Do we junk love our best friends to an all too early grave?
For many years Labrador retrievers have been the unthreatened frontrunners on the list of America’s most popular family dogs but lately Labrador dogs are heading for a top position on the list of most obese pets and I’m sure you will agree with me when I call this a much less honourable list to be on, let alone to hold the number one position.
After given this matter some thought and performing some online research I compiled a list of the, in my opinion, most interesting articles and pictures pertaining the (somewhat broader) topic of obesity in dogs to publish over the coming days, starting today.
The following article was first published on ezines a link to the original text was placed near the end of the story.
Epidemic For Labradors – Obesity
Labrador Retrievers that are overfed and under exercised are subject to obesity. This is reaching epidemic proportions, not only in humans but also in dogs. It is estimated that nearly 30 percent of pet dogs are obese. This dramatically increases the dog’s chances of heart and liver disease, joint inflammation and arthritis, skeletal problems, heat intolerance, metabolic and respiratory diseases (such as diabetes,) and lowered resistance to disease.
Black Labrador Sampson Picture: Mike Keating Source: Herald Sun
A “rib test” will help you determine if you Labrador’s body fat-to-lean body tissue ratio is at a healthy level. Looking down at your dog, you should be able to see a “waist” where there is an obvious indentation behind the ribs. Lightly rub your hands along the ribs; they should be obvious but not sticking out. If they are hard to feel then the dig is probably overweight. In addition to this, over weight dogs will have palpable fat in the groin area of the hind legs.
The obvious remedy for obesity in dogs is to of course let them undergo a diet. Reduce the caloric intake and increase activity. If your dog does not move around a lot, then you should start by taking walks with him. A twenty minute walk for three times a day is better than nothing. Be sure that you do not deprive the dog of his calorie intake or make him exercise too much as this could lead to additional health problems. Gradual exercise is always the best for your Labradors. Like people, they also need to adjust and not be shocked by the extreme and strenuous exercise given to them. Source by Hannah Henry
[irp posts=”2629″ name=”Osteoarthritis | Early Signs In Labrador Retrievers”]
With the right approach, some patience and the discipline to stick to the diet the results can be very gratifying as the picture of Labrador Mike shared by Robyn Skywalker clearly gives evidence to. Source by robynskywalker
