Obesity is a serious problem today, affecting our quality and length of life. Diabetes, arthritis and high blood pressure are just a few of the complications associated with obesity. A lot of people suffer in some degree, and the increase in pet obesity is alarming.
Veterinary Surgeons have seen a huge increase in pets presenting with obesity stemmed diseases, such as diabetes, arthritis, pancreatitis, leg and back problems. Some dogs are so obese that they have trouble walking and breathing, yet their owners cannot see there is a problem.
To help our pets back to good health, we need to examine wild dogs, dingos and wolves. These animals spend seventy percent of their waking hours searching for food. They feed on berries, rodents, carcasses and fresh kill.
Now look at our pets. We feed them once or twice a day, in a bowl, and they scoff it down at such a rate that they have nothing to do for the rest of the day. Boredom sets in and destructive behaviours and barking follow.
So how can we fix this problem? Stuff your dog’s dinner in a Kong or similar chew toy. Make sure the food is of good quality and free of preservatives and artificial colors. Make it tasty with cooked chicken meat (no fat) or tinned or fresh fish. Buy sufficient Kongs so that all your dog’s dinner is used up in them. Freeze the filled Kongs in Summer and give out randomly throughout the day. Leave a couple for your dog to chew on during the night also.
Place your dogs dry biscuits in a ‘buster cube’ or similar toy that he will need to roll to get the biscuits to fall out. Your dog will be so grateful for the mental stimulation and exercise this will provide.
Some pet owners have a ‘need to feed’ which sees them feeding their pets continually during the day. Others feel guilty whilst having something to eat themselves and their pet is looking longingly into their eyes. Some dogs get a ritual biscuit with their owners at morning and afternoon tea. If you have a need to feed your pet, then stock up on some diet dog biscuits, chicken necks, dried liver, banana, apple and any other lean food item. Give your dog a rawhide chew or better still, a raw meaty bone (not a brisket bone).
If you cannot see your dog’s ribs, or feel your dog’s ribs as in the case of long/fluffy coated dogs, then he is overweight. If he cannot chase the ball without panting excessively then it is time for drastic measures.
The quantity of food your dog requires is based on age and activity. A dog that lays around all day and night does not require the amount of food an active dog requires.
You and you alone are responsible for your dog’s health so help your dog live a long and healthy life by controlling the quality and amount of food he or she consumes.
