It is not easy for any of us to keep our weight in check. Sweets, trinkets and copious foods of all kinds sound pretty good to us at this time of year … Right? And your dog sure agrees with it.
His moving gaze is able to convince us all. You’re about to give your pup a tasty bite from your plate when what the vet said comes to mind; the fats in your dog’s body could make him sick.
Do you want to know how to keep your furry four-legged at a healthy weight? We tell you more below
Maintain the ideal weight of your pet
Obesity is never the goal when you feed your dog table scraps. Although it can be hard to resist the stare you get when you take food off your furry friend’s plate, many human foods are toxic and packed with calories and fats that only the most active dogs can burn. Directly, you should avoid feeding your dog food from your plate. Excess weight in pets can cause:
Painful joints
Lethargy.
Changes in behavior (some dogs become more aggressive, for example)
Give your pet a healthy life
A dog’s activity level decreases in the last half of his life. Therefore, a daily walk can be excellent for your pet’s health, keeping the muscles toned. Games, like fetching the ball, can also help keep you healthy longer. The extra calories will affect your dog’s mood, level of interest in his surroundings, and overall physical health.
Overweight dogs are more susceptible to health problems such as:
- Arthritis.
- Hypertension.
- Respiratory problems.
- Stress in your heart.
- Increased sensitivity to heat.
- Pancreatitis
- Diabetes.
- Liver disease
Age-related weight gain
Sometimes, even if you are careful what you feed your dog, he can still gain weight. As pets age, their nutritional needs change. If your dog is seven years old or older, talk to your vet about changing his food to ensure the calories and nutrients necessary to maintain a healthy weight for your dog.
Preventive care is essential for your pet’s health
We are delighted to welcome all of you and your pets for annual health exams. At Hospital Veterinario Glòries we encourage you to keep your pet’s visits to the vet and vaccinations up to date. Preventive care is the first step in giving your dog a longer, healthier life through food and exercise.
During the physical exam, the vet will look for early signs of illness. The sooner the treatment begins, the better results we can achieve.
We would love to help you create a healthy weight management plan for your dog. Call us at 932 460 805 to schedule an appointment or write to us directly from our website.