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You probably think this post is going to be about euthanasia, don’t you? Ha! Gotcha. No, it’s about corpulent canines, such as Sarah, my little foster Chihuahua whose achingly adorable photo graces my last post.
Recently, my awesome colleague Reannon sent me an article from CNN.com that jolted me out of my complacency about Sarah’s round, cuddly torso. (A sure sign of canine obesity is the absence of a true waistline when viewed from above.) The article quotes Dr. Kristine Yee, a veterinarian at California Animal Hospital in Los Angeles, who warns us that severe respiratory, cardiac, metabolic, and orthopedic problems can be exacerbated by obesity. She specifically mentions a beagle who had to have three knee surgeries just because she was too heavy! Yikes! I believe Chihuahuas are prone to knee problems too.
Back in 1991, I had a very sick dog who had lost his appetite and a cocker spaniel named Rogan who happily wolfed down all the leftovers, resulting in obesity. The way I got him to slim down was by replacing half of his food rations with raw, grated cabbage. I mixed it up well with his wet food, and he was a happy camper because he still got the same volume of food.
You could use other crisp veggies for this as well: zucchini, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower. They have very few calories but provide bulk and flavor and vitamins and antioxidants. Rogan’s weight plummeted in short order, and he kept it off for 11 more years. There was also a marvelous side benefit to this—Rogan’s increasingly serious anal gland troubles disappeared completely for the rest of his life!
So Sarah and I are going to get serious now—I’ve gotten out the measuring spoons so I can accurately mete out smaller portions. Another habit to get into in order to keep Fifi fit is to refrain from giving her treats just because she’s cute. Treats should be reserved for good behavior in response to a request—otherwise, they lose their appeal and thus their power.
Comments ( 4 )
I have a min pin who's also slightly over weight. I too am feeding him more vegetables in place of food and treats. But his vegetable of choice is pumpkin, cucumbers and mushrooms. Does anyone know if the above mentioned vegetables are good for dogs?
Posted by Jeannie | October 1, 2007 2:23 PM
Posted on October 1, 2007 14:23
My dad's dog, whom I've mentioned in previous replies, got really fat soon after we adopted him. We've had to reduce his food, and reduce it again, and then AGAIN. It's finally working, but he sure doesn't get much for such a big dog, and acts like we're starving him.
Do you think the same trick would work with dry dog food? I know my dad would feel much better about it if he could feed Charlie more.
Hi Jessica,
Well, the grated veggies wouldn't mix as well with kibble, but if the dog loves to eat, then that probably wouldn't matter. Your dad could also puree the veggies in a blender with a little water before mixing them in--that would work. I'm not a big fan of kibble, myself--I think it's pretty denatured compared to wet food, but if your dad insists on it, the veggies would be an excellent addition. Actually, if he purees the veggies, then he has even more options--collards, kale, and other greens that would be difficult to grate are very nutritious for dogs.
KP
Posted by Jessica | October 2, 2007 12:27 AM
Posted on October 2, 2007 00:27
Pumpkin and Sweet potatoes are also great choices and, since they are easily mashed, mix well with dry food (which--if you buy premium food instead of grocery store brands) is actually better because the crunchiness helps keep plaque off their teeth. Some dogs also develop a real fondness to green beans!!
>>>Response From KP
Hi Rachel!
Pumpkin and sweet potato are a lot higher in calories than vegetables like cabbage, zucchini, and broccoli, but they do contain beta carotene and pumpkin is great for anal gland problems.
Green beans are definitely a favorite in my household! However, I wouldn't rely much on any kibble to keep plaque off a dog's teeth because all kibble mushes up in the presence of saliva. I've never seen a kibble-eating dog who didn't have to go in for a tooth-cleaning every once in a while!
KP
Posted by Rachel | October 4, 2007 10:51 AM
Posted on October 4, 2007 10:51
Very interesting... as always! Cheers from -Switzerland-.
Posted by Dog training | November 27, 2007 6:34 AM
Posted on November 27, 2007 06:34