Ensuring Health

Obesity

Obesity

Another common problem of old pets is obesity. An old dog gains weight because he exercises less. The added poundage can contribute to many health problems. Sooner or later the dog gets tired very quickly, becoming short breathed and actually lazy as the fat accumulates around the heart and squeezes the blood vessels. This is where real trouble begins, because the heart may begin to fail. 

This condition can often be avoided by watching the dog’s weight. A dog can take on fat unnoticed until it becomes harmful. Make it a practice then to weight your dog at least once a month. An obese dog, however, perhaps weakened by age, should never be put on a drastic reducing diet. It’s better to increase the number of daily meals but reduce the total amount of food served. Cut down on tidbits and “extras” if you have gotten into a habit of giving these. This should cause a gradual loss of weight without weakening the dog. Special diets formulated for obese dogs may be beneficial. 

Don’t be too strict and take away everything the old dog enjoys. There are lots of non-fattening foods he can have. He has not long to live, perhaps, so he is entitled to all the pleasures you can provide.