Keeping your dog's weight in check critical to Fido's overall health
By Diana Stoll
Losing weight is one of the most
popular New Year's resolutions for humans, and it may be one of the best resolutions
for dogs, too. Pet obesity is on the rise in the U.S. It is estimated that more
than half of American dogs are overweight, causing a variety of health problems
including arthritis, diabetes, cancer and liver disease. Excess weight also
impacts a dog's quality of life, reducing his energy and mobility.
How do you know if your dog is
overweight? Give him a big hug. You should be able to feel his ribs without a
blanket of fat covering them. Admire his physique. His chest should be wider
than his belly. And the best way is to take a trip to the vet. Veterinarians
should discuss your pet's weight and body condition at every appointment and
keep a history of your dog's weight to monitor trends.
There are many factors that can
affect obesity. Some breeds are more prone to obesity than others, including
basset hounds, boxers, dachshunds, cocker spaniels, and golden and Labrador
retrievers. As older dogs become less active, they are more likely to become
overweight.
Females are more likely than
males to be overweight. Neutering and spaying may also cause weight gain. There
are a few medical reasons dogs gain weight, too; your vet can rule these out.
But the main reasons dogs are
overweight are the same reasons people are overweight. They eat too much, enjoy
too many high-calorie treats and don't get enough exercise.
Once you and your vet have
decided your dog needs to lose weight, she can recommend the best food and how
much of it is appropriate for your dog's individual weight-loss plan.
Whether it is a commercially
available food or a prescription diet, use a measuring cup to dole out the
correct portion instead of estimating by eye. It may not look like much to you
but may be plenty (or more than plenty) for your dog.
Feeding smaller portions more
often is better than one large meal. Put kibble in a Kong, or other
food-dispensing toy, so it takes longer for your dog to eat.
Rethink treats. If treats are
being used for training, choose low-calorie options. Break large treats into
smaller pieces. Try baby carrots or green beans. Whichever treat you decide on,
be sure to include its calories in your dog's total calorie count. Zero-calorie
options include ice cubes and belly rubs.
Exercise is critical to help an
overweight pet lose weight. Find an activity you both enjoy. Walking, swimming
and chasing balls or Frisbees in the backyard are just a few examples. How
about an indoor obstacle course during winter? If your dog is older or has
turned into a couch potato, start slow and build endurance.
Take your dog for regular
weigh-ins at the vet's office to track progress and to adjust his or her diet
as necessary. Stop in for a quick weight check every couple of weeks. Another
benefit to weigh-ins: dogs get used to going to the vet's office without always
having an exam or getting vaccines. Give him one of those rewarding belly rubs
when you get home.
Make sure everyone in the
household is on board. A weight-loss plan won't be successful if someone is
sneaking treats when no one else is looking.
Most importantly, instead of
striving for quick weight loss, focus on slow and steady progress. Your dog's
weight-loss plan may mean a happier and healthier life for both of you.
• Diana Stoll is the Practice
Manager at Red Barn Animal Hospital with locations in Hampshire and Gilberts.
Visit redbarnpetvet.com, or call (847) 683-4788 (Hampshire) or (847) 422-1000
(Gilberts).
The good boys of the great war.
Dogs played a vital part in the
first world war, without them, the whole army could not function.
‘Ratters’;
Small dogs used to keep pests
under control in the trenches.
Sentry dogs;
Dogs kept at military bases or
camps with the job of notifying their masters of unknown presences nearby.
Scout dogs;
Dogs used in the field to scout
out enemies.
Casualty or ‘Mercy’ dogs;
Dogs that scouted out the wounded
on the battlefield. They carried first-aid kits for soldiers to help
themselves. If the soldier was dying, the dog would stay and keep them company
in their last moments.
Messenger dogs;
Dogs used to send messages from
the front to headquarters and back during the war. All messages had to be
physical, since electronic communication was still very unreliable. Dogs were
used instead of humans because they were much faster and less vulnerable to
sniper-fire.
Mascot dogs;
Dogs that emotionally supported
the men trapped in the horrors of the trenches. They reminded them of the
comforts of home and gave them hope. Even Adolf Hitler, who served in Belgium,
kept a dog at his side at all times.
Playing with your dog is good for your heart, study says
by Melissa Scavelli
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Most
pet owners probably already know this, but now a study says playing with your
dog can lead to better heart health.
Dog owners are 31 percent less
likely than those without pets to die from a heart attack or stroke, according
to the American Heart Association.
AHA also said the study showed
the people who live with dogs and have prior heart health issues actually had a
substantial decrease in risk of death.
Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Nicole Schlechter visited dogs at Nashville Humane
Association earlier this month to help show that playing with dogs is good for
your heart.
Dr. Schlechter said owning a pet
is proven to reduce stress levels while improving emotional support and increases
physical fitness. She has two dogs of her own, Emma and Junior.
George Washington Loved Dogs So Much, He Wrote To A British General About A Dog Mid-Battle
George
Washington showed his loyalty by returning a terrier to it’s rightful
owner–even when the owner was the enemy. After the Battle of Germantown,
Washington found a small terrier running around the battlefield between British
and American lines. It turns out that General Howe’s dog had gotten loose, as
it was identified by it’s collar. Washington’s soldiers suggested that the dog
be kept as a trophy of the British to weaken the morale of the British General
Howe. Instead, Washington took the pup back to his tent where he fed him,
brushed him and cleaned him. He then wrote a letter and attached it to the
dog’s collar. To everyone’s surprise, he ordered a cease fire and had his aide
return the terrier under a flag of truce.
How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog?
FEB 24, 2020
As with most questions in life, the answer to how
often you need to bathe your dog isn't black-and-white — or brindle, for that
matter. Although dogs do groom themselves, which helps hair follicles grow and
supports general skin health, they still need baths to get rid of the grime.
That said, most people actually bathe their dogs more
than necessary. So how often should you bathe your furry friend?
A dog's breed, coat, lifestyle and health all factor
into determining optimal bathing frequency. Obviously, if your dog smells or is
visibly dirty, it's bath time. Some dogs love bath time, and as long as your
dog is healthy and has no special grooming requirements, it is fine to bathe
him or her as often as once a week.
Surprisingly, according to Dr. Jennifer Coates,
veterinary adviser to PetMD, healthy dogs without skin conditions will be fine
with only a bath or two a year, to control "natural doggy odors." And
the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
recommends bathing a dog about once every three months, but there are many
reasons to adjust bathing schedules.
Breed Matters
There are a lot of dog breeds with different types of
coats, so it's a good idea to ask your vet for grooming guidance, including how
often to bathe your dog and what products to use. A dog's skin has a different
pH level than human skin, and it's more sensitive, so avoid using
"people" products on dogs. Although the rule of "more hair, more
baths" is generally accurate, there are exceptions, such as hairless
breeds like the Chinese crested dog, that are high maintenance and need weekly
baths.
Then there are breeds where brushing and combing is
often more important than bathing. A breed with double-coated, thick shedding
hair — like a Shetland sheepdog — is grooming intensive and needs combing and
brushing before, during and after a soaking and moisturizing bath.
Samoyeds, huskies and other arctic breeds need to be
brushed at least once a day during shedding season to avoid knots and
dreadlocks that can cause serious skin conditions if left in their coats. If
these breeds are brushed enough, baths should be kept to a minimum or avoided
altogether, so the natural protective oils aren't stripped from their coats.
Short-coat breeds, like pugs, dalmatians and
greyhounds, typically need fewer baths, and often a good rubdown with a damp
washcloth is enough to remove dirt.
Over-bathing dogs with slightly longer coats — like
Labrador and golden retrievers — can disrupt the seasonal insulation process. A
bath every four to six weeks or less is fine. But frequent — if not daily —
brushing is important. Using an antidandruff shampoo when you do bathe them can
also help keep their skin from drying out.
The Dog's Lifestyle and Health
You also need to consider Fido's health and lifestyle
when determining how often he needs a bath. Dogs who frequent dog parks and
lakes, or those who spend a lot of time outside rolling around in the dirt,
obviously need more baths than indoor dogs who primarily go for daily
leash-walks in the neighborhood.
If your dog snuggles in the bed or has furniture
privileges, you may want to bathe him more, but wiping his paws clean might
also be enough.
Some dogs have skin diseases or allergies and may need
more or less bathing than other dogs. If your dog has a skin condition, bathing
him too often could exacerbate it and cause discomfort, so talk to your
veterinarian and heed their instructions regarding how often to bathe him.
No matter how often a dog is groomed, it's best to
start a regular bathing routine when he's a puppy. Even if the routine is four
times a year or less, a dog who begins baths as a puppy is usually more
cooperative than one who does not — and incorporate routine nail trimmings and
ear cleanings in the puppy routine, as well.
Plus, it'll be harder to try your patience if you
start bathing your dog while he's a puppy and just learning how the world
works, mostly because he'll still be so incredibly cute.
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