Obese Dogs: Training Dog Owners To Have Healthy Pets

A healthy happy dog is one of the most rewarding aspects of having a dog. Yet, obesity is a growing problem in western society. In the United States as much as one in three dogs are obese. Likewise, in the United Kingdom somewhere between three to four million dogs are overweight. It is a similar story in Ireland and right across Europe.

However, this is a problem that is easily correctable and it starts with training the owners.

The Right Dog Diet

Contrary to popular belief, dogs are actually omnivores not carnivores – just like humans. Therefore, they should get a balanced diet not just meat the whole time. There should be a healthy mix of food. You should feed your dog twice a day. This way you ensure that your dog does not get too hungry.

Consistent Exercise

Dogs should be walked at least once a day. If your dog has picked up bad eating habits, it is necessary to give your dog encouragement.

However, some dogs may be so obese,  for them to experience vigorous exercise could damage their joints. This is particularly important for ‘sausage’ dogs such as dachshunds. To get around this obstacle it is recommended that you take your dog swimming. This is particularly relevant if your dog likes water. It is vital that you give your dog a life jacket to ensure that they do not drown.

Extra Precautions For Scroungers

For clever dogs who steal food, it is necessary to take extra precautions. Make sure your dog cannot access any food. Keep your kitchen door locked. There are also devices such as warning mats which scare the dog away from food. This negatively reinforces the dog to stay away from forbidden food associating it with unpleasantness. This is extremely beneficial if your kitchen has no door.

Recommended Reading

Check out Yellow Magpie’s other posts on Dogs: Dogs, And Owners Who Are Killing Their Dogs With Kindness.

For people who care about their dog’s health, Victoria Stilwell’s book, It is Me Or Your Dog: How To Have The Perfect Pet is the ultimate bible on the subject.

Amazon.co.uk
For people living in Ireland or the United Kingdom you can access It Is Me Or Your Dog: How To Have The Perfect Pet here.

Amazon.ca
For those living in Canada you can obtain It Is Me Or Your Dog: How To Have The Perfect Pet from here.

Amazon.de
For Germany: It Is Me Or Your Dog: How To Have The Perfect Pet.

Amazon.fr
For France: It Is Me Or Your Dog: How To Have The Perfect Pet.