Canine Obesity - Weight Management for Dogs
Up to 50 per cent of dogs in the UK suffer from obesity and being overweight can do more than cause Fido to run out of puff! Dogs that carry too much weight can suffer from low energy levels, joint problems, heart problems and diabetes. What’s more, research shows that obese dogs can live on average two years less than their slimmer counterparts.
How can I tell if my dog is overweight?
- Does the base of his tail seem thick?
- Is it difficult to see his waist?
- Does he have a broad back?
- Is it difficult to feel his ribs?
If you’re worried that your dog is overweight take him to your local vet practice for a weigh in. Your vet or vet nurse will be able to advise you on your dog’s ideal weight and recommend a weight loss programme which will combine advice on both diet and exercise.
Exercise
Exercise will help burn off the extra weight, maintain a healthy heart, keep muscle toned and joints supple. Your role is to act as your dog’s personal trainer. Dog workouts can consist of a 20-minute walk on the lead right through to setting up an obstacle course in the garden! If your dog is ruled by his stomach, try putting his food in a toy to encourage him to play. Ninety per cent of owners admit to not exercising their dogs enough, so check out the 2007 list of the UK’s 21 Top Dog Walks and see if there is a walk near you. Voting is currently open to decide the 21 Top Dog Walks of 2008 - why not vote for your favourite walk here?
Diet
Dogs with unlimited access to food can become overweight as they’ll just eat what’s put in front of them. It’s advisable to regulate your pet’s food intake by accurately measuring his daily allowance with a cup and then splitting into meals. Otherwise, that extra mouthful you give him could add up to an extra meal! Dogs will pile on the pounds if they’re fed scraps from the table or extra treats throughout the day. If you are one of the 40 per cent of pet owners that feed them treats more than once a day visit www.hillsweightloss.co.uk for ideas of low calorie healthy snacks.
Ask your vet about the range of pet foods from Hill’s Pet Nutrition to aid and maintain weight loss. These include Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d, j/d reduced calorie and r/d , which has recently been reformulated.
In fact, in a recent trial, dogs fed Prescription Diet r/d lost 22 per cent of their body fat in only eight weeks. Hill’s Science Plan Light can also help dogs prone to weight gain.
Hill's Science Plan range is available through vet clinics and pet shops.
Hill's Prescription Diet range is available only through vet clinics.
Finding your local vet
To discover the vets in your area visit Find Any UK Vet.
