The canine obesity epidemic can be tamed (and the answer is not in weight loss diets)
As we have noted time and time again, and as the PETCO walk/run/wag has shown us this weekend, fit people have fit dogs. Perhaps veterinarians, rather than prescribing a weight loss diet, should be prescribing a fitness program for the pet owners. Talk about land mines….
Read MoreIgnore the label on your bag of dog food
One of the most respected veterinarians that I know discounts all food label recommendations and tells their clients that they should feed 25% LESS than the low end of the recommendations as a place to start. His clients are not tuning into Fiona Apple look alike waif dogs, so he must be on to something.
Read MoreDog treats don’t make dogs fat – people do (by feeding them dog treats)
Given the fact that dog obesity is reaching epidemic proportions, we are clearly feeding our pets too much. Perhaps this is because we project our own diet related issues on our dogs. Food is a reward for many of us and, oftentimes to the detriment of our pets, we think they need high calorie, high sugar, sweets between meals.
Read MorePeeing on trees and sniffing butts is not exercise for your obese dog
Remember, your dog is more efficient than you are when walking or running. They are faster and can go farther while expending less energy (see below for exceptions). Our favorite exercise for any dog is to allow them to run off the leash chasing a ball or other dog at the park. If, however, your dog 1) runs away when they are let off the leash and you live in an area with a lot of cars 2) bites other dogs in the face if left to their own devices 3) you live in an area with an inordinate amount of “tough guy” dogs and your dog is likely to get bitten in the face if allowed to run off leash or 4) your dog is like most dogs and they just stand there staring at you when they are let off the leash – you are going to have your work cut out for you because unless you are working when your dog is exercising – your dog might not even be registering what you are doing with them as exercise.
Read MoreWant an easy way to add 1.8 years to your fat dog’s life? Get out and walk 5K.
Canine weight loss is really about us as much as it is about them. Following these simple strategies will get you and your dog on your way.
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