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You’ll do anything to keep your puppy healthy and happy—IAMS™ is just the first step. Here’s some extra advice to help your puppy stay extra healthy.
Step 1: Begin with a play session and praise to relax your puppy. Then get on the same physical level as your puppy. With a large dog, kneel next to him while he's in the sitting position; with a small puppy, place him on a grooming table or a countertop.
Step 2: Place one hand over the top of the puppy's muzzle as shown. Hold the pill in your free hand and then gently open his mouth with that hand.
Step 3: Place the pill in the center of the tongue as far back as you're able to reach. Then close your puppy's mouth and hold it shut while you blow gently but quickly at his nose. This will cause your dog to swallow before he has a chance to spit the pill out. Give him a treat immediately afterward to ensure that the pill has really been swallowed. End each session with play and praise.
Just like you, your new puppy needs high-quality health care. Before you run into any dog health issues, ask a friend or your local humane society to recommend a veterinarian, then choose one with these factors in mind:
Once you've narrowed your choices, visit the veterinarian's office. Inspect the facility and talk to the doctor about your new puppy. If you like what you see and hear, arrange a time to bring your puppy in for an initial examination. It's a good idea to visit the veterinarian within the first three days after you bring your puppy home to make sure he's in good health. The veterinarian will probably check:
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.
