The modern dog has access to the best nutrition and health services in history. But he relies on his human to provide them for him because let’s face it - if given a choice between a dumpster behind a Kentucky Fried Chicken and a premium dog food, he’s probably going with the dumpster.

But, despite our many options in healthy dog food today and the increase in options in the pet health industry, obesity is a major problem in dogs.

How To Determine If Your Dog Is Overweight Or Obese

The old stand-by for quickly determining your dog’s weight is to see if you can feel your dog’s ribs. If so, then he’s fit. If not, it’s time to break out the carrots for treats. For a more complete visual check, look for these factors in an obese dog - no waist, a rounded stomach, thick fat covering the ribs which is soft and movable, and prominent folds of skin which sway when he walks. You can also follow the guidelines below:

Approximate Ideal Weight By Some Breed Examples:

• Havanese, Border Terrier - 11 lbs
• Beagle, Staffordshire Bull Terrier - 30 lbs
• Collie, Samoyed - 55 lbs
• American Staffordshire Terrier, Boxer - 66 lbs
• Irish Wolfhound, Anatolian Shepherd - 88 lbs
• Neopolitan Mastiff, Newfoundland - 122 lbs

Causes Of Obesity

Obesity is the response of the body to too much energy saved as fat. Obesity in dogs is affected by the correlation between genetic factors, exercise, food management and stress. What does this mean? Well, to break it down, obesity is affected by:

Food: Leaving a bowl of food out for your dog all the time is a sure way to obesity. So is giving him a caloric treat whenever he asks for it.

Activity Level: Our society has moved away from plowing fields to plowing through potato chips while sitting on the sofa. If we do exercise, it is often at a gym. And too often the daily mile dog walk turns into a quick run around the block just so Fido can do his business.

Illness: Certain conditions exacerbate canine obesity such as hypothyrodism, Cushings Disease, Pancreatic Cancer, and pituitary problems.

Reproductive: Feeding a neutered or spayed dog an average amount can cause obesity. They need about 1/4 less than average.

Breed: Some breeds are more likely to become overweight or obese. These include Labrador Retrievers, Beagles, Cocker Spaniels and Basset Hounds.

Health Risks In Overweight Or Obese Dogs

Obese dogs are more at risk for complications in surgery and for injury. Their lungs, liver, heart, kidneys, and joints are also more stressed. Obesity in pets can also cause stroke, respiratory problems in the heat and during exercise, lead to diabetes, and in general shorten and lessen the quality of a dog’s life.

How To Achieve Pet Weight Loss

You can conquer canine obesity using some of the information below. However, before any changes in diet or lifestyle, you should consult with your veterinarian.

Food: Feed your dog two to three times a day. Ask your vet for advice on amount but, in general, a dog needs 35 calories per pound per day to stay at her ideal weight. Avoid weight management foods as they tend to be high in carbs and low in protein. Remember that treat calories are included in that daily calorie intake. Try small pieces of microwaved chicken, carrots, celery, a dab of peanut butter or a small piece of low-fat cheese.

Activity Level: On average, a dog needs between 30 minutes and an hour of exercise a day. This doesn’t mean you have to run five miles with him. In addition to walks, dog parks provide good exercise, as does throwing a ball in the backyard. Remember to start slowly and build up gradually.

Health: Your vet can determine if an illness is causing or contributing to your dog’s obesity. He can also prescribe a medication that suppresses a dog’s appetite and blocks fat absorption if appropriate.

The Good News

Though obesity is a major problem in dogs, the good news is that canine obesity can be treated. It should be done slowly (pet weight loss should not exceed 1 to 1-1/2 pounds per week) and with the supervision of your vet. It’s also an opportunity to spend more time lavishing attention and kisses on your dog to keep him from thinking about that dumpster around the corner.

Check out more great articles at Dogster.com

Ryan McGuire
Owner/Operator    
SIT MEANS SIT Dog Training Temecula
Sorry, We Don’t Train Husbands, Wives, or Kids!

(951) 246-8223

Temecula Dog Park Sit Means Sit Dog Training Reviews Temecula 951.246.8223 life time dog training unlimited dog training private dog training in home temecula murrieta lake elsinore canyon lake Dog Training private in home Temecula Dog Training Temeula Dog obedience puppy training potty training dogs temecula california temecula valley murrieta menifee lake elsinore wildomar winchester dog training puppy obedience potty training Menifee Dog Park 951.246.8223 landscaping yard plants trees shrubs landscaping hemet perris sun city temecula valley fallbrook Palomar Mountain De Luz Canyon Lake dog training your beautiful yard dog kennel dog crate dog bowl dog training dog friendly dog grass dog leash dog aggression fearful dogs deaf dogs dog aggression timid Dogs old dogs young dogs puppy dogs shy dogs landscaping grass lifetime dog training dog boarding Temecula Doggy Daycare doggie boot camp board and train boarding facility private in home dog training private training obedience pottie training Potty Training puppy puppies puppy management dogs k9 k-9 canine Dock Dogs Dog Trainer Ryan McGuire 92003 92028 92059 92061 92066 92086 92518 92530 92531 92532 92536 9253992543 92544 92545 9254692548 92549 92561 9256292563 92564 92567 92570 92571 92572 92581 92582 92584 92585 92586 92587 92589 92590 92591 92592 92593 92595 92596 92599 92060 92082

The choices in dog food can be overwhelming. There’s food for small dogs and large dogs, thin dogs and fat dogs, couch potatoes and active dogs, and even food specific to a breed (such as Best Breed Dog Food). But, if you want to insure the best nutrition for your dog, choosing dog food from the array of Healthy foods available is the best course.

But what does "healthy" dog food mean? It’s a food that contains the basics, a good source of protein, and adequate fat, fiber and moisture - and then some (see "Up the Ante" below).

To start with, any dog food must meet the safety regulations of the FDA. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (or AAFCO) defines what goes on dog food labels but some feel this is inadequate considering that the AAFCO is not governed and includes people in the pet food industry who benefit from certain guidelines. So, we as dog owners are left largely to ourselves to find a safe and healthy food for our dog.

The Basics

An average dog should have a diet that is 50% vegetable, 40% meat and 10% grain. Grown dogs need a minimum of 18% protein on a dry matter basis, whereas puppies require at least 22%. All dogs also require some fat, amount dependent on their level of activity. Dogs also need approximately 4% of their diets to be fiber. These are all, again, on average. In doing a dog food comparison, it is best to start with the labels.

Deciphering Dog Food Labels

Dog Food Ingredients: A good way to determine the quality of a food is the ingredient list. With a little practice, you can find a food that does not have unwanted products and is highly digestible. The ingredients are listed in order by weight.

One trick some manufacturers use is to break an ingredient into several different smaller ingredients and list them separately. For example, the ingredients might include chicken (first), ground corn, corn gluten, and corn bran (further down). You might think chicken is the main ingredient but, grouping the corn ingredients together, they would likely greatly outweigh the amount of chicken.

Guaranteed Analysis

The following must be included on dog food labels:

• Minimum crude protein
• Minimum crude fat
• Maximum crude fiber
• Maximum moisture

Note: "Crude" does not take into account digestibility or the source. The source could be human-grade beef or chicken feathers.

Some Tricks Of Your Own

• Look for the first source of fat named on the label, to determine the main ingredients. For example, if chicken fat is listed seventh, the ingredients prior to that are the major ingredients. Those after are secondary.
• Watch out for the names and description on the package of dog food. For instance, a product called "Doggy Dinner wth Liver Flavoring" might have only a small amount of flavoring since a certain percentage is not required.
• Calculating the "real" amount of each guaranteed analysis can tricky. Manufacturers can be deceptive, using high quality ingredients that contain a lot of water and therefore save them money. For more information on calculations, visit the FDA site.

Up the Ante

Luckily, healthy dog foods are easy to find today. Or, you can try making your own food with healthy dog food recipes. If you choose to do this, consult with your vet and do some research. There is a lot of information online and in books such as "The Whole Pet Diet." Some things to consider for buying or making are:

• Look for natural and/or organic ingredients. A dog food package with "Natural" stamped on it means nothing - there are no regulations in place to define this. So sifting through the ingredients is vital.
• Avoid corn, cornmeal, soy and wheat. These are difficult for dogs to digest and can cause allergies.
• Instead, choose your grains from barley, rolled oats, millet, quinoa, and brown rice.
• Depending on your dog’s ability to digest, check the digestibility of the protein source. For instance, fish is more digestible than muscle and organ meats.
• Check digestibility of the carbohydrate source. Rice is at the top, followed by, in part, oats and yeast.
• Avoid animal-by-products which may contain heads, feet, and other animal parts.
• Avoid preservatives and additives - they have been shown to cause health problems in dogs.
• Look for Vitamin E and C; they are natural, healthful preservatives.
• Look for Omega-3; it is good for your dog’s coat.
• Some dog owners prefer to look for "human-grade" food in their dog food. This simply means the food is purchased from human-grade food facilities.

A Holistic Approach

Healthy nutrition is the foundation but don’t forget the other elements of a healthy canine lifestyle: exercise, medical check-ups, alternative medicine such as Acupuncture, dental hygiene, and grooming. Manage all of these and you will have one happy, healthy dog.

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Ryan McGuire
Owner/Operator    
SIT MEANS SIT Dog Training Temecula
Sorry, We Don’t Train Husbands, Wives, or Kids!

(951) 246-8223

Temecula Dog Park Sit Means Sit Dog Training Reviews Temecula 951.246.8223 life time dog training unlimited dog training private dog training in home temecula murrieta lake elsinore canyon lake Dog Training private in home Temecula Dog Training Temeula Dog obedience puppy training potty training dogs temecula california temecula valley murrieta menifee lake elsinore wildomar winchester dog training puppy obedience potty training Menifee Dog Park 951.246.8223 landscaping yard plants trees shrubs landscaping hemet perris sun city temecula valley fallbrook Palomar Mountain De Luz Canyon Lake dog training your beautiful yard dog kennel dog crate dog bowl dog training dog friendly dog grass dog leash dog aggression fearful dogs deaf dogs dog aggression timid Dogs old dogs young dogs puppy dogs shy dogs landscaping grass lifetime dog training dog boarding Temecula Doggy Daycare doggie boot camp board and train boarding facility private in home dog training private training obedience pottie training Potty Training puppy puppies puppy management dogs k9 k-9 canine Dock Dogs Dog Trainer Ryan McGuire 92003 92028 92059 92061 92066 92086 92518 92530 92531 92532 92536 9253992543 92544 92545 9254692548 92549 92561 9256292563 92564 92567 92570 92571 92572 92581 92582 92584 92585 92586 92587 92589 92590 92591 92592 92593 92595 92596 92599 92060 92082

In a 2008 pet health study conducted by the VPI pet insurance company, ear infections were the number one reason dog owners sought veterinary care. Thorough and regular ear cleaning and maintenance can help your dog avoid ear problems and infections.

Many dogs do not like having their ears cleaned, which makes doing a good job very difficult. It is helpful, before you even begin cleaning your dog’s ears that you learn how to make this grooming experience pleasurable for your dog.

Handling Your Dog’s Ears

Practice handling your dog’s ears gently. Give delicious treats while you massage the outside of and eventually the inside of the ear. Repeat this until your dog really enjoys having his ears handled. Once your dog accepts all kinds of ear manipulation with your hands, repeat the procedure using a cloth and then with cotton balls.

Your Dog’s Ears

Dogs with heavy, floppy ears generally need to have their ears cleaned more frequently than dogs with prick ears (which stand upright and allow for better air circulation), and dogs that have a lot of hair in the inside of their ears may require additional maintenance (increased cleaning and for some, plucking of hair growing in the ear).

If your dog is itching his ears a lot, if the ears smell funny, are very red or inflamed, if your dog is constantly shaking his head, it is best to visit your veterinarian as these may be indications of an existing ear infection or other ear problem.

Cleaning Your Dog’s Ears

Frequent ear cleanings (weekly) will keep the ears free of wax and debris, and will also allow you to understand what your dog’s ears look like when they are healthy. This enables you to more easily recognize any abnormalities in the ear should they arise.

Consult with your veterinarian about recommended dog ear cleaning products. To clean your dog’s ears well, you will need an appropriate ear cleaner, a number of cotton balls, and if possible, a helper - someone who can feed the dog treats and keep him calm during the process.

Some dogs have a lot of hair on the inside of the ear. This hair can serve as a reservoir for dirt, debris, and accumulations of earwax. Ask your veterinarian or groomer whether plucking is recommended for your dog. Plucking takes a bit of skill and finesse and can cause discomfort when done incorrectly, so is best left to professionals who have experience on plucking ear hair in dogs. Watch your vet or groomer closely as they pluck the dog’s ears, asking any questions you may have about the procedure. Be well prepared with some yummy treats while the vet is plucking the ears, to make this a positive experience for your dog.

Once the ears are free of hair, it is time to begin cleaning. Wash your hands well before and after ear cleaning, and have your supplies ready.

Squirt a small amount of ear cleaning solution into the ear canal. Do not force the nozzle of the bottle into the ear canal as you can cause significant damage this way - only the tip of the bottle should be inserted into the canal. Once you have the solution in the ear, massage the base of the ear to encourage distribution throughout the canal. Be prepared for your dog to shake his head after you apply the solution.

Take a cotton ball and rub the inside of the ear to remove any discharge or any accumulated wax. You may use a Q-tip to get in the crevices at the base of the ear, but do not insert the Q-tip into the ear canal itself. When the base of the ear is clean, you may use soaked cotton balls or a soaked wet cloth to clean the ear flap out toward the tip.

For a great how-to piece including pictures, check out this article from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University. The restraint methods shown at the top of the article will likely be unnecessary if you have trained your dog to love having his ears manipulated in advance.

If your dog will not tolerate ear cleaning or if you are unsure of how to go about cleaning your dog’s ears, you may want to consult with your veterinarian and have her do the cleaning for you. It’s always easiest to learn a new skill if you have someone well experienced in its practice to coach and guide you so that you can learn the correct way to implement the task. It is also worth finding a experienced behavioral professional to help you out with tips for how you can train your dog to be more accepting of husbandry techniques including ear cleaning.

Dogster.com

Ryan McGuire
Owner/Operator    
SIT MEANS SIT Dog Training Temecula
Sorry, We Don’t Train Husbands, Wives, or Kids!

(951) 246-8223

Temecula Dog Park Sit Means Sit Dog Training Reviews Temecula 951.246.8223 life time dog training unlimited dog training private dog training in home temecula murrieta lake elsinore canyon lake Dog Training private in home Temecula Dog Training Temeula Dog obedience puppy training potty training dogs temecula california temecula valley murrieta menifee lake elsinore wildomar winchester dog training puppy obedience potty training Menifee Dog Park 951.246.8223 landscaping yard plants trees shrubs landscaping hemet perris sun city temecula valley fallbrook Palomar Mountain De Luz Canyon Lake dog training your beautiful yard dog kennel dog crate dog bowl dog training dog friendly dog grass dog leash dog aggression fearful dogs deaf dogs dog aggression timid Dogs old dogs young dogs puppy dogs shy dogs landscaping grass lifetime dog training dog boarding Temecula Doggy Daycare doggie boot camp board and train boarding facility private in home dog training private training obedience pottie training Potty Training puppy puppies puppy management dogs k9 k-9 canine Dock Dogs Dog Trainer Ryan McGuire 92003 92028 92059 92061 92066 92086 92518 92530 92531 92532 92536 9253992543 92544 92545 9254692548 92549 92561 9256292563 92564 92567 92570 92571 92572 92581 92582 92584 92585 92586 92587 92589 92590 92591 92592 92593 92595 92596 92599 92060 92082