Pet weight loss: help your dog to lose weight in 08

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Friday, December 21st, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed

If your dog is overweight, make a New Year’s resolution to help him to trim down.

New Year’s Pet Resolutions: Feel Great In ’08! says: “‘The easiest way to help shed pounds off your pooch or kitty is to stop giving too many treats – table scraps, cookies, soft chews, etcetera,’ explains veterinarian, Autumn McKenzie at Oakhurst Veterinary Hospital in Seminole, Florida. ‘Each cookie is like giving them a chocolate bar!’ She suggests limiting treats to two to three a day and to ask your veterinarian about ‘low-fat’ treats.

Another tip, cut back on the amount of food fed to cut calories. Don’t always follow suggestions on the bag of dog or cat food – these may be wrong for your pet’s body size, stage of life and metabolism – contact your veterinarian for an appropriate amount to feed per day. ”

An easy way to help your dog to lose weight is to give him half of what you’re giving him now. Get a smaller bowl, or cut down on the number of meals.

Professional dog trainers with show dogs go a step further - they fast their dogs once a week. A day without food for a mature dog improves his general health.