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DIGG-WillNotFixMy-STATISTICS
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Michael Westen
2692 Followers
Closed AccountFeb 5, 2012
I thought we were just fattening them up for when the economy REALLY crashes.
breadfredFeb 5, 2012
It is uncanny how many obese people have obese dogs - and how many slender people have healthy dogs. I imagine people who over-indulge themselves over-feed their pets by giving them snacks whenever they have a snack themselves.
mrnaturalFeb 5, 2012
The bigger problem is that our pets don't get enough exercise. If you dog is getting fat you both probably need to go out and walk more often. Sufficient exercise will also make your dog more calm and obedient. My dog has dry food available all the time but normally only eats when we do or if he comes back from a big day. His weight has stayed unchanged since he fully matured. I make him exercise twice a day. Chase the ball...good for me too!
breadfredFeb 5, 2012
Good for you! Unfortunately my dog will keep eating, regardless - however he gets exercised 4 1/2 hours every day.
corak1985Feb 6, 2012
I was typing out a long answer, looked below and saw that you had already said what I was going to say.
Exercise is the most important thing. Of course feeding has to be moderated, but the sedentary lifestyle is the real killer. You can be a bit overweight and in great shape and healthy (both as human or a dog) if you get a lot of exercise.
rudegarFeb 5, 2012
Sure and kids too
anomaly100Feb 5, 2012
And yet, I'm eating Soy chips as I read this.
breadfredFeb 5, 2012
That is SOOO unfair! I want some too!
anomaly100Feb 6, 2012
I'll share but only with you.
allfourthefamilyFeb 5, 2012
Not just our pets :-(
Closed AccountFeb 5, 2012
yes i agree with comments which were till written. I don't want to say anything more i just say one sentence that "excess of anything is dangerous".
Closed AccountFeb 5, 2012
I got a cat from Concern for Animals. She's been surrendered by a lady moving to where she could not have pets.
I am struggling to get at least 5 lbs off her. It's not easy. this cat will eat till she literally throws up!
She's a very pretty black & white bicolor / tabby mix.
breadfredFeb 5, 2012
I had 2 rescue cats back in Amsterdam - about 25 yrs ago. They were left after an elderly lady died, the cats were used to a diet of cream and crap. They did not even fit through the cat flap. Due to there diet, they had no teeth left either - except for their canines. 2 big fat dracula's.
Checked with the vet re a slimming diet - agreed to only give dried food (they can eat properly with their gums, they harden up) and leave food out for only 10 minutes per feed, twice a day. They did not like it and did not eat for a full 3 days. Finally they gave in and starting eating - and lost weight. They were still alive and well at the age of 20 when I left the Netherlands and left the cats with a family member.
Stick to a regime, your cat will do fine - and be thankful in the end :)
KanekokoFeb 5, 2012
yes, owners think they are being good by feeding pets everytime they ask for it when in fact they are shortening their lifes, increasing their chance of health problems etc... understand it is hard to say no to those puppy eyes though! but the good thing for their pets is to say no rather than give the extra food!!! I foresee a blog coming on "Is good to say no to your pet!" :)
BWeinholdFeb 25, 2012
Yes, exercise is necessary but watching what and how much you feed your pet is just as important. I believe the breed has some to do with it as well. I have three Labs; my two males are American Labs and I don't have to gage their diet as much as my female who is British. She is shorter and stocker and if she just LOOKS at a Milkbone, she puts on 5 pounds. Watch the treats; we can easily love our pet to death.
BWeinholdFeb 25, 2012
Yes, this is a problem! I have three Labs, two American Lab males who are spot-on as far as weight and I don't have to gage them as closely however, my female Lab is Birtish; they're shorter and stocker, and if she looks at a Milkbone treat, she puts on 5 pounds. It's up to me to gage her weight and to keep her healthy. It's HARD on her to be fat. As the pet owner, it's your responsibility to keep your pet slim and healthy. You say you love them, then don't love them to death!
deomo899Feb 5, 2012
We need to start reading the labels in our pet's food. If the first ingredient in your pet's food is corn or corn starch, it's time to look for a healthier brand.
NewsMeBackFeb 5, 2012
We intend to do that, under excuse that we absolutely love too much our pet and that we can't let it "starve" . Point is that owners do wrong, and that our love turns into the opposite. Pets don't know how to say it's enough. We should do that instead of them.
breadfredFeb 5, 2012
Indeed. My dog is a rescue dog, treated badly by his previous owner before 'rescued' by the Dogs' Trust. He'll eat anything he can, and eats in record time. I am the one ensuring he does not get more food than he needs.
Luckily he knows who is the boss and has learned not to eat food unless it is in his bowl - which means I can leave food on the table without him touching it even when I am not at home.
However, when he finds some food in the park, there is not stopping him.
darwininmotionFeb 5, 2012
Mine too :( And they check every single spot where they've found food once before every time they go (which is 6-8 times a week), just in case.