Growing Problem of Obesity in U.S. Dogs

America is getting seriously overweight from overeating and under-exercising. The same is true of their dogs. According to an article in the Washington Post, about 40% of dogs in the U.S. are seriously overweight. It really contributes to problems like heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and other chronic ailments. Small breeds of dogs live longer than larger breeds, but every breed can or should to expect 10 healthy years of good life at the minimum. Even if the breed you have is prone to certain breed-specific problems, his life can be prolonged by a good 15% and his health vastly improved with a good amount of exercise and a serious change in diet.

Call your dog and look at him from above. He should show a definite waist "indention" below his ribcage. When looking at him from the side, his belly should shrink below the ribs and also show the same "waist." If a dog looks more like a sausage or a barrel, he's definitely overweight.

Never let a dog beg. Begging is natural but it should be nipped in the bud. Even an older dog can be trained out of this unpleasant behavior by firm and continued refusal and a show of very serious dissatisfaction on the owner's part. In the wild, dogs evolved to be able to eat even when they weren't hungry because they had to work hard to find and kill food. Eating a lot at one time allowed them to go longer periods when they might not be able to find any food at all. But domesticated dogs that are fed daily do not need treats, especially those from the table. Table scraps are usually gristly, laden with fat and not nutritious. Feeding them these scraps will not only add pounds to their weight, it will teach them a very bad habit. If you do it, stop right now.

Only feed a dog treats to reinforce good behavior and to reward a task performed. Treats should never be given out of guilt or the wrong-headed thinking that says treats mean you love your dog. Doing this will only prove the opposite and contribute to a shortening of his life and reduce its quality--anything but love.

Dogs should be fed according to package label and the food should be age-appropriate. The vet can help suggesting the best foods for your dog and also ones that are made specifically for overweight pooches. Do Not just fill a dog bowl. Measure out the proper amount indicated on the label, and don't feed the dog any more than this. It's very important because these manufacturers know the right amount of nutrition and the amounts that are healthy for different-sized dogs. If the vet can prescribe some dog vitamin supplements that's all the better too, but it's not necessary if the dog is fed a premium food that's well supplemented. And do not go from one dog food to another at random or because something's on sale. Changing foods on dogs interferes with their digestion and can make them sick at their stomach.

Now for the exercise. It's recommended that dogs need at least 30-45 minutes of a good, brisk "work-out" or run every single day. And its very likely that about half or more of their owners do too. So consider the dog a "monitor" who reminds you its time for some exercise for both of you. He'll never let you down or renege because he's not feeling up to it or has something else to do. Purchase one of the great extender coil-lock leashes that can be let out and pulled back in with the flick of a finger. It is perfect for people who want to take a brisk walk with their dogs and release the extension cord to let them run chase a squirrel, chipmunk or bird. You can keep up a brisk, even pace yourself and the dog can run out a bit. They're natural sprinters who love a furious run, then a quick, panting rest before the next run.
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Begin a brisk walking routine with 15- or 20-minute walks. If a dog has been very sedentary for a long time it's wise to break him in slowly, then increase the duration and speed of the walks--just the same that humans need to train. I would call the Park Department in your city and see if there are any dog-friendly places to take a dog unleashed so he can run and jump. If there isn't a place like this you can take a brisk walk or jog in any park and release the leash extender when the dog wants to take a spring. Yes, he won't be able to go too far, but he'll have a quick run and love the added freedom. If your overweight dog is put on a disciplined routine of diet and exercise I can almost guarantee that the two of you will be incredibly changed in a month or less and you will have developed a habit for yourself that will make any dog love you.