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By now we all know obesity is unhealthy—for both people and pets. But do you know just how many health problems it can cause for your dog? Diabetes, bone and joint damage, decreased liver function, heart disease, increased blood pressure, and a heightened risk of cancer are just a few of the serious health issues caused by obesity. That’s a scary list. Protect your pooch by taking a proactive approach to keeping the pounds off. Here are some ways to do it.
Dogs do better with a controlled amount of food on a schedule. While some dogs can handle eating from an always-full and ever-present dog bowl, most will overeat if food is always available.
There are lots of dog foods out there, all offering something different. When it comes to keeping obesity in check, IAMS™ ProActive Health™ Adult Weight Control and IAMS Healthy Naturals™ Weight Management with Chicken formulas are great choices.
Your dog’s your pal, so it’s difficult not to share your tasty bacon or a bite of steak with him when he gives you those big, pleading eyes. But trust us—it’s worth it to resist. Feeding Fido “people food” ups his food and fat intake significantly. Plus, it creates bad habits: A dog that’s not fed from the table won’t learn to beg.
Obviously, a great way to keep your dog trim and fit is with some good exercise sessions. When you don’t have a lot of time, do short sessions of fetch or tug-of-war. Take it to the next level by jogging with your dog, tossing the Frisbee®, or starting agility training. And here’s a bonus: A dog that gets enough exercise is less likely to act out.
Of course you want to reward your dog when he’s good—but don’t forget that those treats can add up. Pay attention to the calorie and fat content of the treats you give. More importantly, take note of how many goodies you’re doling out—and how often.
Most of the time, a dog is overweight because he’s taking in more calories than he’s burning. But it is possible that there is a larger problem at work. If you’ve tried maintaining your dog’s diet and increasing exercise and still aren’t seeing results, talk to your veterinarian about a possible thyroid or other metabolic disorder.
Don’t get discouraged if you slip up every once in a while or don’t see results right away. Battling obesity is done day to day—it’s about forming good habits and being disciplined. By following the tips above and showing a little dedication, you’ll be on your way to having a healthier, happier dog.
Whether your dog is a big sweetie, a big weirdo or a big athlete, here’s what you need to know about taking care of your big dog.
First, all big dogs start out as little dogs. But pretty soon they grow up — and so does their appetite, their toys, their dog bowls, the vet bill and their need for speed.
He started to grow.
And pretty soon
he was bigger than
the recliner.
Sometimes it can take more than two years for them to reach their full size.
And you won’t like to think about it too much, but their life spans are shorter, too: about 10 to 12 years.
No wonder
you'll let him push
you off the bed
at night.
If a large dog gets too much food as a pup, they’re at a higher risk of growing too quickly, which can cause joint trouble.
For large breeds, being overweight is especially problematic. All that extra weight can be a lot for the joints to carry around.
Keep your good old dog healthy by practicing portion control and feeding nutritious food like IAMS™ Mature Adult Large Breed.
How will she catch
a screaming
15-mile-an-hour
Frisbee in midair
if she has knee trouble.
Back in the day, large-breed dogs were especially energetic. They were working dogs, herders, hunters, cart pullers and people protectors.
Who are we to deny their evolution?
Make sure your dog gets exercise every day.
How do you accomplish this? Walk, walk and more walk. And add in some running, jumping, chasing, hiking, fetching, dog-park visiting, swimming and even agility courses.
Repeat this mantra:
'I am the alpha.'
When it comes to training, think of it this way: The bigger the dog, the harder it is to hide behavior problems. And if you can’t control your super-sized soulmate, they could inadvertently cause damage or hurt someone.
Living large is all
about biting the
wind and living
that sweet,
sweet life.
