Posted Mar 6, 2011
Just like in their human counterparts, obesity in dogs seriously affects their health. It is commonly linked to arthritis, diabetes, and heart problems, among others. If you find that your pooch has packed on a few pounds, you can help get him back on track in a healthy way so you both can live a long, happy life together. The American Kennel Club offers healthy diet tips:
– Take a trip to the vet. Before getting started on any new regimen, first have your dog examined by your veterinarian to rule out any medical causes for obesity such as endocrine disorders.
– Change Fido’s diet. Switch your dog’s food to a low-calorie, high-protein food.
– Account for treats. Feed your dog low-calorie snacks such as carrots, rice, or even ice cubes. Make sure to include treats in the daily allotted calories, and limit the amount of treats to less than 10 percent of his daily caloric intake.
– Get active! As with humans, exercise plays a role in weight loss. Get active with your dog
Tags: Arthritis, Diabetes, Food, Heart, Snack, Weight, Weight loss
