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Dog Weight Problems

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic (by 19 people)   Your rating: 1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic

Ranked #771 in Animals, #16372 overall

Rated G. (Control what you see)

Dog Weight Problems - Overeating Isn't Just For People Anymore!

 

This was my Rat Terrier Sonny the day we brought him home from the breeder.  At the time, he only weighed a few pounds and holding him in one hand was a breeze.  Today, he weighs 35 pounds and I am very hard put to pick him up at all.  True, he's still adorable but he definitely has dog weight problems.

The more I look into dog weight problems, the more I realize that I'm not doing Sonny any favors by giving him that extra treat.  With this lens, I'm hoping to educate myself and others so that we can help our best friends live a longer, healthier life without all the excess baggage.

The first thing you should do is download this totally free ebook that will help you to extend your dog's life by keeping him healthier .  It's called the Long Life Dog Book and you can get it by clicking on the name.

To hear more about Sonny and see more of his pictures, go to My Rat Terrier Sonny or visit him at Rat Terrier Life Span.

 

As an update, I just wanted to mention that Sonny now weighs 27 pounds, is much more active and I could not be happier.  We have been taking longer walks each day, mixing canned vegtables with smaller amounts of canned dog food, giving him weight-control or lean dry and canned food  only,  and cutting all his treats into 6 or 7 tiny pieces so he still gets the same number but  the calories are very reduced.  It has taken approximately 6 months for Sonny to lose 8 pounds and it's been much quicker these last 3 months because of his higher energy level.  He could still lose a few more pounds but I no longer have to worry about his weight affecting his health.

 

Dog Weight Problems And Solutions 

Just like a parent who thinks their child is simply "big-boned", dog owners need to look at their pets critically and make difficult decisions aimed at improving the animal's life and longevity.

There are so many diseases and disorders out there just waiting to attack our wonderful pets; some which you may not even have considered. Here, you'll find articles that explain some dog weight problems and also their simple solutions.

Bet You Didn't Know This! 

Did you know that dogs have a genetic lifespan of 27 years? Find out how you can help your dog live well into it's teens or 20's. Download your totally FREE copy of the Long Life Dog book by clicking this link:
Download Free Long Life Dog Book

Dog Weight Guide 

If you're wondering what your dog should really weigh...

Here is a very general guide as to what your dog should weigh provided by www.pedigree.com/.

Remember, though, that you should always consult your veterinarian before putting your pooch on a diet as each dog, like each human, is different. There are many things to take into consideration such as the dog's age, health and activity level. Only your veterinarian can advise you as to how much your particular pet should weigh.

Small Breeds

* Chihuahua 4 lbs
* Pekinese 9 lbs
* Miniature Schnauzer 15 lbs
* Boston Terrier 19 lbs

Medium Breeds

* Cocker Spaniel 25 lbs
* Beagle 25 lbs
* Brittany Spaniel 35 lbs

Large Breeds

* Siberian Husky 50 lbs
* Airedale Terrier 50 lbs
* Pointer 65 lbs
* Labrador Retriever 75 lbs

Giant Breeds

* Old English Sheepdog 95 lbs
* Great Dane 130 lbs
* St. Bernard 165 lbs

Dog Weight Problems In Motion 

Although some of these videos are meant to be funny/cute, it really is a sad look at animals in need of help. We can't allow our best friends to get to this point. If you have a video that shows a pooch in trouble please add it here so that we can promote awareness.

My Rat Terrier Teri Getting Her Exercise 2 points

Fat Dog Budweiser Commercial 1 point

Ohh my gosh. Look at these Fat cats and Fat Dogs. 1 point

Fat dog 1 point

Fat Dog 1 point

So What Are You Really Feeding Your Dog? 

Dog weight problems begin with the food you feed them!

Want to put this Dog Food Calculator on your lens, blog or web page?

Then just place the code below on the page where you want it to appear:

<center><a href="http://www.doggieabcs.com/dfc/index.php?p=30" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.doggieabcs.com/dfc/images/dfc_main.jpg" border="0" width="504" height="560" /></a></center>

My Rat Terrier Sonny and His Weight Problems 

My Rat Terrier Sonny and Our Visit to the Vet
by Maria Hausle

In preparation for the odyssey that we'll be enduring at the end of this month, Sonny and I decided to visit the vet (or as my addled, middle-aged mind referred to her, the ventriloquist - don't ask). You see, almost every year, we drive up to Buffalo and Toronto from Knoxville, TN, two whole times; first in the spring/summer and then in November. Not only do we get a chance to see our friends and family but we also get away from our rut even if it's only for a week. Usually, while we're away, our neighbor checks in on Boris (the cat) at least once a day to make sure he has everything he needs, clean his litter (what an angel she is) and play with him a while. Sonny, on the other hand has had to be boarded - something Rat Terriers abhor! He's always lost a little too much weight and had mild behavior problems for a while afterwards so we really didn't like doing it but what could we do? This year, however, my husband decided that we should take him with us... to Buffalo... in the car... with us... in the car... for eleven or twelve hours... in the car! Not a problem, you say. However, Sonny gets car sick (like Mummy, like Puppy) and, therefore is really quite afraid of the car. Ergo, our trip to the vet for some fantastic knock-out pills (my hope).

I had decided to change veterinarians as our other one had already claimed our arm, leg and first born for the very few times we'd actually gone to see her. After talking to the neighbors and discovering that I was the only one stupid enough to still go there, I took their cue and made an appointment at the new place. I got an appointment right away for 3:30 pm but I was supposed to be there at 3:00 pm to fill out the obligatory paperwork. Excellent.

The day arrived and since the office was only about 7 minutes away from my house, I decided, quite foolishly as it turned out, that I should leave around 2:45 pm. I, of course, hadn't counted on Sonny refusing to go. Click here to read the rest of this article.

Curl Up With A Good Dog And A Good Book! 

These are some of my favorite books about dogs. You'll find information on nutrition but also a heartwarming story and some much needed laughter for the young and young-at-heart.

What About Exercise? 

Is your dog getting enough exercise? Too much exercise?

Everyone knows that a dog, like a human, needs exercise to avoid weight problems but how much exercise is enough? There are many things that we must take into consideration. Take a look at the most important aspects to consider by reading this interesting article at the Rat Terrier Life Span

How You Can Help Your Dog 


What can you do to make your dog's life longer and healthier? How can you keep your best friend by your side for many more years to come? Download your totally FREE copy of the Long Life Dog Book by clicking the following link: Download Free Long Life Dog Book Do it now!

Amazonian Dog Stuff 

Here are a few samples of great gifts for dog lovers like yourself.

Coolaroo Pet Bed

Amazon Price: (as of 07/26/2008)
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KIDS 'N' PETS Brand - Stain & Odor Remover, 6 pack, 32 fluid ounce bottles (192 fluid ounces total)

Amazon Price: $29.99 (as of 07/26/2008)
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Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Chips the War Dog

Amazon Price: (as of 07/26/2008)
List Price: $39.99

What Contributes The Most To Dog Weight Problems? 

In your opinion, what are the biggest factors that make a dog obese? Place them in order and/or add your own.

How Much Exercise The Dog Gets

Should your dog get a couple of 10 minute walks pe more...4 points

The Amount Of Food You Feed Them

Do we over-feed our dogs; whether it's at a single more...3 points

Too Many Treats

Whether it's table scraps, jerky treats or dog bis more...2 points

The Dog Food You Choose

By choosing dog foods that are full of high-calori more...2 points

When You Feed Them

Some believe that feeding dogs earlier in the day more...1 point

The Doggy SuperStore 

Here's a little bit of everything including art, science and even a healthy hobby for pre-teens and teens.
Dogs, Dogs, Dogs!

Dogs, Dogs, Dogs!

Price: $16.00

Oller's wonderfully subtle watercolors are full of motion and humorous details that will amuse children who like to search illustrations for tiny visu... more »

If Dogs Could Talk

If Dogs Could Talk

Price: $25.00

Based firmly in science but enlivened with anecdotes, this exploration of the intelligence of dogs concludes that dogs are indeed very smart--they're... more »

Dogs for Kids Magazine

Dogs for Kids Magazine

Price: $21.00

Dogs for Kids Magazine,Geared toward canine-loving pre-teens and teens. Each full-color issue covers training tips, mini breed profiles, fun activitie... more »

Dog

Dog

Price: $19.95

Photographs of over 300 works of art and supporting text celebrate the canine in art and literature, including chapters on sporting dogs, companion do... more »

Dog Sites Emphasizing Dog Weight Problems 

Some details may vary but as you'll see, dog weight problems are serious and yet fairly easy to remedy. Show me which site you find more helpful or add your own to the list.

Overweight Dogs: Weight Loss to Treat & Prevent Dog Obesity

Learn about dog weight loss with information from more...2 points

Dog Obesity: Harmful to Dogs. How can I lower my dog weight

Dog Obesity: Harmful to Dogs. Dog Eating Guideline more...2 points

Dog Obesity - Overweight Dog

Dog obesity is quite common, but dietary changes, more...1 point

www.pedigree.com

This is a good general site from a trusted brand o more...1 point

Pet Health Council

Could you and your pets do with shedding a few pou more...1 point

http://www.gsdhelpline.com/fatty.htm/

Obesity in dogs is a serious medical problem, and more...1 point

http://www.pets.ca/articles/article-obesity.htm/

Obesity is the most frequent nutritional problem e more...1 point

http://www.altvetmed.org/articles/diet.html/

Did you know that the most common form of malnutri more...1 point

Dog Friendly Lenses 

Here are some great lenses that will entertain and inform you on our favourite subject.......Dogs!

How About A Few Movies With Your Best Friend? 

There's nothing like watching a good movie with your dog next to you. Just don't share the popcorn!

Twin Daggers

A shady Los Angeles martial arts assassin (Rhett Giles) is hired by a beautiful woman (Coco Su) to a...
Abel's Island / The Story of the Dancing Frog

Director Michael Sporn's animated double feature starring the vocal talents of Tim Curry and Amanda...
Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog: The Fastest Thing in Time

After the evil Dr. Robotnik builds a time machine, speedy hero Sonic must embark on a series of adve...
Captain N: The Game Master: Adventures in Videoland

After being transported to the universe of Videoland, where Nintendo characters dwell, teenage Kevin...
Greener Mountains

J.P. Barton (Chris Heuisler) knows little about life away from the Vermont resort his adopted family...
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Need Another Opinion On Dog Weight Problems? 

Control Your Dog's Weight for a Healthier, Longer Life
By Valerie Goettsch


Obesity is not just a growing problem for the human population, overweight dogs--just plain fat dogs--is becoming more common.


Obesity is a common nutritional disorder in dogs. Just like people, dogs can get fat through over feeding and insufficient exercise.


Even if you think you are only giving your dog a small amount of food per day, if you dog is getting insufficient exercise relative to the amount of food intake, he can still gain weight. Over time, he can and will get fat.


Fat dogs are not healthy dogs. Overweight dogs tend to develop health problems such as diabetes, and excess weight can aggravate conditions such as arthritis, which often develops in middle aged and elderly dogs. To put it in perspective, an extra five pounds on a 15 pound dog is equivalent to an extra 50 pounds on a 150-pound person.


How You Can Prevent Your Dog from Becoming Fat


Fortunately, there are some common-sense weight control measures you can take to help prevent your dog from getting fat.


  • If you practice "free feeding" (leaving dry dog food available 24/7), STOP. If your dog hasn't eaten his food within about 15 minutes, remove his dish.

  • Reduce your dog's between meal snacks and treats. Dog treats are often high in fat and calories and some treats like biscuits and dog cookies are heavy in low fiber carbs.

  • Exercise your dog regularly. Ideally, you should give your dog a brisk walk for at least 20 minutes twice a day. This is as good for you as for your dog in helping to maintain a healthy weight for both of you.

  • If you have an overweight dog, talk to your vet about finding the optimum calorie intake for him.

  • Consider switching to a low fat dog food and giving him low fat dog treats.

    With a little effort your dog will be well on his way to a more healthy weight.


    Valerie Goettsch is web master of My Favorite Dog, a website featuring dozens of articles and information on where to find the best of everything for your dog, from flea meds to beds, training and design

Another Advocate Of Dog Weight Problems 

The Overweight Dog - Man's Best Friend May be More Like Their Owners Than You Might Think
By Randy Jones


Obesity is one of the major health hazards and life shorteners of pet dogs. Its causes and effects are the same as with humans, and so is the cure. The majority of cases are due to excess calories, and not enough exercise, rather than a disorder. Dogs overeat for the same reasons we do, and more often because of boredom than hunger. When a dog is given little mental and physical activity, mealtime becomes the high point of his day.


Like humans, the dog may transfer his craving for affection into compulsive gluttony. A healthy dog who leads a well-balanced life, complete with affection and companionship is s seldom overweight. Some breeds are prone to overeating due to their keen sense of smell, or from being over fed because they are inside dogs. Puppies gain pounds rapidly during their growth period, but once an adult dog has reached his ideal weight, you should try to keep it stable by weighing him at least once a month.


It's a simple matter to shed a few pounds by putting your dog on a diet for a week or so. By increasing the proportion of vegetables maintaining the normal level of protein, and reducing the fat and starch, the excess weight can be shed fast and safely. But never completely eliminate any of the basic nutritional elements.


Once obesity sets in, the problem is much more difficult and the cure more painful. Until the dog has formed new eating habits, you must resist the temptation to give in and overfeed. Make it up to him by giving him more activity, distraction and affection. If you must give in, you can reward with a dog biscuit, a raw carrot, an apple, or a bone. With time and patience your dog will be slimmer and healthier in no time.


Randy Jones and his partner Brent Jones have been in the pet industry for a long time. Recently they formed the website http://joncopets.com/ on the site, customers can read articles about anything pets as well as shop for the latest trendy items for their best friend. Feel free to check out the site at

My Best Friend's Best Friends 

Please drop us a line and tell us what you think of our place or about your best friend. Don't forget to leave a link so we can visit you too!

RichardPT

Very nice lens. Enjoyed all the related info and dog weight guide. Hits home since my dog had diabetes and seizures.
**Dog Agility Training Videos**

Posted April 17, 2008

Gatsby

If only people would walk their dogs! I do not know what I would do without my 2 runs per day. 5 stars, nice work!

Posted August 15, 2007

Gatsby

If only people would walk their dogs! I do not know what I would do without my 2 runs per day. 5 stars, nice work!

Posted August 15, 2007

flowergardener

Hi Maria, the correct link for the group is: Dog Health Care.

Posted August 05, 2007

jjjones

Love you lens. The videos are a hoot.

Canon G7 Price

Posted July 23, 2007

flowergardener

Great Lens! I'd like to invite you to join my new group Dog Health. A group that is specifically and only for information and resources for dog health.
Deb

Posted July 18, 2007

Karendelac

Great info. I have 4 dogs and I'm really glad to kno on how to keep them in shape.
Thanks for putting together such a great lens!
Keep up the great work! All the Best, Karen at Karen's Kinkade Art Store

Posted July 07, 2007

datingtips93

Useful info. Thanks.

Posted July 03, 2007

Isalini

Great lens, Maria! I had no idea rat terriers (or any terriers)had weight problems. They're so active (like Basenjis) that I thought they stayed trim naturally...
silly me! Visit Basenjidogs
Isalini

Posted July 02, 2007

Nicegoogoo

Great lens on over weight problems for dogs.I love the lens and rated this lens 5 stars.
You can also get my lens on forced feminization .

Posted June 29, 2007

freecontent

The last post got cut off. It should have said. You beat me today. My lens, dog breeds good for children, is #33. Congratulations. - Angela

Posted June 22, 2007

freecontent

Maria, AWESOME lens on dog weight problems. I gave it 5 Stars. Sorry I never posted before... thought I had. Great job on getting to #32 in Animals

Posted June 22, 2007

DrDog

Hi Maria -- great info that I've never seen before -- thanks!
Gayle, author of How to Train Your Dog to Stop Barking.

Posted June 13, 2007

elishadavis

Interesting and informative lens. Great job! A 5 stars indeed.

Posted June 08, 2007

maswee

Great tips for overweight dogs! Mas from Puppy Chow

Posted June 08, 2007

dots.dog

Your rat terrier is so cute. 5 stars!

Posted June 07, 2007

SGrotton

Helpful Lens, the lab I have now has a lot of trouble with this issue. Strangely enough he inherited it from his Champion Father that has a wieght problem too. Before I know it he has put on an extra 20lbs. Making him a very big dog! 120lb. Lab and every ounce full of Love.
http://www.squidoo.com/l

Posted June 07, 2007

surepro

Great lens, dog in the video looks a little like me around the waist LOL! I'll return soon for more great advice.

Ken
dog breeds small

Posted June 02, 2007

skylar

My dog isn't overweight yet but I have to keep a close eye on her. Her bread is prone to become overweight.

Thank you,

Skylar
canine-obedience-training

Posted June 02, 2007

merrysea

[urlhttp://www.squidoo.com/rat-terrier-life-span/[/url]

Posted May 31, 2007

 
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