Healthy small dogs may have an average life span of 13 years old, but their smaller frames need to be protected from extra stress, so they might reach their greatest age potential These statistics vary vastly between breeds so consult a manual on your particular breed for accurate lifespans. The first step in helping your dog with its fitness regimen is consulting a veterinarian for a reasonable program. Often a weight reducing formula for a dog resembles that of a human s diet. Low fat food, smaller amounts of food, no treats, and more activity are often the prescription. This is not an easy task for a person, and it is not that easy for dogs either.
Dogs vary just as people do.
Some dogs like the feeling of having their stomachs full, and will continue to eat or seek out food until they can regain that feeling. The food should be replaced with more attention, more back scratching, and more tender words for the nutritionally deprived pup. Some dogs can be convinced that a carrot stick or a piece of ice is a good treat. This is a an excellent strategy because the dog feels rewarded, and is not consuming unnecessary calories or fat. Many dogs enjoy green beans.