Summer is coming! The weather is warming up and it’™s time to get your dogs out of the house for some much needed exercise. Did you know that obesity affects more than 50 percent of America’s pet population? If your pooch is overweight, he or she can develop all kinds of health problems, such as painful arthritis, heart disease, breathing difficulty, diabetes and even bladder cancer. For your dog, the excess weight and the resulting health problems can mean less play time and depression.
Here are some easily identifiable causes of weight gain in dogs:
- Overfeeding – Dogs with unlimited access to food understandably eat more than they need
- Overeating – Many commercial foods are loaded with salt and fat. This improves taste, which means your dog will want to gorge
- Feeding habits – Feeding table scraps and “people food” can lead to obesity
- Lack of exercise – Too much food and too little exercise produces a typical result: Obesity
- Age – Older, less active dogs are prone to weight gain
Food plays a very important role in treating an overweight dog. Along with exercise, a low-fat and low-calorie food is essential in helping your dog lose weight and stay fit. Fiber is also a key ingredient since it helps your dog eat less while keeping her full. Once your dog has been overweight, she may be prone to weight gain and should have an ongoing weight-management plan based on good nutrition, exercise and regular check-ups and weigh-ins.
Our staff understands how difficult getting your pet’™s weight under control can be. We are here to help. Call our office to schedule a free weight check up for your dog today. Our Veterinarian can prescribe a diet that will work to help shed those unwanted pounds. Mention this online article and receive 15% off a bag of Science Diet for weight control for the month of April!