Ways to Prevent Doggy Obesity

Did you know that well over half of our canine patients are overweight or obese? This is actually a huge problem. Extra pounds are just as dangerous for pets as they are for people! Here, a Las Vegas, NV vet lists some ways to keep Fido at a healthy weight.

Walks are the number one workout for dogs. Just be careful taking your pooch out in summer. Fido can overheat very quickly, and can burn his paws on scorching ground. Walk him in the mornings or evenings, when it’s cooler.

Playing is another way to help your pet stay in shape. Many popular doggy games, such as Fetch , can be played indoors. You can also hold a laser pointer for Fido to chase. Just choose an area without a lot of breakable objects.

Swimming is another great workout for dogs. It’s also a good way for Fido to beat the heat. Of course, swimming isn’t right for every pup. Some pooches just aren’t made for swimming, while others just don’t like it. That said, if your canine buddy enjoys it, indulge him!

It’s probably safe to say that Fido’s love of treats has something to do with skyrocketing doggy obesity rates. We know, it’s not easy to resist that furry face. Just remind yourself that overindulging your pet will do harm more harm than good. Stick to suitable snacks, and keep treats to about 5 percent of your dogs’ daily intake.

Another thing that may help is just keeping your pet on a set schedule for his meals, and taking his bowl away between rounds. If you have a cat, experiment with setups that let Fluffy access her food at will, while keeping Fido out of it.

Dog foods are definitely not created equal. Some brands-usually lower-quality ones-are packed with fillers, like corn and wheat. These are often high in carbs. Ask your vet for specific advice.

Did you know that even giving your dog ten calories too many a day can make him gain a pound a year? That may not be much for a St. Bernard, but it’s a lot for a Chihuahua! Pay attention to portion sizes.

Do you have questions about your dog’s diet or exercise needs? Contact us, your Las Vegas, NV vet clinic, today!