How do you know if your dog is obese? What are the tell-tale signals and how do they impact his health?

One out of every two pets is obese or clinically-obese, making obesity the most general disease afflicting our pets. Dogs can easily become obese and their weight gain is very gentle, making it difficult for owners to realize it. Refer to the PURINA Body Condition System to learn your dog's body condition.

Obese dogs are at higher risk of developing a variety of health problems, including:
Heart disease
Arthritis
Respiration troubles
Anesthetic and surgical complicatednesses
Joint problems
Increased risks of certain kinds of cancer
Skin disease
Premature death
Diabetes

For your dog to lose weight, you must trim the number of calories he eats while raising his energy output. By following a monitored programme of calorie watch and reasonable workout, you can assist your dog lose weight steadily and safely. This approach will provide him feeling full after meals while determining he receives right nutrition.

5 helpful tips
1. Watch for obesity
Ask your veterinarian for assistance in distinguishing signals of obesity in your dog. Utilise the PURINA Body Condition System to find if your dog is too heavy, too thin or at its ideal body condition.
2. Follow a nutrition programme
You and your veterinarian can create a nutritious plan that gives your dog to his ideal body condition. Refer to PURINA Life Plan found on the back of many PURINA product packages to aid you adapt feeding amounts as your dog's activity level and body condition change.
3. Assess each serving
Don't just fill your dog's bowl at each feeding. Watch the feeding rules of thumb on the back of PURINA packages to give your dog the proper size serving for his ideal body condition.
4. Limit treats
Shower your dog with love and attention instead of too many high calories goodies, particularly table scraps. Be mindful of the quality and quantity of treats you feed him every day - calories add up rapidly.
5. Get moving
Daily exercise is one of the distinguishes to your dog's health. Only 20 minutes of walking or playing fetch every day can help maintain your dog fit. Be sure to check with your veterinarian before changing your dog's exercise procedure.

Weight loss doesn't come easy
PURINA Overweight Management Canine and Feline Formulas are recommended for overweight dogs and cats which demand low-fat, high fiber and low calorie diets. Your dog demands a meat-based diet, high in protein (which isn't stored as fat) and fat and low in carbohydrate. PRO PLAN food has proper levels of fat and calories to facilitate sustain dogs at a firm weight. Its optimum protein to fat ratio aids hold lean body mass to help dogs stay stronger, slimmer and longer.

It is a real challenge to ideal a weight management program successfully. The success or failure depends on how well you stick to the new feeding regime. Through your drives, your overweight pet can be healthier, happier and more active for years to come.

Refer to PURINA Body Condition System
http://www.purina.com.my

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