Posted on 02/28/2013 5:14:34 AM PST by jda
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Much like their human owners, animals have to deal with unwanted weight, too.
KCAL9’s Sibila Vargas reported that animal obesity is an epidemic across the country with more than 50 percent of pets now overweight.
Natasha, who owns an adorable dog named Colonel, said she knows her furry friend has overindulged in food.
“Every time he goes up the stairs, he expects a treat. You spoil them and then you don’t realize what you’re doing,” she said.
For the past few months, Natasha has been working with Dr. Jeff Werber, a Los Angeles veterinarian, to help her dog lose those stubborn extra pounds.
Werber said cutting calories is the key.
“If you looked at the calorie content of those treats, it would comprise probably one of their two meals. So by doing this on a daily basis, giving them 30, 40 percent more calories than they need, you can imagine what’s gonna happen after a few years,” he said.
To figure out if a pet is on the heavy side, Werber said, “You want to see an indentation in the waist. When you see them like a box, that’s too big, it’s like a coffee table. Likewise, if you can grab too much skin, it’s too much. You want to be able to feel the ribs, not see them, but feel them.”
(Excerpt) Read more at losangeles.cbslocal.com ...
Good choice, mine love them too; a crunchy little sweet treat and packed with nutrient goodies.
Plus I’m pretty sure it gives them x-ray vision ideal for spying and rooting out their vermin nemeses.
negative
The carrots keep their teeth clean too.
The male is nutso for pears from my pear trees too. He goes nuts when I shake the tree to bring them down.
Ditto, good points Navy Vet. Let me add my two cents from a breeders standpoint. Not intended for you, just the board in general.
All dogs are natural gluttons. They will eat until they puke. It goes back to when they were wolves. They did not know when their next meal was coming. Eat as much as you can right now. Survival of the fittest.
They main problem is most of the dog food is crap. It is full of carbs(grains)not protein(meat). Read the label. If the first ingrediants are corn or rice, do not buy it. The more expensive food you do not need to give them as much.
Buy your food at the pet food store, or Tractor Supply not Walmart or the grocery store.
Secondly, most people over feed their pets. If your pet is too fat, cut back on the amount of food you are feeding them. If we want to take weight off a dog for showing, we supplement with green beans. That also means they excrete less. Less to pick up later.
Lastly, pets need exercise. Just like us overweight Americans. Take your dog for a walk. It is good for both of you.
What the f*** is your problem today?
Did I say anything about activism or government dictation? Do what you will with your pets if you have them, but I expressed an opinion as a dog owner. Get over it.
We have two chihuahua’s...tried giving them baby carrots....they just spit them out!!
Yes, not enough coffee. I meant Pets - Familiarization About Grub. Guess I better keep my day job since I'm not a comedian.
Really? Baby carrots? I'll have to try that. Our little yorkie is startin to get a little tummy on him.... but, he is 8 years old, and he still runs in a frenzied circle (on a cable) in the front yard when the mail lady comes by.
He HATES that mail lady... and, white dogs... and, anyone walking a dog, or walking themselves, or actually anyone just getting a little too close to my wife's butt... which, is why I keep him. :-)
He's my guard dog! :-O
FR needs a “like” button for posts like yours! =^)
Absolutely loves ‘em.
He loves apples, pears, peas, blueberries, etc...
...and peanut M&Ms (no, we don’t ‘give’ him those... our 16 YO daughter left a 1 lb bag on the floor of her room and Winston found ‘em. Ate 3/4 of the bag and was a raging psychotic mutt for a day and a half. Hope to NEVER go through that again!).
BTW, my tiny Min-pin-chi is the happiest dog I've ever had. Her bowl is full of hard food (yes, mostly carbs, but lots of fiber and good for tartar), and I share my chicken salad with her which she gets so excited about. Unlike many dogs, she eats only when she is hungry. I love her more than I love people, except for the SO. Best I say that in case she reads this - har!
This is getting enough press as to be almost ominous.
Imagine a new federal agency in charge of animal fitness and diet. They are clearly intrusive enough to do it.
1) Federal animal licensing.
2) Mandatory veterinary insurance.
3) An animal ownership tax like they have in some parts of Europe.
4) etc., ad nauseum.
Much appreciated. I’ll bet your Minpin-chi is one energetic (and protective) little dog! Cheers!
that only stops them from shooting one another.
My Abby-girl makes me so happy as a lap dog. Her best times (mine too) is when she is curled up on my lap and licking my fingers. Some would say she is obsessive about that, but it makes her happy - so why should I care? She licks until she goes to sleep again on my lap, and then wakes and wants to attack my foot or chase her toys in the room - it is beyond cute watching this tiny thing trying to be ferocious...:)
Never thought I would care so much for such a tiny little thing (4lbs). I've always had larger dogs like German Shepards, Irish Setter (clumsy and stupid, but big heart), and at least Cocker's for pets. This one just steals my heart every time she comes up on the couch and nestles in.
And yes, when she's outside to get her "sunshine on", I always make sure she is protected from the hawks and coyotes we see on occasion. The slider is open only enough for her to fit through and we have a dog fence that keeps her enclosed.
Sorry to rant on about my little girl. What do you breed?
Oh, GREAT! You've given the leftists an idea they haven't thought of, yet. I can see it now - ObamaCare for Pets.
“Every time he goes up the stairs”
Yep that pretty much sums up our two spoiled mutts. Everytime they go in or out the door they expect a treat. Most of the time they get one. :-)
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