Fat Dogs

Being grossly overweight compromises the dog's immune system, making it difficult for him to fight off disease. Obesity is a real cause for concern. It can shorten his lifespan by several years.

Just as in humans - and many other animals - carrying extra weight puts extra strain on the joints, bones and muscles. It can lead to heart disease, liver disease, diabetes, a whole host of stomach problems, arthritis and hip dysplasia (particularly prevalent among German shepherds and other dogs with long legs).

After successful weight loss, a dog's healthy muscle tissue will be restored, his coat will resume its sleek shine and his immune system will kick into back into action. He'll be happy and full of bounce again.

Your dog depends on you to keep him fit. He depends on you for his very life. Don't let him down. Start him on a sensible diet from the start. And stick with it. You owe it to him.

Before deciding on what sort of dog you would like in your life, various factors need to be taken into account. How big are you... and how big will your companion grow to? It's not a good idea to get a dog that is so large, when fully grown, that you can't handle him. If you're a couch potato who spends most of the day watching television, playing on the computer or knitting and nattering, then a lively young athletic dog is not for you. If there's one thing guaranteed to drive a working dog to distraction it's lying about all day, doing nothing. Because he won't just 'do nothing'. He'll get up to mischief and ultimately possibly wreck the house.

Fully-grown dogs normally only need one good meal a day. Dogs from rescue centres, who've had a troubled upbringing and have possibly been starved, may need two or even three small meals a day until they have reached the required weight and size, when their food intake can be adjusted. Regular feeding times are vitally important.

A fat dog being offered up for re-homing needs a quite different approach.

Correct diet, plenty of exercise are called for and positively no treats. Podgy pets must never be given chips, crisps or cookies.

The first step when adopting a fat dog is to consult the vet for a check-up. He will weigh the animal and calculate the amount of food and exercise he should have to get him - and keep him - fit. He will explain how to keep the dog at a more healthy level. He may even suggest two small meals a day rather than one large one to give his tummy a chance to shrink.

Then, when he has reached his ideal weight, he should be able to manage on one meal a day. Combined with lots of exercise, of course.

Dog owners often ask which food is best...dried, tinned, fresh, frozen or something in a sachet.

Whether to feed him home-prepared or commercial is very much a matter of (the dog's) personal taste.

Getting the diet right calls for much skill and expertise, something which not every dog owner can boast.

Most experts maintain that commercial products are best becasuse they are full of the sort of balanced foods a dog thrives on. The companies who manufacture complete dog foods put considerable thought and care into their product.

They have years of experience of working out which foods are best for weight reduction, according to the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). The PDSA (www.pdsa.org.uk) is the UK's leading veterinary charity, providing free treatment for sick animals belonging to people in need. It is also a leader in the field of promoting responsible pet ownership.