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Obesity poses a serious threat to dogs just as it does
to people. Respected veterinary school studies have
suggested that up to 40% of pet dogs are overweight. You
can take a number of steps to help your pet shed those
unwanted pounds.
Simply cutting back on a dog’s food and treat intake
will make a big difference. The serving size suggestions
on dog food bags are average estimates, some pets may
require less food to maintain their ideal weight
balance, particularly if they do not have active
lifestyles.
If you give your overweight dog treats, it is suggested
that your pet be rewarded with a smaller biscuit. Better
yet, show your love by buying a new toy and playing with
your pets instead of lavishing them with tasty goodies.
Giving pets treats through an interactive treat
dispensing toy, rather than just offering them biscuits
directly out of the box, is also a good weight-reducing
move.
Another solution is to switch the pet to reduced calorie
formula food. Dogs should be switched to a new formula
gradually, since a sudden change can result in gastro
intestinal problems. One widely accepted practice is to
start with a mix that consists of 10% new food and 90%
old food, then increase the share of new food by 10% of
the total diet every day until the transition is
complete.
Seriously obese pets should be taken
to a veterinarian before being put on a diet or switched
to a reduced calorie food. These pets need to lose
weight safely under veterinary supervision.
The products that Pet
Supplies “Plus” carries in this category include
Kong, Everlasting Treat Ball and Aspen
Snack-n-Roll. We also carry a wide variety of
reduced-calorie dog foods.
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