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. 

 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

If Tara is looking for a slightly chubby boyfriend, Guinness is her guy.  Ever since Murph went on the meds, I've been trying to get him to eat more because he started to lose a little weight.  Guinness seems to be benefiting from this.  He's also about two pounds overweight....and he's a 20 pounder ( or supposed to be).  Maybe we need our own DK "Biggest Loser" competition.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Jan

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Oh TaraBear, it's all those yummy treats that you get to have! How mean of your mom to "diet" you during the holidays! What is she thinking?? You look wonderful the way you are, but we want you to be healthy!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Don't worry Jennifer, Chloe and Myla, I will wear her down using guilt and my cuteness!

[Donna K & Quincy]

Oh Tara, I feel your pain, if I were a dog I would be in big trouble, my ribs and waist disappeared long ago. I may have to join you on the green bean diet. Tara maybe you should show this to your mom, she is partly to blame after all.

 

 

[F, Calla & Luca]

After a certain age, differing for individuals, human beings no longer have a waist or ribs. I thought you were a nurse, geez. Now, back to dogs.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Speak for yourself....I still have a waist and ribs.....just look.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Oh lord, I don't believe it!!! BTW, something strange, I kid you not, is happening and pictures are not appearing at all or only partially as of a little while ago. This one is only up to your cleavage--even glitches have their virtues. You just haven't reached that certain age yet. Wait...

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I am having trouble posting. Something weird is going on again. Luckily, I can see the whole picture and take my word for it, I look darn good :) LOL

[F, Calla & Luca]

The site is planning to go belly up again soon.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I've been having trouble posting text and pictures all day. :(

[F, Calla & Luca]

Tell Adina, she must be sick of hearing from me :-)