Most livestock will lose weight at this time of year, as they use up calories to heat their bodies and the lush spring grass is yet to appear.
The same cannot be said for our pampered pooches, who often pile on the pounds in the winter months when they get less exercise and live in centrally heated houses. It is estimated that almost half of the UK’s dogs are overweight putting them at increased risk of health problems, like diabetes and heart disease, that will shorten their life.
Your dog’s weight can be controlled by getting their exercise and diet regime right. Dog treats are a source of extra calories and there are more and more of them on the market to tempt loving owners. Many of them are labelled ‘healthy’, ‘natural’, and ‘low fat’, but they all have calories. They are often given in addition to a dog’s normal food intake, whereas the normal food intake should be reduced to accommodate the treats. If treats are given by various members of a dog’s family, without monitoring, they can add a significant number of calories to the daily diet.
How can you tell if your dog is overweight?
– Look at them from the sides and above – they should have a smooth, tucked-in waist.
– Feel under their tummy – it should go in, and not bulge out.
– Feel along their side and back – you should be able to feel their ribs, spine and hipbones quite easily, but they shouldn’t stick out.
– Feel the base of their tail – there shouldn’t be any build-up of fat where the tail meets the back.
The kennels team work hard to ensure that our rescue dogs have the right diet, including a moderate amount of treats that are given as rewards. The dogs are weighed weekly and they are given plenty of exercise, and so any dogs that arrive carrying a bit too much weight soon lose it.