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IS YOUR DOG OVERWEIGHT?
It's a sad fact that many dogs
in this country are overweight. In many cases, the owners don't realise
their dog is overweight, or are reluctant to remedy the problem, perhaps
thinking it's not that important. However, it is extremely important.
Obesity in dogs can cause early aging and general health & fitness
problems. Many dogs that are overweight struggle to enjoy a normal level
of exercise. Often the owners think this is because the dog is getting
older, or no longer a puppy, or other medical problems are the cause.
However, in many cases it is the obesity itself that is restricting the
dog's ability to lead a normal, active life.
We have seen dogs who visit the pool, lose weight through swimming, in
conjunction with a food restriction programme. More often than not, these
dogs have not only increased their stamina & enjoyment in the pool
but also on walks, enjoying much more exercise.
If you are in any doubt whether your dog is overweight, check out the
Canine Body Condition System. Score your dog honestly! If it scores higher
than a 5, think seriously about how much food and treats you give him
or her. You may also like to visit your veterinary surgery so they can
check your dog's weight, and confirm if a diet is required. Many veterinary
surgeries run obesity clinics, and many of these are free of charge.
Keeping our dogs as fit & healthy as possible is our responsibility
as owners.
The Body Condition System document is produced with the kind permission
of the Nestle Purina Petcare company.
The Body Condition System
pdf file ....
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