Information on Loughborough

Dog Obesity - What You Should Know!

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Dog Obesity - What You Should Know!By Casey Donahue

Depending on who you ask, anywhere from 25% to 48% of dogs in America are suffering from obesity!  Dog obesity can result in premature heart failure, and "senior" dogs can develop serious joint and muscle problems due to the excess weight.

There is an abundance of natural treatments and low calorie, low carb dog food available to aid dogs and their owners in the fight against dog obesity.

Natural supplements for dogs, particularly products containing milk thistle and dandelion, have been shown to be highly successful in the treatment of the obese dog. Both of these ingredients can help get the problem of dog obesity under control as they help to clear the system of fats and chemicals by detoxifying the body.

Kelp (also known as Fucus vesiculosis) is another herb with helpful effects that you may want to look for in remedies for the obese dog. Kelp provides vitamins (A, B, C and D) and minerals (iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc) that can help your pet regain a healthy metabolism. Slower metabolisms make your pet lethargic, less active, and less responsive to its environment.

Consider that supplements for dogs are helpful, however cannot be a replacement for a healthy diet and regular exercise. Because exercise is a natural first step back on the road back to health and normal weight, it may be a good idea to consult a veterinarian to make sure it's safe to do so.  It goes without saying that with a reasonable diet and exercise, dog obesity can be avoided in the first place!

It'salways possible that your dog may have an underlying health issue that is contributing to weight gain, particularly if the weight gain is rapid and over a short period of time. A thyroid problem could be the culprit, slowing your dog's ability to process foods and fat. If a vet is being consulted, it's a safe bet he will prescribe a special diet for your dog.  A combination of this diet and natural supplements should work, and your small friend should be down to a normal weight in no time.

Not surprisingly, an overweight dog can become depressed due to of a lack of exercise and and a healthy level of activity. Because the dog may be in a state of lethargy and somewhat unresponsive, it's up to the owner to stimulate the pet and get him moving! 

Bottom line: getting dog obesity under control can only be accomplished by combining exercise and the right type of low calorie, low carb food. The formula is simple:  eat less and exercise more! As stated before, natural supplements can help speed up the process however are no substitute for regular exercise and a sensible diet.

Written by Casey Donahue. Read more on pet health and related issues on his Blog, Buddy Friendly People!

http://buddyfriendlypeople.blogspot.com

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The Basic Facts About Dog Obesity

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The Basic Facts About Dog ObesityBy Casey Donahue

Under most circumstances, too much food results in obesity, an increasingly common problem in dogs in America. Dog obesity can cause numerous health problems for your small friend, although dogs are much less likely to develop the common heart and arterial complications of obesity that people normally do.

Feeding table scraps regularly to your pet is generally a bad idea. Dogs get plenty of nutrition from their normal diet. Like human diets, a dog's diet must consist of a balance of nutrients, carbohydrates, and proteins. A human diet is generally not ideal for a dog: the concept of a "balanced" diet for a dog is not the same as a human. In the wild, a dog would get its nutrition from whole prey and raw meat. Think about that the next time you offer your small friend a cookie!

Table scraps often consist of fat or adipose tissue rather than meat protein anyway, which in excess is no better for dogs than it is for humans. While not all human food is bad for dogs, many have the same long-term results as they do for humans.

A note on volume - dogs will usually eat anything and everythingyou put in front of them! More often then not, it's just way too much food. Result - obese dog!

Trained begging behavior can be a result of the feeding of table scraps directly from the table, in place of placing food in a dog's dish after a meal. Worse, it may even encourage the dog to take food directly from the table without the owner's permission! These are normally viewed as very undesirable dog behaviors.

Obesity can be a sign of other serious, underlying illnesses. If weight gain is rapid and occurs in a short period of time, suspect a more serious cause than just plain overeating and consult a veterinarian.

Written by Casey Donahue. Read more on pet health and related issues on his Blog, Buddy Friendly People!

http://buddyfriendlypeople.blogspot.com

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Eye on Your Dogs Health - Obesity

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Eye on Your Dog's Health - ObesityBy Dean C. Burton

Like people, healthy dogs become overweight or obese when there is an imbalance between the amount of calories consumed and the calories burned. Logic would lead us to conclude, then, that an overweight dog is likely receiving either too many calories, too small exercise or a combination of the two. Be aware that certain health conditions such as diabetes or thyroid problems can be underlying causes of obesity in dogs, making it important that you seek suitable testing and veterinary care if there are signs that your dog is overweight, or if sudden changes in his weight occur. If health problems are ruled out as the root of your dog's weight problem, an suitable combination of calorie control and exercise is likely all it will take to get your greatest friend back to a healthy size.

"But," you may be thinking, "my dog doesn't even eat that much!" Or does he? Many dog owners neglect to consider the caloric value of treats and human food fed to dogs, which can pack a lot of calories when consumed in addition to the dog's regular food. Even small bits of treats and human food now and then can add up to an excess of calories, resulting in your dog reaching an unhealthy weight. Since health problems can compound as a result of being overweight, it is important to address increases in your dog's weight as soon as signs are evident. It is easier to get a dog's weight under control from an early stage than to tackle obesity and a slew of consequent health issues later.

Feeding your dog too many treats and table scraps is an easy enough habit to reverse. Sure, your dog appears to be in bliss when you finally caveto his begging at the table, however chances are your mannerisms and tone of voice have conditioned him to believe that table scraps are exciting. If you want to see a happy dog without putting him at risk of being overweight, how about taking him for a walk or run instead! In addition to suitable caloric intake, dogs need exercise to maintain a healthy weight as well as overall good health. If your dog does not receive any extras besides his regular food, the type or amount of food he consumes may be the culprit for weight gain. The greatest plan of action is to consult with your veterinarian regarding the suitable feeding and exercise plan to meet your dog's individual needs. Your veterinarian may also suggest specific types of food and treats that will contribute to a healthy diet.

Many people believe that a dog is too thin if any of the dog's ribs are visible, though this can actually be a sign of a healthy weight. Determining whether your dog is a healthy weight is greatest left to your veterinarian, who can use your dog's breed, health and history to advise you on a fitting food and exercise regimen.

About the Author: Dean Burton is the owner of MyDreamPuppy.com, a leading provider of purebred puppies for sale. For more information, please visit http://www.MyDreamPuppy.com