Bully Sticks For Dogs

Is Your Dog Overweight?

Most dog breeds cope with health and physical limitations during their lives. Some are genetic while others develop with age. But, obesity can affect all dogs. Not only can the excess weight have a negative impact on their overall health, but it can have ancillary effects, too. For example, many veterinarians are unwilling to perform surgical procedures on obese dogs because the weight poses an additional risk. Plus, the extra weight can place stress on bones and joints that may already be problematic (i.e. hip dysplasia).

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the factors that can lead to obesity in dogs. Then, we’ll offer a few helpful tips that you can use to help your dog shed the unwanted pounds.

Factors That Cause Obesity

Dogs are very similar to humans regarding how they gain weight. Most dogs that are obese have packed on the extra pounds as a result of eating too much, not getting enough exercise, or both. If your dog’s metabolism can’t burn through the calories he consumes each day, those calories are transformed into fat. Over time, the fat is stored and your dog gains weight. If left unchecked, he’ll become obese.

Some dogs suffer from a hereditary problem with their metabolism. It’s slower and therefore, cannot burn through calories as quickly as it should. That said, such problems are rare. Canine obesity is more commonly linked to overeating, which manifests for a couple of reasons. First, many dogs are trained to do so as puppies. Their owners provide far too much food for them. Second, dogs will eat when they’re bored, which often happens when their owners neglect them.

Helping Your Dog Lose Weight

First, take your dog to a veterinarian. After an examination, he’ll suggest a diet that is appropriate, given your dog’s age, weight, and health. The diet will likely provide a source of fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and protein in volumes that allow your dog to slowly pare the amount he eats without feeling hungry.

Second, plan a schedule to take your dog for walks. Any sort of physical exertion is helpful because it encourages his metabolism to burn through the calories he has consumed. Without a schedule, it’s easy to neglect the exercise. So, plan it in advance to ensure it happens regularly.

Whether your dog is overweight or obese, you should take steps to bring his weight under control as soon as possible. If you fail to do so, your dog may eventually need to cope with issues such as liver disease, pronounced joint problems, and even diabetes. Curbing the problem today means preventing bigger problems in the future.

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Tips For Keeping Your Dog Happy

Just like humans, dogs can be happy or unhappy based upon a number of factors. Thankfully, making sure that your dog is emotionally content is easier than doing the same for people. In other words, your dog has simple needs. If you meet those needs, he’ll be happy. Unfortunately, millions of owners neglect their dog’s emotional state. As a result, their companions become lethargic and despondent. In this article, we’ll give you 3 easy tips for making sure that your dog is happy, healthy, and sociable.

Tip #1: Give Him Exercise

Your dog requires daily exercise. While the physical exertion is critical for maintaining the strength of his bones and muscles, exercise also plays a key role in his contentment. A quick walk allows your dog to escape the confines of the home or backyard, and explore the world beyond. In so doing, it strengthens the bond that exists between you, making him infinitely happier.

Tip #2: Maintain Good Nutrition

Diet and nutrition also play a major role in your dog’s emotional state. Similar to people, dogs have specific nutritional needs. He should enjoy a regular diet that includes essential vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Most commercial dog food is formulated to provide all of these, so ensuring his dietary needs are met is low-maintenance. Like people, if your dog doesn’t receive the food he needs, it will affect his emotional state.

Tip #3: Offer Mental Stimulation

Your dog’s happiness, or lack of it, is also a reflection of the mental stimulation that he receives on a regular basis. Dogs become bored easily. If your dog doesn’t have the opportunity to apply himself to tasks throughout the day, his boredom will eventually cause him to become depressed. For example, imagine someone who watches television for several hours. It doesn’t allow for active participation and can often lead to a subtle melancholic state. Your dog experiences the same emotions. Stimulate him mentally and he’ll be happier.

Happy Equals Healthy

Doctors often claim that a patient’s likelihood of overcoming a disease or physical impairment is often associated with their emotional state. In short, the happier they are, the better their health. Your dog’s happiness and health are similarly linked. Fortunately, much of his emotional state is firmly within your control. Provide a regular outlet for him to exercise, maintain a diet that meets his nutritional needs, and offer him a source of mental stimulation.

In the process of meeting his physical and emotional needs, you’ll also strengthen the sense of companionship he feels. And that companionship can yield dividends for a lifetime.

Treat Your Dogs to All Natural Bully Sticks
Click on logo to order bully sticks today!

Bully Sticks for Dogs News