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Dog Friendly Wales Walk in the Brecon Beacons

Dog Friendly Tips: Local Vets


In case of a holiday emergency you might like to consider taking note of a veterinary surgery that is local to your holiday accommodation. Dog friendly B&B Craig y Nos Castle already has a link to a reliable local 24 hr veterinary service.

See here for the veterinary surgery in Pontardawe that we recommend (while it is not the most local, it is a larger practice that Jack and Sheeba use and has a 24 hour emergency line).


Dog Friendly Article: Dog Obesity Can Affect a Dog's Quality of Life


Obesity, which occurs when too much fat is stored in the body, affects millions of pets around the world. In fact, approximately 20% to 40% of canines in the U.S. are considered obese. Although most people know of the alarming increase of obesity in people, not everyone is aware that the condition is also becoming a serious problem in dogs.

What causes dog obesity?


In most cases, obesity in dogs is caused by lack of exercise and overfeeding. However, certain health conditions such as hypothyroidism can also increase the risk of obesity in canines.

Other risk factors for obesity include;

Sex - In younger dogs, obesity is more prevalent in females.

Age - As dogs get older, so does their risk of becoming obese.

Breed - Obesity affects certain dog breeds more than others. Some of these include; Labrador Retriever, Dachshund, Beagle, and Chihuahua.

Owner - Dogs with obese owners are more likely to suffer from obesity. A reason for this has not yet been determined, but some experts believe it's because the owners are not very active, which leads to a lack of exercise in their pets.

Health Risks Associated with Dog Obesity


Canine obesity can worsen existing health conditions as well as cause new problems to develop. If prompt action is not taken, obesity can affect a dog's quality of life and even lead to premature death.

Some of the health conditions linked to obesity in dogs include;

• Respiratory Problems
• Heart Disease
• Hypertension
• Arthritis, cruciate ligament tear, fractures, and other issues related to the bones and joints.
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Skin Problems
• Cancer

How can I tell if my dog is overweight or obese?


In general, you should be able to feel your dog's ribs, but not see them. If you have trouble finding your dog's ribs, it's probably because there's too much body fat there. You can also stand above your dog and check his waist line; if he has a small waist or if he doesn't have one at all, this may be an indication of obesity. If you suspect your dog may be overweight or obese, the best thing to do is consult your veterinarian. He or she will be able to determine whether your dog is at an ideal body weight.

Prevention & Management


Providing your dog with sufficient exercise and feeding him according to his activity level is the best way to prevent obesity. You can also ask your veterinarian what your dog's ideal weight range is, so that you know when adjustments in feeding and exercise need to be made.

If your dog has been diagnosed with obesity, it's extremely important that you follow your veterinarian's instructions in order to manage the condition. This may mean saying "no" to table food and treats, providing your dog with more exercise, and feeding measured amounts of prescription diet food.

Maintaining your dog at a healthy weight can be challenging at times, but in the end it's completely worth his health and happiness.

Sonia Manning provides information and resources about dog health conditions including symptoms, causes and treatments for common infections, illnesses, and skin and joint conditions. In addition, she provides tips for keeping your dog healthy and happy!

Visit her website to find answers to your questions about your best friend's Dog Health Conditions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sonia_Manning


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