Pet Health Care

I get so angry when I'm out walking my own dog or I'm out for a walk with my family and we see a fat dog. It really breaks my heart. If you feed your dog too much and they become overweight, it not only affects their looks, but it also affects their joint mobility, cardiovascular health - it can even affect their lifespan!

I know all too well just how easy it is to give your dog a little here and a little there. Maybe he seems just a little hungry so you give your dog just a little more food than you know you should. Oh and there's always the sad eyes you get when he's not eating but you are. A few treats here and there, maybe some before bed.

But STOP! This is exactly how those fat dogs get fat in the first place! This is so avoidable!

Please know that every single person out there who has ever had a dog has knowingly fed them too much at one point or another. And you know what? It's understandable. Your dog is your best friend and is there for you whenever you need him. You get unconditional love from him and so why wouldn't you want to treat him extra-special now and then? And that is totally acceptable!

The main difference between those that have really fat dogs and those that have healthy, happy dogs really only comes down to a single word.

Moderation!

Of course you are going to give your dog occasional treats or a bite of table food! Not only does your dog love it because he's being rewarded by his master, but it makes you feel great as well! Everyone wins!

The problem comes with imbalance.

The only reason that a fat dog exists is because it's owner goes a little over-the-top with giving more dog food than is suggested, whether it's actual dog food, treats or table scraps. Now this is what your dog does not need! Maybe you feel like you're doing something great for your dog - but you're really not.

You're the one that needs to ultimately use self-control to not overfeed your dog. I know it's hard! But there are just so many other ways you can give your dog love! Take them for an extra-long walk, give them a top-to-bottom body scratch, or just simply sit and pet them and enjoy it! This is one of the reasons I bet you got a dog in the first place, right?

Here's a way to tell if you have a fat dog: run your hands over his ribcage, and if you can't feel your dogs ribs through his coat, he's carrying too much extra weight. It doesn't have anything to do with the size of your dog - I have a Saint Bernard, and I can just barely feel his ribs when I pet him. (Hmmm, maybe he could stand to lose a couple pounds!)

The truth is, dogs just are not meant to be fat. It will take it's toll on his joints, his mobility and his cardiovascular system, and he deserves more than that, doesn't he?