Help Your Dog Slim Down
“For the last 2 decades, veterinarians have expressed concern that the canine pet population is becoming increasingly obese.
...obese dogs are at a greater risk of premature death & a range of diseases, such as diabetes, osteoarthritis, & cancer
...veterinarians strongly advise a combination of diet & exercise changes for dogs that need to lose weight...
However, owners who have been stared at wantonly by a hungry dog can appreciate how limiting a dog’s food intake is easier said than done...
...a study of more than 300 pet dogs...reported that, regardless of how motivated owners were to help their dogs lose weight, some dogs were simply greedier & more likely to be obese than others.
...the researchers found a significant breed effect in this greedy versus fussy trait. Gun dogs, which include Labrador retrievers, were the group most highly motivated by food, Coming a close second, third, & fourth were hounds, crossbreeds, & toy breeds. Conversely, the breeds noted to be the fussiest eaters, & subsequently the least likely to be obese, included terriers, pastoral dogs (eg. shepherds & herding dogs), working dogs (eg. boxers & huskies), & utility dogs (eg. Dalmatian, poodles, & spitz breeds).
...The researchers also found that owners of greedy dogs needed to be extra diligent to prevent stealing food & snacking between meals in order to prevent their dogs from becoming obese.
Fraser Davidson, a veterinarian at Vancouver’s Acadia Veterinary Clinic, recommends additional strategies to help dogs reach their weight-loss goals...
‘Diets that are high in fibre are great because they help the dog to feel full without the extra calories...
...home-cooked & raw diets can also be made lower calorie by supplementing them with extra fibre from sources such as canned pumpkin & Metamucil.
High-carb, high-fat treats are a common culprit for causing excessive weight gain in dogs...
‘Try to avoid giving dogs bread & crackers or anything with hidden calories in the form of white flour & refined sugars. Instead, you can buy low-calorie training treats... or if your pet likes it, go veggie, try offering your pet small pieces of carrot or apple as a training reward instead.’
...'If the dog is getting a good amount of exercise & the right amount of food & still not losing weight, then the dog should probably have its thyroid hormones checked. A dog that is hypothyroid will find it difficult to lose weight until its hormone levels are balanced.’ said Davidson.”
Dr. Rebecca Ledger
VANCOUVER SUN
in The Montreal Gazette
Nov. 14/2015
Cute Critter Pic
Weekly Chuckle
Casper (April 4/2009)
No comments:
Post a Comment