Some Fun Facts About Canine Obesity

It has been estimated that nearly 50% of dogs in our country are obese. This is a startling number considering the fact that we love dogs and do not want these furry companions to have any health problems. But then why is this number showing up? A major worrying factor that results in obese dogs is diseases like arthritis, high blood pressure, certain types of cancer, compromised immune function along with heart and lung disease. It has been researched and found out that dogs that maintain their ideal weight live 15% longer than those who are obese. In fact, if the obesity issue is not resolved in dogs it will shorten the lives of these furry companions.

There are certain dog owners who recognize the fact that their furry companions are a little heavy but they do not fully recognize that their doggy is obese. When a veterinarian suggests a dog owner to make his Fido lose 5 lbs. it often goes from one ear to the next without really taking things seriously. But when you compare the dog weight with human weight you will be able to understand the perspective:

Did you know that:

· 5 extra lbs. on a 12 lbs. Shih Tzu is like 58 extra lbs. on a 140 lbs. woman (This is 42% more weight of the dog than the ideal weight!)

· 5 extra lbs. on a 25 lbs. Beagle is like 28 extra lbs. on a 140 lbs. woman (This is 20% more weight of the dog than the ideal weight!)

· 5 extra lbs. on a 70 lbs. Lab Retriever is like 10 extra lbs. on a 140 lbs. woman (This is approximately 7% more weight weight of the dog than the ideal weight!)

One prime reason for obesity in dogs is overfeeding. It is as if you are pampering your furry pal for being good. But frequent and overfeeding is harmful for the dog's health as it contains lots of excessive calories that need to be burned otherwise it can result in diseases. So, in order to avoid this, follow these steps given below:

· Recognize that your pooch is overweight (Because knowing the problem is half the problem solved.)

· Consult with your veterinarian and ask them to conduct full body checkup of your pooch. It is important to know how obese your dog is and also know how many calories need to be fed to the furry pal.

· Select the best food for weight loss of the doggy. There are wide array of options available in the market to choose from. Consult your veterinarian and then choose the food that maintains lean body mass and strength in the dog.

· Follow a strict exercise regime for your doggy on a daily basis.

· Note down the weight of your furry pal in the beginning and then monitor it after regular interval.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Some-Fun-Facts-About-Canine-Obesity&id=9748824

Top 4 Most Common Dog Parenting Mistakes Revealed

Raising a dog is very similar to raising a child. How you treat, train and what you instill in your pet early on greatly affects how they would turn out later on in life. While there is no exact "right" way to raise a dog, there are some wrong practices that owners make that may contribute or cause a pet's negative attitude, health problems or even put them in danger.

Here are the 4 most common dog parenting mistakes that you should avoid:

Lack of socialization

The first year of a dog's life is crucial - it is when he learns the most of everything that you teach him. That is why socializing your dog, especially during the early months, is important. When a dog isn't comfortable around people or other pets, it will be hard for him to trust and can be difficult and even dangerous. Play with your dog daily, bring him out so that he'll be familiar with the people in your surroundings and allow him to play with other dogs.

Lack of exercise

Eating without burning the calories off results to weight gain. This does not only apply to us but to our pets as well. According to statistics, obesity in dogs is now up to 52.5 percent due to lack of exercise. Consult your vet how much exercise your dog needs (depending on his age and size) and be sure to reach it through daily walks and keeping him active.

Lack of company

Leaving a dog alone for several hours is not healthy, especially when they are cooped up in a cage. This will lead to them feeling sad and eventually become aggressive - chewing on things, making a mess around the house and the like. If you're going to be away for more than 7 hours each day, be sure to have someone check your pet or have a sitter to walk your dog and keep him company.

Lack of supervision

Dogs are known to be curious and will eat anything. One common mistake that dog parents make is not being extra careful about what their pet eats. Small, sharp bones, spoiled food and chocolate are among the dangerous food that your pet will usually encounter and put in their mouth. This will lead to choking, poisoning and other problems.

Avoid these mistakes when raising your pup and you and he will have a continuous harmonious relationship.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Top-4-Most-Common-Dog-Parenting-Mistakes-Revealed&id=9703551