Thursday, November 15, 2007

Dog Obesity: The Top Three Ways To Keep Fido In Tip-top Shape

Article Title: Dog Obesity: The Top Three Ways To Keep Fido In
Tip-top Shape
Author: Lisa Failla

Dogs are just some of the cutest things in the world, at least
as far as pet owners are concerned. They have their benefits;
they help people lead better lives and pet companionship has
been known to keep people living longer, happier, and healthier
lives. For this reason, many people have a tendency to indulge
their dogs and give them everything they need to be as happy and
comfortable as possible and while they probably appreciate it,
consider the fact that your dog's health may suffer.

If you have been looking at your dog and you think they may be
getting a bit too fluffy, it is important that you take action.
Just as it is with people, obesity in dogs is a serious problem
that can lead to a variety of health issues for your pet that
may lead to expensive veterinary care and even heartbreak in the
end. For those out there who think their dog could use a health
adjustment to get their weight back on track, here are a few
tips on how to help your little guy get back his girlish figure.

Don't Overfeed Him

The back of the bag of dog food should have some
recommendations on how much food to give your dog based on their
weight, age or any other factors. This is a great tool to use
that many people ignore, as people have a tendency to overfeed
their dogs. Think about all of the times you overfeed yourself,
and consider the times when you gave your dog a bit too much to
eat as well.

Although you might, dogs do not need to eat three times a day,
and they definitely don't need a midnight snack. If your dog is
getting a weight problem, cut out the fatty snacks and focus on
healthier ones. These may seem like small things, but every bit
counts and can help you preserve the health of your four-legged
friend.

Get Moving!

Your dog is the cheapest workout you will ever get. They are
just as good as a treadmill, but cost a fraction of the price
and they never need maintenance. Walks are a great way to help
keep both you and your dog in the best of shape, and they are a
great way to make sure that your dog has the opportunity to
exhaust the energy they tend to build up throughout the day.

It is important to walk your dog when you can, but make sure
that if you are walking them that you are feeding them and
watering them accordingly. Exercise takes energy and energy can
leave them feeling hungry. Food and water can help to replace
some of that energy lost.

Ditch the Human Food!

While this does related to overfeeding your dog, feeding them
human food is another issue all together. The food that you eat
is packed with the things that you need to stay healthy, not
your dog. Feeding your dog things off of your plate only adds to
the amount of fat and other nutrients that are in their food,
laying it on even thicker. Not only that, but some human foods
cause severe problems with your dog's system. Do the right thing
for your dog's health and resist those puppy-dog eyes. If you
want them to be healthy, it will take work on the part of both
of you.

Having an overweight dog is not a big deal; it is pretty easy
for them to lose weight but they need proper exercise and food
to do so. If it doesn't seem that they are shedding any pounds,
see your veterinarian and make sure that there aren't any
underlying problems that cause this issue.

About The Author: If you are shopping for a great selection of
all sized dog beds, as well as feeders for your dog, have a look
at the authors online dog supply store at
http://www.PamperMePuppy.com.

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