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.

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

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

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 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.

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

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!

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

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