When your pooch has a big pooch…

Knowing first hand about overweight dogs, this is easy for me to talk about but not easy to solve. My weiner dog, Cookie is quite large. She is a precious and loving dapple dachshund that honestly weighs more than my 8 year old. We inherited her from my grandmother and started loving her too much by giving her treats, and as much food as her little legs could hold up. She didn’t exercise because honestly they family at that time was way too busy so I honestly understand the sadness and the frustration when you dog is overweight. We just didn't take the time and then we woke up one day and she was so big!

It sounds simple enough, just slow down on the feeding, and exercise your dog more, but it isn’t as simple as you think. When you have kids and a family and you are trying to keep up with them and balance them, walking in the 101 degree heat isn’t top priority as bad as that sounds.

Obese dogs can have many problems: just to name a few here

• Joint problems

Symptoms of joint problems are not limited to:

1. You might notice limping
2. Not wanting to use stairs
3. Less energy

• Diabetes

Symptoms of diabetes include but are not limited to:

1. Drinking more and urinating more resulting in dehydration
2. Weight loss
3. Sudden cataract formation

Most of the major dog food makers do make a reduced calorie dog food but make sure which one is right for your little chunky one first by taking him to the vet. Your vet may want to try other dog foods first such as Science Diet or Iams Weight Control.

You want to start taking some action to help your overweight dog:

• Start to measure his food (if you have more than one dog, feed separately because if your dog is like my Cookie, he will eat whatever food he can get to)

• Exercise I guess this means that you don’t really have to be out in the heat to get them up and going. Play around with your dog inside if it’s too hot or cold to go on their walk. BUT.. Walking is still best and I shouldn’t talk.. I have packed on some pounds too.

• Keep a record of progress

• Take before and after pictures, keep and keep a diary of what you are feeding him/her and weigh in.. yes.. Weigh your dog.

So, when your chunky puppy starts to whine or cry for more food or treats, we must practice tough love!

For more information on helping with obese animals, please visit your local vet or http://www.iams.com/iams/pet-health/canine-obesity.js