June 13, 2009
"Take Control Of Your Dog's Destiny - A Gift For Life"
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June 13, 2009 ..... Issue #025 - Weight Problems - Is Your Dog Fat?
Weight Problems In Dogs
Did you know that obesity, just like for people is one of the greatest health risks among dogs?
Obesity is usually caused by excessive eating and binges. Sometimes there can be something wrong with the dog's body like heart, thyroid or other metabolic disorders.
If your dog is not fat, you should be able to feel his ribs. Maintaining weight is crucial, or disease and death will be knocking on your dog's door.
Indirect results of obesity in dogs:
- Arthritis ... extra weight on all your dog's bones will eventually cause the joints and other parts of your dog's bones to develop arthritis. Can also cause hip dysplasia, spinal disc disease and cracked joint ligaments.
Help about arthritis.
- Diabetes ... more fat stored in the dog's body means the system will generate more insulin to cope with his growing body.
- Gastrointestinal Problems ... obesity can make the pancreas inflame which can become very painful and can cause death. Also problems in their intestines.
- Heart Disease and Other Respiratory Problems ... thick fat deposits on the chest cavity makes it hard for the lungs and heart to expand. When the heart and lungs can no longer produce the right amount of oxygen and circulate, problems began.
Help about heart disease.
- Heat Tolerance (little) ... excess fat deposits makes it harder to put up with heat due to the build up of fats. Obese dogs are prone to heat stroke.
- Liver Problems ... too many fat deposits restricts the liver from doing its job and when it can no longer function, problems occur and may even cause death.
- Skin Problems ... excess fat deposits are being stored in the skin so when we groom them, it doesn't work as well and they develop skin ruptures, rashes and infections.
What to do?
- Focus on a strict exercise program. If you go with, it benefits both of you. Exercising burns fat and increases your dog's metabolism.
- Healthy diet, homemade is the best. The right combination of fiber, meat, vegetables, vitamins and minerals.
My dogs, Savanna and Lover are 11 and 10. I have not been to a vet since year 2001 and I believe the reason is because I make their own food and no longer believe in vaccinations after they killed off my dog, Kali. I also walk them daily and swim with them every summer. See my story about what happened to my dog, Kali Ali Sunshine here.
It is also wise to rest your dog's digestive system once in awhile and fast them for 24 hours. You can still juice for them so they are still getting valuable vitamins and minerals in their system.
Best to feed your dog twice a day ... it causes insulin to be more stable in your dog's body. The once a day feeding causes high levels of insulin whichs causes low levels of fat burning and high levels of fat storing.
Benefits of a healthy weight dog:
- Healthy Digestion
- Working Metabolism
- Liver Performance
- Thyroid Function
- Eliminate Toxins
- Improve Energy and General Well Being
Overall, weight problems in dogs will decrease their lifespan. Don't let it happen to your best friend. It is always best to start with exercise and good nutrition.
BLESSINGS for you and your dog on your holistic journey,
Char Wiederhoeft, Herbalist, Nutritionist
Come visit and let me know how I can help you and your best friend at Dogs Health Naturally ...
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