Diet plays a central role in your dog’s overall health and well-being, and it stands to reason that you want to provide your dog the best possible source of nutrition in the dog food you choose. But some nutrients, like L-Carnitine, may be unfamiliar or completely foreign. Learn more about this vitamin-like compound and how it can help your dog maintain a healthy weight.
What Is L-Carnitine?
Carnitine, or L-carnitine, is a vitamin-like compound made in the body from amino acids. It's found naturally only in animal-based protein sources. It has been used to help with fat metabolism in other species, and recent scientific studies show that it can help reduce weight in overweight dogs.
How Does L-Carnitine Work?
This water-soluble substance attaches to fatty acids, transporting them into cellular mitochondria, the part of the cell that converts fat into a usable form of energy. There, they are broken down through oxidation and converted to energy for all tissues, including the heart, liver, and skeletal muscles. Through this process, carnitine helps reduce the storage of body fat and the amount of fat in the bloodstream.
Can L-Carnitine Help Reduce Weight in Overweight Dogs?
In a study conducted by The IAMS™ Company, overweight dogs were fed similar diets. One group was given a diet supplemented with L-carnitine while another group received a diet without supplemental L-carnitine.
After seven weeks, the group that received the diet without supplemental L-carnitine lost 1.8% body weight compared to 6.4% body weight loss from the group that was fed the L-carnitine supplemented diet. Likewise, body fat was reduced in each group by 2.4% and 4.6%, respectively.1 The study found that L-carnitine promotes loss of body weight and body fat in overweight dogs.
IAMS™ ProActive Health™ Adult Healthy Weight is formulated with L-carnitine that helps turn fat into energy, providing a path to help keep him fit for life.
1 Sunvold GD, Tetrick MA, Davenport GM, Bouchard GF. 'Carnitine supplementation promotes weight loss and decreased adiposity in the canine.' Proceedings of the XXIII World Small Animal Veterinary Association. p. 746. October, 1998.
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Leash training can help your puppy safely explore the world beyond your house or backyard. It can enhance your dog’s walking experience and help you bond with it better. We must remember that dogs are not born with the ability to walk on a leash, they need to be taught. As their caregivers, we need to help them learn this skill comfortably.
If you have a large breed pup, it is imperative that you train it while it is still young. Once your fur baby grows up to be heavy, you will have a tough time handling it on a leash. You do not want to be dragged along the ground or see your dog get into an easily avoidable fracas.
In case you are wondering at what age to start leash training a puppy, here’s your answer: You are start at 10 weeks of its age, however, you must know that it can be done earlier. It will help your pup grow into an obedient pawsome pal. Leash training also makes it easier for you to travel with your pet and embark on exciting adventures seamlessly! Train your puppies while they are still young as it will stay with them for the rest of their lives.
If you are facing any trouble with how to teach your puppy to walk on a leash, here are some tips to get you started:
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Pick the right collar
Picking the right collar is the first step to getting your dog used to a puppy leash. It is imperative that your fur baby feels comfortable in it. So, make sure that the collar is neither too tight nor too loose; there should be space for at least two fingers under it. While leash training your puppy, breathability and comfort is of paramount importance.
Note: If you plan on training your puppy at an early age, stay attentive during sessions. Since your little furry friend will be at a developing stage, it will outgrow its collar soon. Make sure that you keep checking the fit of the collar and change it as and when needed.
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Introducing your puppy to a leash
Your puppy will need some time to get used to the leash. For puppies, this is an alien thing, and they will need some time to adjust and accept this new accessory. You can help your pup ease into this process by trying a few tricks. It needs to resonate a leash with fun times. Let it spend some time playing with the leash. You can also make your canine companion wear it every time you are having a fun time together at home. Do not put it on when it is alone, sad, or irritated.
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Treats go a long way
As you teach your puppy how to walk on a leash, remember that rewarding it with treats will only promote good behaviour. Grab a treat in your hands and take a few steps back. This will encourage your pooch to walk towards you to devour its favourite treat. To avoid overeating, you can also reward the pup with toys, praises, or belly rubs.
Note: Do not stretch your dog’s leash training for prolonged hours. It might get exhausted and shy away from training.-
Indoor practice
Indoor practice is the best way of gauging how your canine companion fares with the concept of walking on leash. This will also help you get your puppy used to the leash without losing control of it. Choose a decent stretch of floor in your home, make sure there are no obstructions, and just start walking with your puppy on a leash. At the end of one stretch, reward it with treats. Stay attentive during these session to know when your pup is ready for the world outside your home.
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Start with short outdoor walks
Teaching your puppy how to walk on a leash is going to be full of surprises. If you think that your pet will easily walk on a leash outdoors once it has learnt to do it indoors, you are mistaken. Being curious is only natural and that is exactly what will happen once your four-legged friend realises that it is not at home anymore! Your dog will want to sniff every corner, every plant, and whatever it sets its eyes on. Hence, start with short outdoor walks!
Note: Carry some treats with you to encourage your puppy to follow you!
Remember that patience is key! And your furry friend is not the only one who needs to be patient during this process. Your puppy is going to need some time to get used to this walking style and you need to give it that time. Moreover, make sure that this transition is smooth and comfortable for your pup. Once you start putting these tips into action, you two can start taking long strolls together.
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