Enter a keyword below to search for articles and products.
Between 25 and 40% of dogs are overweight, but often, owners don't know it until they take their dog to the veterinarian for another reason. Yet, even veterinarians can't tell if a dog is fat just by its weight. Ideal weight varies by breed, and quite widely within breeds. There's no ideal weight chart for all dogs!
You can judge your dog's condition by placing your hands on each side of his rib cage. Are the ribs protruding? Your dog may be too thin. Can you feel individual ribs easily, and is your dog's abdomen slightly tucked up when viewed from the side? That's the sign of ideal weight. If you can't feel the ribs easily, your dog has no waist, and his abdomen drags, he's too fat. Your veterinarian can help you further evaluate your dog's weight.
Before beginning any weight loss program with your dog, discuss it with your veterinarian.
You can begin your dog's weight-loss program by reducing caloric intake by 25% of his maintenance intake, and then decrease it by 10% increments every two to three weeks until a 1% weight loss per week is achieved. This means that, if your dog weighs 15 pounds, a 1% loss would be about 2-1/2 ounces.
If you feed one large meal a day or keep food available at all times, try dividing the daily ration into several small meals (at least two meals a day) and pick up what has not been eaten 30 minutes after each meal.
Dogs gain weight for the same reason that people do—they eat more calories than they use. Today's dogs share another problem with their parents: lack of activity. Most parents are gone all day and come home too tired to play with the dog.
Also, as dogs age, or after they are spayed or neutered, their metabolism might slow causing them to require less food.
Another reason for weight gain is frequent, high-calorie treats. Sometimes, more than one family member is feeding the dog, and the dog sure isn't telling!
Losing weight isn't easy. Changing habits is the key. Here are some ways you can help:
Determine who feeds the dog what and when. (Don't be embarrassed to admit you give your dog treats. Dogs are expert beggars.)
Substitute affection for treats. Give a pat or throw a ball when he noses your hand.
Take your dog for a walk more often. Even 10 minutes a day can help.
Feed him more often. It takes energy to digest food. Dividing your dog's daily ration into two or three feedings will help.
Reducing your dog's regular food amount by 25% should bring results.
If your dog is more than 15% overweight, your veterinarian might recommend a special food. Diet foods should be low in fat (under 20% of calories from fat).
Your goal is to help your dog be healthier, so select his food carefully. Some diet foods just add fiber to help the dog feel full. This can result in reduced digestibility, large stool volume, frequent trips to the backyard, and decreased skin and coat condition because the dog isn't getting enough fat and nutrients.
Find a food, such as IAMS™ ProActive Health™ Adult Healthy Weight, that has normal fiber levels to keep your dog's digestive system working properly. It should have high-quality protein so your dog doesn't lose muscle tone and essential fatty acids to help keep his skin flexible and coat glossy throughout the dieting process. After your dog reaches ideal weight, select a maintenance food to keep weight steady.
Obesity is a common problem in dogs. Identifying the causes and following a total weight management program can result in controlled weight loss and maintenance. A total weight management program includes evaluating your dog, then modifying behaviors and successful dog weight control.
Definition of obesity
Obesity is defined as an increase in body weight beyond the limitation of skeletal and physical requirements, resulting from an accumulation of excess body fat.
Causes of obesity
Obesity is caused when caloric intake exceeds caloric expenditure. This simply means that a dog eats more energy (calories) than he uses and stores the excess energy.
Factors contributing to obesity
Fat and carbohydrates
Dogs use fat as their primary energy source. An overweight dog stores fat more easily if the calories are consumed in the form of fat than if they are from carbohydrates. An overweight or obese dog should be fed a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet to restrict calories available from fat, which is important for dog weight control.
Fiber and fatty acids
A normal fiber level, provided in a moderately fermentable fiber source, helps create and maintain healthy digestion. This is especially important for the dog on a diet. Some weight-loss foods for dogs dilute calories with high levels of fiber. High-fiber foods may reduce the digestibility and absorption of many nutrients, including fat. These foods reduce weight by providing what would be considered poor-quality nutrition. These high-fiber diets also result in large, frequent stools and decreased skin and coat condition. Dog foods such as IAMS™ ProActive Health™ Adult Weight Control, which provide essential fatty acids like those found in vitamin-rich fish oils, help maintain your dog's healthy skin and coat despite lowered fat levels.
Gradual Weight Loss
The goal of a good weight management program should be gradual weight loss. Dogs should lose 1% to 2% of their initial weight per week. This can be achieved by reducing the caloric intake by 30% to 50% of maintenance.
A total weight management program can lead to successful weight loss in the obese dog. Before beginning any weight-loss program with your dog, discuss it with your veterinarian. Remember, your support is essential to your dog's weight-control success.
As a pet parent, it's hard to hear your furry friend crying. It can be due to separation anxiety, fear, or illness and can be frustrating to deal with. This article will provide practical tips on stopping your pup from crying and help them feel more comfortable and secure. We will guide you through establishing a routine and using calming aids to help your puppy stop crying and live a happier, more peaceful life.
Crying in puppies can vary depending on their age. Older puppies may cry because they are experiencing separation anxiety, are bored, or need to go outside. Meanwhile, newborn puppies cry because they are hungry, uncomfortable, or need warmth. Pay attention to why your puppy cries, so you can provide it with the right care and comfort.
If you are wondering why your pup is crying and how to put a stop to it, the key is to understand the underlying reasons. By gaining this knowledge, you can take the appropriate steps to address the problem and silence the crying. Keep reading to learn more about stopping your pup's tears.
As delicate and helpless beings, newborn puppies rely on their mothers or caregivers to provide for their basic needs. When hungry, cold, or sick, they often cry out in distress, it is like their tiny voice is seeking help. It can be heart-wrenching to hear their cries as they struggle to communicate their needs.
At this stage, the puppies must receive proper care and attention for survival. This may involve giving them warm, nutritious milk from their mothers or finding a suitable substitute if the mother cannot feed them. Providing the puppies with the necessary care will ensure their health and well-being.
In certain situations, puppies may need to receive medication or other forms of treatment to help them recover from an illness or infection. This can be a delicate and complex process, requiring close monitoring and expert knowledge to ensure that puppies receive the appropriate level of care.
As puppies grow older, they often become more vocal when they need to go outside to play or relieve themselves. This can manifest in whining or barking at the door and scratching at it with their paws to grab someone's attention. While this behaviour is natural for puppies, it can be frustrating for their caregivers, particularly when they are trying to get some rest or focus on work.
As a pet parent, providing enough exercise and mental stimulation is important to keep your puppy happy and engaged. If your older puppy is crying or whining, it could signify that they are bored and need entertainment. They may start pacing or circling the room, looking for something to do. If you notice your puppy exhibiting these behaviours, consider taking them for a walk or providing them with a fun new toy to play with.
As puppies grow older, they may become restless and cry when they are tired or ready for bed. This is typical behaviour among puppies, but it can be disruptive for the pet parent. To help your pup settle down for the night, try implementing a bedtime routine and providing a comfortable, cosy bed for it to sleep in. This will not only help your puppy feel more at ease but also allow you to get a good night's rest.
As a responsible pet parent, it's crucial to identify the reasons behind your puppy's crying and take appropriate steps. Whether it's hunger, fear, or loneliness, addressing these underlying causes can create a happier and more comfortable environment for your furry friend. By understanding the root causes of your puppy's crying, you can also provide your canine companion with necessary support and affection to help them feel loved and at ease. Here are some common reasons why puppies may cry:
Suppose your puppy is crying and showing other symptoms of illness. In that case, it could be due to several reasons, ranging from a respiratory infection to a more severe condition such as parvo or distemper. Keep an eye on your puppy's behaviour and pay attention to any changes that may indicate a health problem, so you can act quickly and prevent any potential complications. It is crucial to take your furry friend to the vet as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis and treatment, especially if the crying continues or is accompanied by other signs of discomfort or distress.
As puppies have small stomachs, they require more frequent meals than adult dogs. It's important to provide them with regular, balanced meals and snacks throughout the day to ensure their well-being and happiness. If your puppy is crying and has not eaten in a while, it may be asking for food.
If your puppy is crying, it may be because they feel lonely and neglected. To prevent this, spend quality time with your pup daily. Engage in activities like playing, training, and bonding with them to create a strong, positive relationship and prevent feelings of loneliness.
Puppies overflow with energy and require significant stimulation to stay content and healthy. If your furry friend is crying and appears restless or fidgety, it could be because they are bored and need something to do. Provide your puppy with various toys, games, and activities to keep them entertained and focused.
Suppose your puppy is crying and appears frightened. In that case, it may be because of loud noise, a scary situation, or even a sudden change in their environment. To help calm them down, try speaking softly, offering a treat, or playing soothing music. If the fear continues, seeking the assistance of a professional trainer or behaviourist may be necessary to help your puppy overcome its anxiety.
If your puppy is used to being around other dogs or people and is suddenly left alone for long periods of time, they may become lonely and cry. To prevent this, consider providing your puppy with a companion like another dog or a stuffed animal. Additionally, ensure your puppy has regular opportunities to socialise and interact with others to prevent loneliness and unhappiness.
Consoling a crying puppy can be a challenging and emotional task. Still, making your furry friend feel safe and loved is essential. Here are a few tips to help comfort a crying puppy:
To successfully comfort a crying puppy, it is crucial to have patience and an understanding of what may be causing distress. Once the source of the crying is determined, providing the appropriate support and can help stop its tears and give the puppy a feeling of safety. If needed, seeking advice from a professional can also be beneficial in these situations.
