can
expect complaints. .
Feeding
Divide the recommended amount of food into at least two feedings
per day. Decide on a regular feeding schedule and give a
measured amount of dog food each time. Do not give treats.
Instead, divide your dog's recommended amount of food into
smaller servings. At times when he usually expects a treat, feed
a small meal instead. Keep your dog out of the room when food is
being prepared or eaten.
Exercise
Provide a brisk 10 to 15 minute walk twice a day. This helps
burn calories, tends to reduce the appetite, and gives your dog
something to look forward to besides eating.
Choosing a food
Reduced calorie diets such as Purina Fit and Trim are excellent
for weight maintenance and for gradual weight loss, but
unsuitable for an aggressive weight loss program. To accomplish
more rapid weight loss, use a food intended specifically for
that purpose, such as Purina's Obesity Management Formula.
What if my dog won't eat the new food?
Most overweight dogs got that way by eating a good tasting diet
high in fat and calories. Unfortunately, healthy foods don't
taste as good as fattening foods. A dog that has been on a rich
diet won't really start to get hungry for a day or two. Try not
to worry about it. Although this is not true for cats or people,
fat but otherwise healthy dogs can safely go weeks without food.
Home management
Weigh your dog every week. If he is gradually losing weight,
hang in there. If not, reduce the food. When he has lost enough
weight, you can increase the food a little.
Information provided by
http://placervillevet.com/our_hospital.htm
Placerville Veterinary Clinic of California
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