A recent article, posted February 7, 2008 on Reuters.com stated that about 40% of American dogs are overweight. 

Just a few pounds can contribute to your dog having problems with breathing, osteoarthritis, joint problems and / or diabetes.  Keep in mind that a 25 pound dog who gains 5-10 pounds hasn't just moved up a size in clothing, as a human might with that type of weight gain. That dog will have increased its weight by 20-40 percent!

Why do dogs get fat? Same reason we humans do.... too much food, too many snacks, too little exercise, and / or genetics. Beagles are among the breeds that are more likely to be overweight... mainly because these little chow hounds will do their level best to convince you that they are starving when in fact, they may have just consumed a meal more appropriately served to a 60 pound labrador retriever.  Do NOT fall for those puppy dog eyes... do NOT succumb! Your beagle does not need as much food as he wants to eat.

Not every dog is as obviously overweight as Noel, pictured above. But many dogs become overweight without their owners even really noticing the weight gain.  Take a look at your dog from overhead. He should have a noticeable waist. From the side, he should have an abdominal "tuck," meaning that his chest should be lower to the ground than his belly area, and you should be able to easily feel his ribs under a thin layer of fat.

 

It is critical that your overweight dog lose weight to avoid health problems and to live a long, happy life. We are pleased to report that Noel, above, has lost 5 pounds since joining us at BTTR. We are particularly concerned that she shed her extra weight, because of her son Duke's fate. Duke was also overweight, and developed diabetes. Duke recently passed away when his sugar crashed, despite the efforts of emergency vets. Duke was a GREAT boy, and we miss him. We don't want Noel to develop diabetes, so she is on a strict diet. In addition to avoiding health problems, we just want our girl to be comfortable and able to romp with her beagle buddies at BTTR.  Noel's energy level is noticeably improving, but she has a long way to go. While we cannot claim that Noel has an actual waist, she does have very slight indentations at her sides now.

If you just can't resist those pleading eyes, give your dog a healthy snack instead of some of your chips or pizza. the following recipe was found on www.dietbites.com:

Dog-Gone Good Dog Biscuits - No MSG

Basic Recipe

4 cups of whole wheat flour
4 cups of all-purpose flour
1 ½ cup of white or yellow cornmeal
8 Tablespoons of vegetable oil
10 beef bouillon cubes
½ cup of boiling water

Dissolve beef bouillon cubes in boiling water then add oil. Combine flours and cornmeal, then add the dissolved bouillon and oil. Mix dough to form a ball. The dough will be stiff. Roll onto floured board and cut into desired shapes by using cookie cutters.

Bake the biscuits in a preheated 300-degree oven for about half an hour. As the biscuits cool they will harden. Allow overnight for thorough hardening. Store in an airtight container.

You can substitute oatmeal or rice flour for the cornmeal if your dog is allergic to corn. Similarly, you can put another type of bouilon cubes into the recipe (though I doubt there is a whole lot of beef in one of those cubes). Do NOT hand these out all the time. MODERATION! MODERATION!

Want your dog to love you forever even though you've quit giving him table scraps? Buy a $30 dehydrator, and buy "manager's special" cuts of lean meat that are discounted because they are almost at their sell by dates. You don't need to marinate the meat or season it, just dehydrate slices of the meat and you will have some great economical dog treats. This is a great savings when you consider that a 1 - pound package of dehydrated chicken strips cost about $10 at the pet supply store.

Want to try something that a lot of dogs enjoy that is cheap and healthy?  Get your pup some CARROTS.

Your dog's health is in your hands. Talk to your vet -- ask what your dog SHOULD weigh. Beagles come in a variety of sizes and heights, so a healthy weight varies from beagle to beagle.

Several BTTR pups have gained weight since being adopted. Come on guys, nip that in the bud. Take your dog out for a walk after dinner. Cut back on the snacks, buy some inactive dog / weight loss formula dog food, feed your dog just a little less. We want to see your dog romping around at our 10th annual reunion.