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Liking Leftovers
Dear Carmen:
When my family adopted me, I weighed 10 lbs. I now weigh more than 13 lbs. Every morning, my dad feeds me his leftovers from breakfast: French toast, pancakes, waffles, bacon and sausage. Sometimes, we are healthy and share cereal. Spending this time with him is very special. I love the food, too. I eat so much that I usually have no room left for my regular breakfast.
My veterinarian is worried about my weight. She says that a gain of three pounds is too much for a small dog. My dad and I both have potbellies, although he has the larger stomach. The vet told my dad to stop feeding me leftovers. She says I should be eating dog food for breakfast, preferably light dog food. She also says that I should exercise on a regular basis. I like going on walks, but my dad is too lazy to take me. Every night, he reclines in the easy chair with the remote control, a beer, and me. He likes to watch television all evening. Shouldn't he be exercising, too? What should I do?
Liking Leftovers in Longmont
Dear Liking Leftovers in Longmont:
I can sympathize with you. I really enjoy leftovers, too, especially since I had to rely on them while I lived on the streets of Puerto Rico. I ate plenty of Vienna sausages and pizza in my day. Even though I have quite a comfortable life now, at the back of my mind, I am still worried that I am not going to get enough to eat. I love to beg (don't we all?). Since I tend to gain weight, my veterinarian has me on a strict diet. I am only allowed to eat low-fat healthy snacks. My Abuela (Grandmother) takes me for long walks.
It is not healthy to be overweight, though. I consulted CAPS board member, Dr. Don Allen. He said that overweight dogs are more prone to diabetes, arthritis, heart failure, elbow calluses, pressure point sores and skin conditions. Lean dogs even live longer (Purina study of two groups of Labrador Retrievers from birth to death). Dr. Allen recommends that you eat light food until you lose the three extra pounds. If your dad has to give you a snack, Dr. Allen suggests light dog biscuits (but go easy), and healthy human food like fruits and vegetables. Your dad should take you for a walk every day for at least 30 minutes. If you haven't exercised in long time, Dr. Allen advises that you gradually build-up the duration of your walk. Your dad can also take you for fifteen minutes walks twice a day. Walking would be good for your dad, too. Overweight humans are also at risk for diabetes and heart disease from high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Exercise can also reduce stress and help with weight loss.
If your dad really doesn't want to get out of his comfortable chair, tell him to hire a dog walking service or pay a responsible neighborhood child or adolescent to take you for a walk. If you have a local dog park, he may want to take you there. Just be sure that you run around while at the dog park. I am not partial to the dog park myself because I don't like being run-over by larger dogs.
Buena Suerte,
Carmen
Your companion animals can submit their questions to Carmen via regular mail or email. Due to the volume of mail, Carmen cannot personally answer every question.
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