Helping your Spaniel lose weight
Do you have a Spaniel? There are so many of them! Springers, Cockers, Water Spaniels, Field Spaniels, the Sussex, to name just a few. No matter what kind of Spaniel you have, your Spaniel’s weight may be a concern.
These happy, cheerful dogs also love their luxuries. They can easily eat too much and take up residence on your sofa, which means they don’t get enough exercise. If you’re concerned about your Spaniel’s weight there are some things you can do to help.
First of all, you need to determine whether or not your Spaniel is overweight. Your Spaniel’s ideal weight will depend on his breed. You can get a good idea if your dog is overweight by putting your hands on your dog and feeling for his ribs. You should not be able to see your dog’s ribs but, with a dog in good condition, you should be able to feel your dog’s ribs.
Next, you should look for your dog’s waist. This is the “tucked up” area behind the dog’s ribs in his flank area. Whether looking at your dog from the side or from above, your dog should have a narrowing behind his ribs. Your dog’s flanks or waistline should definitely not bulge outward. Finally, when you look at your dog from above he should have a shapely silhouette. This means that his back should not be squared and level like a tabletop. If you can set a tray on your dog’s back then your dog certainly needs to lose some weight.
You can also judge your Spaniel’s weight by looking at a dog weight chart. A dog weight chart will show pictures of dogs in various conditions ranging from very thin to obese. You can see where your Spaniel falls on the chart. Dog weight charts can be helpful but they are usually no substitute for actually putting your hands on your dog’s body and feeling for muscle tone or flab. You can also talk to your vet about your Spaniel’s weight and get his or her input.
If your Spaniels needs to lose some weight there are a number of steps you can take to help your dog reduce. If your Spaniel only needs to lose a pound or two you may be able to simply control your dog’s portion size more accurately. Measure the amount of food you’re feeding your dog. Cut back on your dog’s food slightly. Don’t leave food out for him all the time. Cut out the most fattening snacks and treats. And stop feeding your Spaniel fattening tablescraps which add inches to his waistline.
You can also help your Spaniel lose weight by increasing the amount of exercise he gets. Take him for longer walks, for instance. Adding some training activities to your dog’s schedule is another excellent way to increase the amount of exercise your dog gets.
If your Spaniel needs to lose more than a couple of pounds you will probably want to consider changing his food to a low fat dog food. A low fat dog food, such as Formula K, can provide food that’s high in protein to build muscle, low in fat to keep the calories down, and high in fibre to help your dog feel full and satisfied throughout the day. A good low fat dog food will help your Spaniel lose weight slowly and safely.
It’s not advisable to try to force your dog to lose weight too quickly. Slow weight loss is much safer and healthier for your dog. If your dog can lose between .5 and 2 percent of his body weight per week he will be reducing at a healthy rate. This may only be a few ounces but it’s a healthy goal for your dog.
An overweight Spaniel can be prone to many health problems, including hip dysplasia and arthritis. You can reduce your Spaniel’s weight and help him live a longer, happier, healthier life by following these simple suggestions. Your dog will thank you every time he looks at you with those beautiful dark eyes.
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