Dog-Health

Welcome to Dog-Health

Dog Health Care Question Article

Obesity is not just a growing problem for the human population, overweight dogs--just plain fat dogs--is becoming more common.

Obesity is a common nutritional disorder in dogs. Just like people, dogs can get fat through over feeding and insufficient exercise.

Even if you think you are only giving your dog a small amount of food per day, if you dog is getting insufficient exercise relative to the amount of food intake, he can still gain weight. Over time, he can and will get fat.

Fat dogs are not healthy dogs. Overweight dogs tend to develop health problems such as diabetes, and excess weight can aggravate conditions such as arthritis, which often develops in middle aged and elderly dogs. To put it in perspective, an extra five pounds on a 15 pound dog is equivalent to an extra 50 pounds on a 150-pound person.

How You Can Prevent Your Dog from Becoming Fat

Fortunately, there are some common-sense weight control measures you can take to help prevent your dog from getting fat.

* If you practice "free feeding" (leaving dry dog food available 24/7), STOP. If your dog hasn't eaten his food within about 15 minutes, remove his dish.

*Reduce your dog's between meal snacks and treats. Dog treats are often high in fat and calories and some treats like biscuits and dog cookies are heavy in low fiber carbs.

* Exercise your dog regularly. Ideally, you should give your dog a brisk walk for at least 20 minutes twice a day. This is as good for you as for your dog in helping to maintain a healthy weight for both of you.

* If you have an overweight dog, talk to your vet about finding the optimum calorie intake for him.

* Consider switching to a low fat dog food and giving him low fat dog treats.

With a little effort your dog will be well on his way to a more healthy weight.
About the Author

Valerie Goettsch is web master of My Favorite Dog, a website featuring dozens of articles and information on where to find the best of everything for your dog, from flea meds to beds, training and designer clothes.

Written by: Valerie Goettsch

---

More Info

Dog Health Care Question Article

It wasn’t so many years ago when dog treats consisted more or less solely of milk bones, fatty biscuits, and table scraps. Not many options, and virtually none that were healthy. Well, times have definitely changed! Nowadays, savvy pet owners choose dog treats that include greenies, healthy biscuits, and gourmet bones.

Not only are there more options for now, the quality has improved significantly in recent years as well. And with the Internet boom, finding the best biscuits and bones for your puppy is as easy and tapping a few keystrokes.
 
It’s important to note that many pet owners are now advocates of healthier dog treats for monetary reasons as well. They realize that, while they tend to cost more, healthy treats and food actually save money in the long run. A healthier diet over a lifetime results in less disease and illness in senior dogs, which means a smaller vet bill.

It’s never too early to start feeding healthy dog treats. Puppy training often includes using a treat to reward good behavior. In one session alone, you might give your little trainee 6-10 rewards, maybe even more. Make them healthy biscuits, cookies, or bones, and you’ll be giving your pet a nutritious foundation for a better life.

Experiment with several different kinds of dog treats and you’ll quickly learn which are your puppy’s favorites. Unlike humans when we diet, dogs seem to enjoy the healthier biscuits and bones every bit as much as the “bad” ones. If only we were so lucky!

About the Author

John Schwartz is the owner and webmaster of http://puppies-dogs-supplies.com. He lives in East Texas with his wife, Shannon, who is the director of a dog rescue 'no kill' shelter.


Written by: John Schwartz

---

Dog Health Care Question Best products

---

Dog Health Care Question News items