Home Remedies for Overweight Dogs

We all know that carrying extra weight isn't healthy for humans, contributing to such health problems as heart disease and diabetes, and the same goes for dogs. Obesity is the most common canine nutritional disease in this country, occurring in up to 25 percent of the population. Chubby dogs are more likely to develop serious diseases like diabetes, joint problems, infections, skin disease, and even certain cancers. Of course, the best thing for your dog is not to let him get fat in the first place. Keeping dogs healthy and trim works the same way as with people. Limit the intake of food to just enough to maintain normal body weight (in other words, follow label feeding instructions), don't leave food out all day for your dog to nibble, cut out snacks, and be sure he gets enough exercise. Good habits start young, so if you have a puppy, don't overfeed him, and make sure the exercise he gets is the right kind: Too much jumping and running can be harmful to the bone development of a growing puppy. To determine whether your dog is already too heavy, stand over him and check for a waist -- a visible indentation behind his ribs. Then give him a hands-on test. Can you feel his ribs? They shouldn't be sticking out, but you should be able to find them through a layer of skin and muscle. If all you feel is rolls of fat, it's time to work with your veterinarian to develop a diet and exercise plan. A veterinary checkup will ensure your dog doesn't have any health problems that would preclude regular exercise and a change in food and current exercise. Your vet will also advise you on the safest rate of weight loss; losing too much weight too fast can be dangerous. Monitor your dog's progress with weekly weigh-ins, either at the veterinarian's office or at home. Since overweight dogs are also out of shape, an exercise program must be started slowly. Begin with short walks and work up to longer ones. Once your dog has lost some weight and built up his stamina, you can intersperse periods of jogging or running. Of course, use common sense when you exercise your dog. Go out early in the morning or in the evening, when it's cool, and stop long before your dog shows signs of exhaustion, such as panting or reluctance to continue. Your natural cooling system is better than your dog's (you can sweat; he can't), which means you can exert heavily for longer periods without overheating. Each year, many dogs die while gallantly trying to keep up with their humans on a long run. To keep his diet on the right track, offer food only at mealtimes. If you can't resist giving treats, offer pieces of fruit (apples or bananas) or vegetables (carrots or broccoli). They're low in calories, and dogs love them.