Dogs can suffer from weight problems just like their human owners. Maintaining the proper weight for your dog helps combat the odds against developing diseases such as diabetes, heart problems and joint pain. Just as obesity is harmful to humans, dogs have a greater chance of contracting diseases when they aren't provided proper nutrition, combined with exercise. A dog's dependency on their owner is a responsibility that should be taken seriously.
Food
Dog food is the only food that should be fed to a dog. Of course, scraps and treats from the table are never turned down by any dog, but ingesting anything other than dog food contributes to additional pounds on a dog. Dog treats also contain calories, so don't substitute dog treats for table scraps. Before putting your dog on a diet, it's important to evaluate how much weight should be dropped. Your veterinarian may provide guidance or begin by visually evaluating how your dog's appearance compares on the Ralston Purina chart.
Before deciding on a brand of diet dog food, research the ingredients. There are numerous additives that are harmful to a dog's health. Colorado Pet Chef's dog foods are made exclusively from healthy ingredients, no artificial color or chemical preservatives, and they offer free delivery.
When changing dog food, it's important to introduce the new food gradually. Mix the new food with the food the dog has been eating. Begin by combining approximately 25% of the new food with 75% of the old food, to provide the daily portion. Two days later, change the mixture to 50% of each food. After a day, reverse the mixture to 75% new food and 25% old food. By the fifth day the dog should be eating 100% of the new food.
Exercise
At a minimum, a dog should be exercised at least three times per week. Make sure to consult with your veterinarian before beginning an exercise program if your dog has been inactive. An aerobic workout for a dog is achieved when the dog begins to pant.
Dogs need to exercise their bodies to maintain muscle tone and ward off disease. In addition to the physical benefits of exercise, running and playing improves the emotional health of a dog. Providing a big yard for a dog to play in does not provide proper exercise. Typically, when outside, a dog will relieve himself and then most often sleep in a sunny spot.
When taking a dog for a walk, allow time to sniff then move along at a brisk pace. A 20-minute walk should be the initial goal and over time, increase the length of the walk. If weather prohibits walking outside, walking up and down steps inside your home provides exercise and quality time together. Not only does the walk strengthen the bond between the two of you, the exercise is an added health benefit for you.
The ideal form of exercise is to allow the dog to run off leash in a safe, fenced area. In this setting, a dog sets the pace, stops when tired and can sniff until content. Don't take a dog jogging with you until it has been conditioned to withstand this intense form of exercise.
Fetch is a stimulating game for dogs and may be played inside or out. It's an easy way to begin conditioning the dog. Toss a ball across a room, up stairs, or a short distance in the yard. As the dog becomes more fit, increase the distance.
Playing Frisbee is another form of exercise, but it's important to make sure the Frisbee is kept low to the ground. Dogs can injure themselves leaping in the air. It's also suggested a soft Frisbee is used to avoid chipping teeth.
If you will be out of town or find it's not possible to exercise your dog at least three times a week, consider doggie daycare to provide the much-needed exercise. Dogs will find ways to get into trouble when left alone and bored. Providing consistent mental and physical stimulation for your pet is well worth the expense.
Not all dogs require the same amount of exercise. Bigger dogs may require longer and more strenuous workouts. The age of a dog also factors in to how much exercise is needed. Just as the quantity of food varies among breeds, so does the proper amount of exercise required to maintain the dog's weight, improve overall health and help insure a long, healthy life for your beloved companion.
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