All Things Dog Blog

Ask the Vet, with Dr. Pat: The South Bark Diet for Dogs

Posted: 25 Oct 2010 09:00 AM PDT

by Pat Bradley, DVM

Is Your Toy-Sized Dog Overweight?

Here's Help

Hello Dr Pat:

My little Chi mix is a real porker; he is a lot overweight. Does the green been diet really work for dogs and if it does how much do I give him and how much food with it? My friend told me half and half. Is this right?

Thank you sincerely, Gen

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Dear Gen,

I commend you for your desire to help your overweight friend. We all want our dogs to be their healthy, happy best, but for many of our dogs, especially small breeds, "happiness" has become equivalent to "eating when I'm bored or upset". Let's change that!

The green bean diet can really work. They are low in calories, easy to use, and most dogs like them. But since the appetites, preferences and metabolism of all dogs are not alike, it's great that we have lots of choices when it comes to weight loss, and lots of information to help us make good decisions. Here are the main strategies:

Decrease overall calories: (a) Decrease the total amount of food by a quarter or a third. (b) Feed the same amount of a lower calorie pet food. (c) Feed the same amount of a grain-free pet food. You know, the "South Bark Diet".

Increase fiber. Fiber helps dieting tummies feel comfortably full. This is where the green beans come in. Substitute one or more of these for an equal amount of commercial food. I'd start at no more than 1/3, especially in small dogs that tend to need a higher protein level. And add a balanced multivitamin to ensure that all the basics are covered. (a) Green beans: their positive attributes are mentioned above, but to keep them from feeling too self-important, let's mention some of the other veggies. (b)Yellow squash, zucchini, cucumber, carrots, pumpkin, winter squash, or green peas. (c) Oat or wheat bran: ¼ to ½ tsp per day for a small dog.

Increase play and walks and exercise with him. We know it burns calories, but it will also increase the "feel good" chemicals in his brain, making him less likely to give you those gut-wrenching, guilt-inducing stares.

Snacks. Substitute snacks that are high in nutrition and low in calories, such as dried liver, raw carrot slices, or even our go-to friend, the green bean.

Good luck, Gen. You'll be delighted when you see how much better he feels!

Dr. Pat

(c) courtesy P. Bradley

Have a question for Dr. Pat? Write to LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com.

For a personal consultation about your pet's needs, visit Holistic Veterinary Services.

Dr. Pat's opinion or advice does not replace an actual exam with a veterinarian

Don't miss Tanner's commentary over dog diets at 5 Minutes for Fido. He's quite disturbed!

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A Dog's Purpose Won by Reader with an Extremely Creative Dog Command

Posted: 25 Oct 2010 07:12 AM PDT

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

I thought I was close to hearing them all--commands, I mean--but this one really found me laughing: "Dodge Ball", for Molly, means "it's okay to eat now". Go figure! I laughed so hard at this one I had to grab a tissue. Now, that my readers, is a winner!

Congratulations to Carrie A., the owner of Molly, who is the winner of a copy of A Dog's Purpose and a Flying Disc. I hope they will both enjoy many hours of fun with their prizes.

Carrie A. and Molly's prize

Have Fun!

Commenting here ON THE BLOG is going to increasingly become the winner's choice. I see these comments quickly, as they come to my email, as well as appearing on the blog while I work. If you want to win a contest, this will also be your quickest way to enter--faster than sending an email.

Speaking of contests, this coming Friday, October 29, is my Halloween costume contest. I have an independent judge lined up and time is running out. I've received only a few entries this year. I suppose everyone is leaving their costume creations to the last minute. Just don't forget the camera. It's photo op time!

(c) Carrie Boyko
The Mystery Treat Bag

Send your pictures to my email at LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com by Thursday evening. I'll be gracious, stay up late writing, and give you until 8 PM Thursday night. Remember, I have to send all your photos to my judge by email and then get the big decision back for a reasonable post time on Friday morning. Somewhere in between, the judge and I both need to sleep!

Be sure to drop in Friday or Saturday to see who won. Of course, you'll also get to find out what Tanner and Oliver are dressing up as. They're remembering Xena in a very special way this Halloween. Any guesses?

One last point....creativity always counts at All Things Dog Blog. Don't think you need a store-bought costume to win. A simple, yet cleverly executed accessory could take the prize! Here's peek; what do you think is inside?