Overweight Dog - A Letter From A Fat Canine

Article Title: Overweight Dog – A Letter From A Fat Canine
Author: Lori Matthews

Help Me Be Healthy, Help Me Live Longer

WOOF WOOF!! BOW WOW!! Oops sorry! I did not realize I was
talking to you guys and not my friend Rusty. Hi, I am Bruno, the
Labrador. I am 5 years old. It seems my dad and mom are quite
busy these days with work and things that seem to never get
done. Initially the whole family was crazy about me. They used
to take me for walks and runs. They used to show me off to
neighbors and friends.

As I grew older and they got busier, all this stopped. Now they
hardly even have the time to take me for a walk. They fill my
plate with fattening treats and stuff from the table that they
eat. I've started putting on weight in my waist and hips.
Earlier, I could sit back on my legs. Now, due to my weight, I
slouch to the side. My chest hurts now and I have a hard time
breathing too. My owners no longer take care of the quality of
my food. They just get any dog food and pay no attention to the
nutrients. Most of the dog foods are laden with fat and as a
result I have developed lots of fatty tissues in my body. It is
harder to walk these days as my legs ache from the extra pounds.
I get out of breathe so easily now. My chances for disease are
now increased as a result of the obesity. I wanted to help you
learn to take care of your pets so that they will remain
healthy, agile and have long lives.

Although fat dogs may seem cute, there could be a host of
issues going on. Joint or locomotion difficulties, extra pounds
put added stress on joints, bones, ligaments and muscles. Heart
and respiratory disease, heart and lungs have to work harder to
provide adequate oxygen and circulation. Also, extra fat in the
chest cavity and around the heart muscle can decrease the
efficiency of the heart and lungs. Diabetes, just like people,
diabetes is much more common in obese dogs and cats. Liver
disease, obese animals are prone to liver disease. Heat
intolerance, excessive fat has insulating properties that makes
obese animals uncomfortable and unable to tolerate heat. Skin
problems, overweight animals often have trouble grooming
themselves. The rolls of skin built up by fat deposits can often
harbor dirt, bacteria and other harmful organisms.
Gastrointestinal disorder, Pancreatitis is seen all too often in
obese dogs. This condition is painful and life threatening.

Here are a few ways in which you can care for your dog so that
they have a longer and better life:

1. Don't let your dog become a couch potato. Take him out for a
run everyday at least for 20 minutes otherwise he will put on
weight.

2. Pay attention to the diet: Sometimes the printed dog food
labels do not tell the entire story. Make sure that your canine
friend has a diet rich in meat, vegetables and healthy
ingredients. If you have started a weight loss food for dogs,
make sure it is healthy. Don't sacrifice nutrition at a time
when the dog needs it the most as the weight comes off.

3. Exercise: If you find that you can't take your dog out for a
walk, then get a ball to throw a ball so that he can run and
retrieve it.

4. Play: Dog love to play and enjoy your attention. Play games
like racing, wrestling or fetch to burn calories.

5. Winter months: In the winter months if it becomes quite
difficult to exercise with your dog, try to find indoor games.

Obesity, whether in humans or dogs can lead to a decreased life
span.

About The Author: Lori Matthews studies health, nutrition and
wellness. She enjoys writing articles on health for both people
and pets. Please visit her site for more information on healthy
weight loss food for dogs
http://www.premium4pets.com/dogweightloss.html

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