I asked our Facebook following recently about how often they walk their dogs after it was discovered that one in five dogs are overweight. Luckily our readership are active and healthy and so too are their pets, but it occured to me that there must be pet owners out there that have overwieght pets and just don’t know it.
This is a guide as to what a healthy Dachshund (for example) should look like.
Overweight Dogs Have Grave Health Risks
- Diabetes
- Skeletal stress, with damage to joints, bones, and ligaments
- Respiratory problems, increased blood pressure, and heart disease
- Lowers metabolism
- Decreased stamina and heat intolerance
- Decreased liver function
- Digestive disorders
- Decreased immune function
- Skin and hair coat difficulties
- Cancer
- Urinary tract infections
- Decreased quality and length of life
- Increases appetite
Let your dog run. Because of their short legs, dachshunds need to run around often. If they do not exercise, they will become overweight which is bad for daxie’s because their stomachs weigh down their backs. If your dachshund becomes obese, they will most likely encounter back problems as well.
Five year old Obie the Dachshund was perhaps one of the fattest little Dachshunds around after his pervious owner almost fed him to death. HIs stomach wsa chaffed from being dragged in the ground and getting around was almost impossible. After a year of dieting and surgery to remove loose skin Obie has a new life. See the video here
Overfeeding is another issue facing pet owners and saying NO to those puppy dog eyes is torture. Each dog is different and it is important to check with your vet as to how much food is ideal for your pooch. It is also important to keep in mind the quality of food you are feeding your dog because like human food some dog food has a higher fat content than others. Same goes for treats.
Sausage & Sanchez love their treats and would never turn their nose up at ANY food. I give them
Treats A La Bark because they are organic and healthy and taste delicious!
@sausageandsanchez
Sausage & Sanchez 