WEIGHT
WATCHERS 
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Daisy says:
Yes, I'm a little ashamed to admit it, but I am a tad overweight (look at my nice rounded tummy!). Well, I asked my Mumma to include a page on dachsie diet, so I can learn how to look after my figure.
There should be a Weight Watchers especially for Dachsies, don't you think! |
Daisy says: I think I'm a bit overweight! Is there an easy way to tell?
A dog’s ribs should be easily felt and the waist and tuck-up (the tummy area between ribcage and rear end) should be discernible without being prominent. There should be just a thin layer of fat over the ribs.
Underweight dogs generally have protruding bones and appear to have experienced muscle loss.
Overweight dogs have more fat over the ribs and little or no waist and tuck-up. Obese dogs have heavy fat over the ribs, along the spine, and around the tail while morbidly fat dogs have protruding abdomens and fat deposits throughout their bodies.
Daisy says: I heard that some dogs put on weight more easily. Is that true?
Some breeds seem to be susceptible to weight gain. These include Labrador Retrievers, Beagles, Basset Hounds, Dachshunds, Cocker Spaniels, and Shetland Sheepdogs. Generally speaking, they just like to eat more than they exercise!
Daisy says: I like eating and sleeping. Why should I bother about my weight?
Overweight Dachshunds are more susceptible to invertebral disc disease, a condition that affects Dachshunds more than any other breed.
Daisy says: Okay, okay, what can I do?
Well Daisy, you can't do this by yourself - you'll need the support of the whole family if you're going to succeed.
Owners this is what you can do. Remember Dachsie needs the support of the whole family. It just won't work if even one member of the family is giving treats on the sly!
1. Weigh Dachsie.
2. Reduce Dachsie's total daily intake of food by one-third. Cut out snacks, treats and leftovers, but if you must continue giving these, they must be included in the total daily ration of food.
3. Be firm! Do not give in to begging!
4. Reweigh Dachsie in 2 weeks.
5. If Dachsie has lost even a little weight, you’re on the right track so keep it up! If no weight has been lost again reduce the amount being fed by one-third.
6. Be firm! Do not give in to begging!
7. Weigh Dachsie again in two weeks. He should now be losing weight so keep on feeding this amount, but if still no weight has been lost, reduce daily intake again by one-third.
8. Persistence pays off, if you can resist the begging!
Points to watch out for!
1. Begging or pleading does not mean Dachsie is starving. If you can't resist the pleading at the empty food bowl throw in some green beans, carrots, or other low-calorie vegetables as long as they do not cause intestinal upset.
2. If you simply must give treats or snacks try carrot sticks, unbuttered popcorn, orange or apple slices, pretzels or bits of banana, seedless grapes or strawberries.
3. If Dachsie wins out and you share your burger with him, don't despair. Cut back on his next meal.
4. Increase exercise. A daily walk is great, but a long walk twice a week will probably be sufficient.
5. Begging at the table is a no-no. But if you must have Dachsie by your side, save a tiny treat to give to him after you have finished eating.
6. There are some foods dogs should never eat - chocolate, cantaloupe, onions, garlic, peppers, raw chicken bones.
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