My Name is TaraBear and I'm a Chubby Doodle

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

 Don't let this happen to your doodle!

Last time you saw Tara she was partying hard on her 4th birthday. Well all that has come to a quick end. Yesterday I posted a video in the Grooming Group for a DK'er who was concerned about her doodle's weight. After watching it I gave Tara the exam. OMCD! (Oh My Cubby Doodle!) I'm guessing she is about 2 pounds overweight which is quite a bit for a 20 pounder. The equivalent of your 100 pound doodle being 10 pounds over. She has lost her hourglass figure and her ribs have disappeared.  So the diet started yesterday, right in time for the Holidays! :(

Here's the video (please ignore all references to Purina!!):

Then I received a Newsletter from Tara's vet today which contained this article (excerpts as I removed the parts about having your vet advise you about diets and food :) stressing the importance of proper weight for our dogs. Also giving me a jab for killing Tara with too much food!!!!  So "we" at least the "me" part of  "we" are determined to find Tara's ribs and get her hourglass figure back. Tara on the other hand is threatening to rehome herself! I see I have my work cut out for me!!

 

Obesity in Dogs

Is Your Dog Overweight?

Obesity is on the rise, and not just for humans. Dogs are increasingly overweight and even obese. In the United States, an estimated 43 million dogs are overweight or obese - that’s over half of all dogs! And it is not just dogs in the United States that need to lose a few pounds - canine obesity is also a problem in Canada, Europe, Australia and other countries worldwide.

Canine obesity increases the risk for osteoarthritis, insulin resistance, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart and respiratory problems, kidney disease, some types of cancer, and cranial cruciate ligament injury. Thanks to these increased health problems, overweight dogs face a decreased life expectancy of up to 2.5 years.

Even if your dog is just a couple pounds over his ideal weight, those few pounds could make a big difference to your dog's health. For example, a 7lb Pomeranian is considered to be a “healthy” weight and the equivalent of a 145lb, 5’ 4” human female. An extra five pounds on the Pomeranian, however, is the equivalent to a 249lb female, which is more than 100lbs over the female’s ideal body weight. Just a few extra pounds really will make a big difference for your dog’s health.

Why are so many dogs overweight? Unfortunately, some pet owners are literally killing their dogs with too much food and too many treats! For example, only one ounce of cheese for a 20 pound dog is the equivalent of 1.5 hamburgers for the average woman! While dog owners may never intentionally mean to hurt their pet, overfeeding, lack of exercise, and poor dietary choices have led to a pet obesity crisis.

A lack of outdoor exercise is also a problem. Busy pet owners who work long hours simply don’t have the time to take their dog for longs walks, runs or play fetch. Together, too much food and a lack of exercise is the perfect recipe for dog obesity.

Early intervention will help overweight dogs get healthy. 

 

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I'm going to try this reply again because it came out really strange the firs time!

How about a ribboned asparagus salad for Calla? Asparagus is kind of grassy she might go for it!!

[F, Calla & Luca]

That salad looks delicious, I'll eat it. When I shop I'm going to look through the produce for ideas. But remebering to lock up Luca's fod would be the best idea. I don't think Calla would stop at two portions given her choice.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Sounds like your girl has a good appetite! I thought the salad looked pretty yummy too but I found it on a dog food recipe site!

[F, Calla & Luca]

How funny.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The most recent discussion of the Green Beans Anonymous Group: http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/thefoodgroup/forum/topics/people-...

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

What a great support group!!! We're in!! Beans...It's what's for dinner!!!

[Ronna, Murphy & Wilson]

My Murphy lost 2 pounds on the green bean diet!  And he LOVES them.  Only frozen or fresh haricot vert though.

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

Does this coat make me fat?

I thought he was all muscle. He feels very solid (meaning nothing wobbles on him like it does on me).

But there is a bit of the hourglass, isn't there?

I just opened a can of green beans and washed them out in hot water (I think that's what Karen advised to get the salt out).

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Yep.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Tara would be thrilled to have a dieting partner!  Tara doesn't wobble either. That's what makes it so deceiving! I thought she was just solid muscle!  I can see a bit of the hourglass remaining there though...won't take much and he will be lean and not mean! :)

[Carol and Banjo]

Tara Bear,  Banjo loves you just the way you are, but he supports your efforts to be a healthier doodle!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Thank you Banjo, you're the best!