PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE . . . DON'T TAKE YEARS OFF YOUR DOG'S LIFE BY INDULGING THEM IN TOO MANY CALORIES!

And remember that daily walks will help burn some of those calories too!

There are many helpful websites available to help you get your dog’s food intake under control. Here are a few places to start:

https://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-feeding-tips/dog-food-calculator/

https://www.petnutritionalliance.org/dog.php

https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/health/dont-wait-to-help-your-dog-lose-weight/

https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/overweight-dogs-and-canine-weight-loss-diets#

Give the gift of longevity to your beloved pet!

We recently saw a transformation video on The Dodo about a Cocker Spaniel that was adopted from the South Los Angeles animal shelter at 49 pounds. Her adopters dedicated themselves to her weight loss, through calorie counting and walking her.

We don't know who her adopters are but we wish we could HUG them for the gift of longevity they have given to her!

An overweight dog can suffer from joint problems, back problems, heart problems, breathing problems, and a whole lot more. It’s heartbreaking so see that they are missing out on the freedom to move about in their own healthy body - and run and jump and play.

For a dog to be trapped in an obese body is like being trapped in a cage. There is no freedom of movement, no joy in a dog’s life.

So many pet owners don't realize they are shortening their dogs' lifespans by letting them get overweight. You can tell your dog is overweight if you cannot see the outline of a waist when you view them from above (or from behind as in these pictures).

Your dogs count on YOU to make the decisions about how many calories a day they get - so it’s up to you to know how many calories a day they need, and how many calories you’re giving them. Don’t forget to count the treats! But not to worry, there are plenty of online tools and information to help you to help your dog reach his/her healthy weight and have a healthier and happier life!