How do you actually know if your dog is carrying the right weight? Is it possible that your dog is obese? US statistics show that more than 40% of pet dogs in the country are above their normal weight. In Europe, the figures are very disturbing, about 50% of pet dogs are obese. Surprisingly, only 40% of pet owners in the United States think that their dogs are overweight. This report suggests that pet owners, like you, may not know what the proper weigh of their pets should be.
Pet owners who have weighing scales are lucky to know the present health conditions of their dogs. Unfortunately, there are dog owners who do not bother knowing about the weight of their pets. There is nothing wrong with giving your dogs adequate food and deserving treats. But anything that is given in excess is no longer good for them.
Interestingly, not all dogs that look big are overweight. Your pet may look normal on the outside, but they may be actually carrying excess body mass. Veterinarians say that you do not even need a weighing scale to know if your dog is obese. There are two simple ways to check whether a dog is overweight or not.
First, run your fingers along your pet’s rib cage. Try to feel the ribs with and without pressure. If you cannot count the ribs even with the application of pressure, then your dog is having excessive layer of fat on top of its rib cage.
Second, run your fingers along your pet’s lower side. Try to feel if your dog’s body has a tuck in between his hips. Try to feel the indentation of the waistline. Check whether there is a straight line from your dog’s shoulder to the hips. If the answers to these are all negative, then your pet is obese.
Weight reduction coupled with a balanced diet and regular exercise is the best solution to your dog’s weight problems. In the US, pet owners and vets celebrate the National Canine Weight Check every February. During this time, experts offer free weight assessment for your dogs. You will also get free resources about how to maintain dog’s weight and information on various health problems related to obesity.
Like humans, dogs also need to live a healthy lifestyle. The key is to induce moderation in everything. Reduce the amount of treats that you give to your dog. Cuddling your puppy is fun, but also take him outside to play. Water therapy is also helpful. And best of all, a regular visit to the vet will ensure that your dog is always in tip-top shape.
Believe me, you need to check out these books, AND get your pet onto some real pet food. “Natural Pet Care” by Gary Null, and “Foods Pets Die For: Shocking facts about pet food, by Ann Martin. Here’s just a few ingredients … it’s sick! Have you ever wondered where all the euthanized animals go that no one takes from the shelters? What about roadkill in town? Sick, diseased animals. Remember, they aren’t kindly buried in the backyard of the rendering plant! You won’t find their claws or bones or even their flea collars they were wearing … need I say more? PLEASE buy wholesome foods for your little pets. Their health and lives depend on it! Here’s a few … Flint River Ranch-909-682-5048 Nutro Natural Choice-800-833-5330 California Natural or Innova 800-532-7261 Nature’s Recipe-800-237-3856 One Earth (Eight in One)-516-232-1200 There are more, but you need to check into the API on the internet or call 916-731-5521 and ask for the pet food report!
Determining if a cat is constipated requires monitoring the litter box to notice any distressed behavior or vocalization while the cat is in its box. Have a constipated cat checked out at the vet’s office with pet tips andadvice from a practicing veterinarian in this free video on cat health. Expert: Carrie Burhenn Contact: www.felinemedicalclinic.com Bio: Dr. Carrie Burhenn is a full-time veterinarian who received her degree in veterinary medicine from Oregon State University in 1990. Filmmaker: Lisa Fenderson
“Given the current situation and until this crisis is resolved, the ASPCA is recommending pets be fed products containing US – sourced protein supplements only.”
How do I know if my pet food is made from the us or not?
The pet food scandal isn’t the only thing Menufoods & Iams have tried to ‘cover up’. Please add your comments to help spread the word about the cruel way in which their poisonous pet good was developed, I was sick when I found out this had been done to dogs by Iam in order that I can feed mine! I now buy a cruelty-free brand, make sure you do!
In the article in Pet Connection.com it stated that they found melamine in the dog and cat food but it was not wheat gluten it was the rice Protein. It was found in the Natural Balance pet foods.
Melamine is a fertilizer and it is not good for animals.
i’m looking for the website to Marchioro’s pet products i have the clipper 3 kennel and i need wheels and they can only be purchased through the website (at a reasonable price) i could REEEEALLY use your help i looked everywhere but nothing official any clue ? i had the website when the fyer was in the kennel when we first purchased it now the flyer is gone please help
How much do vets know about pet foods? Have you ever specifically talked to your vet about how much they have actually studied pets nutrition? Have you questioned your vet about his/her knowledge on pet foods? I know they are well trained on illness and injury but what about nutrition?