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WEIGHT MAINTENANCE
FOR DOGS
Dear Dr. Woof:
I am the first dog that my family has
ever owned and I think they are doing a swell job of raising and
training me. Lately, however, I have overheard several of their
friends mention that I am getting too heavy. Now I'm worried -
do you think there is something wrong with me? My owners
only let me have a little of the things they eat and feed me my
dog food exactly as is says on the bag. Help!
Pudgy Pouch
Dear Pudgy:
I don't think there is anything wrong with
you other than the fact that you are probably being overfed. First,
it would be best for your family to stop sharing their food
with you - "just a little" of a lot of things
from several different people can quickly add up to too many extra
calories. Second, the instructions on your dog food should serve
general guidelines only.
Growing puppies, for example,
require more food in relation to their size than many adult dogs.
Your breed, your age, your individual metabolism and the amount
of exercise your normally get need to be taken into consideration
when your meals are prepared. If your family is feeding you according
to your food manufacturer's guidelines and you are beginning to
"plump up" adjustments need to be made. Your veterinarian
can let your family know whether you are indeed too heavy and
can guide them in deciding on a feeding program that will help
you maintain your ideal weight.
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