Spoiling your dog can’t harm – or can it?
One of the questions I am asked all of the time is -- “Is it OK if I spoil my dog a little bit.” Usually the person asking the question is looking for a “yes” or “no” answer, and most of the time they want a “no.” Unfortunately, a simple yes or no won’t adequately answer the question. More information is required in order to give an appropriate answer. I need to know what form of spoiling are we speaking of. Is the timberland mens 6 inch spoiling timberland mens 6 inch something that can in any way be harmful to the pet? An example of one such spoiling habit is giving your dog unhealthy snacks in excess. And understand it does not take many snacks to have a detrimental effect on your puppy.
Providing too many unhealthy snacks seems to be the harmful spoiling of choice by many dog owners. I think the dog owners feel they are showing love to their pet by frequently giving them snacks. Unfortunately they are often harming them more than helping them. Dog obesity is growing almost as fast as human obesity. Being over-weight can do as much harm to your pet, or even more, than being an over-weight human. Rates of diabetes in dogs is timberland mens 6 inch on the increase, and it’s clear that overweight dogs are more prone to being affected by it than a proper weight dog. Further, being overweight tends to aggravate such conditions as arthritis, and can put extra strain on the joints, like hips. This can be very uncomfortable for the animal. Just the fact that obesity in dogs has been linked to various forms of cancer should make you want to consider changing your rewarding behavior.
So what should you do? There are a couple of things you can do that will help greatly. One of the things that can make a big difference yet help you feel you are showing love to your pet by occasional snack treats is to eliminate the unhealthy snacks and replace them will healthier snacks. Almost all of the commercially available dog snacks are unhealthy. Most have way too high of fat content, calories and questionable ingredients. Fresh baby carrots are a very good, low-calorie replacement for those fatty dog biscuit type bone snacks. The carrots will permit the frequent treat giving that you and your dog have become accustomed to.
Another thing that is very healthful is to step up the activity of your dog. Before you reward them with a treat, make them earn it. Throw a ball and reward them with the carrot treat when they return it to you. Or do other interactive play activities such a using tug-toys with them and rewarding with the treat after a sufficient period of exercise. These activities provide timberland mens 6 inch the dual benefit of the pet (and you) burning some calories further advancing them towards a proper weight.
If you have ever lost a pet to cancer or any other condition that may be attributable to obesity you will not want to experience that again. When you do what is best for your pet, you are ultimately doing what is best for you too. Let’s face it, changing your interaction and rewarding behavior with your dog will require a change in your perception of your relationship with the dog.
It’s important to recognize that keeping your pet healthy is the best form of treatment – for both of you.
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