THERE'S
NOTHING WORSE THAN A FAT GREYHOUND!!!!!
I can so clearly remember
those words being said to us when we took
our first greyhound, but obesity can
occur in any breed of dog and I hope this
article will help in some way advising
people that being over-weight can cause
serious health problems.
With the festive season
at an end I expect many of us have gained
those few extra pounds and if we are
sensible enough we will eat and exercise
sensibly to remove them before we are
forced to buy a size up in clothes. With
our dogs who have had that extra bit of
turkey and doggy stocking with treats,
their weight seems to go un-noticed.
Obesity is defined as the
excessive accumulation of body fat.
Between 25 and 40 percent of dogs are
considered obese or are likely to become
obese through weight gain. Unfortunately
this seems to be ignored until health
problems arise due to excess feeding
coupled with lack of exercise.
We all look at half
starved cruelty cases with much sadness
but allowing your dog to carry too much
weight is just as cruel.
As in humans when you
overload your organs health risks become
serious and every dog owner should be
aware of them. Listed below are just a
few of the diseases associated with
obesity:-
Diabetes is one of the
most common and can result in blindness
and often daily injections of insulin
will be required.
Damage to joints, bones,
arthritis, hip dysplasia and ligament
damage especially the cruciate ligament,
all resulting from too much weight on
these parts of the body.
Heart disease, breathing
difficulties, heat intolerance, decreased
stamina sometimes leading to decreased
quality and length of life.
The list is endless and
all because of those extra little tit
bits - some dogs like us humans can get
away with it and don't seem to change
shape at all but please please the next
time those big brown eyes say 'can I
please have a treat' think carefully
first. In most cases your answer should
be 'no and I'm doing this for your own
good' and it will be absolutely true.
finally.......
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Lower your dog's daily
caloric intake by changing the dog food
product (there are several diets
formulated for weight loss) or the amount
fed daily. Maybe use a carrot or piece of
apple as a treat instead of a biscuit.
Increase exercise
activity. To enhance exercise a variety
of toys are available or maybe join a dog
club where there are various activities
especially for dogs.
DO SEEK
YOUR VETS ADVICE BEFORE GOING AHEAD WITH
ANY FORM OF DIET OR INCREASED EXERCISE
REGIME
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