"The most common health problem among dogs today 
is obesity and lack of conditioning."  Canine Care Specialists

 


CHEWING THE FAT
ABOUT CANINE OBESITY

FAQs

FACT 1.  40-50% of today's dogs are overweight --- an estimated 15 million dogs in the USA.

FACT 2.  Obesity is cited by over 81% of canine physiotherapists as the number on danger facing dogs today.

FACT 3.  The primary cause of canine obesity is overfeeding and lack of exercise.  Reduced diets are not enough to regain control of obesity in dogs.  

FACT 4.  Bassett Hounds, Beagles, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels, Cairn Terriers, Dachshunds, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Dalmations and Shetland Sheepdogs are predisposed to obesity.

FACT 5.  Dogs with cruciate ligament injuries more often than not are overweight and out of condition.  

FACT 6.  Studies show that overweight dogs developed hip dysplasia 67% more often than those that were in good condition.

FACT 7.  The heart and respiratory systems of overweight dogs must work harder than normal and are at greater risk for cardiopulmonary diseases.

FACT 8.  Overweight dogs are at a higher risk for the now common diabetes.

FACT 9.  Overweight dogs are at greater risk for liver disease.

FACT 10.  Overweight dogs are at greater risk for heat exhaustion.

FACT 11.  Overweight dogs are at greater risk for pancreatitis.

FACT 12.  Most dog owners do not realize their dog is overweight.

FACT 13.  Most dog owners do not have time to exercise their dog enough to balance the intake of food.

FACT 14.  Canine obesity can be controlled, reversed and managed.

 

 


IS YOUR DOG THE CORRECT WEIGHT?

Use the following descriptions and pictures 
to determine the status of your dog's weight.

 



If you find that your dog is overweight, take action now to prevent the development of serious health concerns and costly vet bills.

If you find that your dog is underweight consider that it does not have an appetite because it is bored or does not get enough exercise.

WE CAN HELP.

Call us at

828-429-6388

to find out how.

Category 1:  EMACIATED
Ribs, lumbar vertebrae, pelvic bones and all bony prominences evident form a distance.   No discernable body fat.  Obvious loss of muscle mass.  Your dog is in desperate need of weight gain.  We recommend Flint River Ranch Puppy/Adult Kibble mixed with canned food three times daily and NuVet Plus supplements once a day.

Category 2:  VERY THIN
Ribs, lumbar vertebrae and pelvic bones easily visible.  No palpable fat.  Some evidence of other bony prominence.  Minimal loss of muscle mass.  Your dog is severely underweight and needs considerable weight gain.  We recommend Flint River Ranch Puppy/Adult Kibble mixed with canned food twice daily and NuVet Plus supplements once a day.

Category 3:  THIN
Ribs easily palpated and may be visible with no palpable fat.  Tops of lumbar vertebrae visible.  Pelvic bones becoming prominent.  Obvious waist and abdominal tuck.  Your dog is noticeably underweight and needs to gain some weight.  We recommend Flint River Ranch Puppy/Adult Kibble mixed with canned food twice daily and NuVet Plus supplements once a day.

Category 4:  UNDERWEIGHT
Ribs easily palpable, with minimal fat covering.  Waist easily noted, viewed form above.  Abdominal tuck evident.  You dog is a bit underweight and could stand to gain a bit of weight.  We recommend Flint River Ranch Puppy/Adult Kibble twice a day and NuVet Plus supplements once a day.

Category 5:  IDEAL
Ribs palpable without excess fat covering.  Waist observed behind ribs when viewed from above.  Abdomen tucked when viewed from the side.  Congratulations!  Your dog is the perfect weight.  Good job.  We recommend NuVet Plus supplements once a day to maintain a healthy immune system.

Category 6:  OVERWEIGHT 
Ribs palpable with slight excess fat covering.  Waist is discernable viewed from above but is not prominent.  Abdominal tuck apparent.  Your dog is a bit overweight and would benefit from the loss of some body fat.  We recommend a reduced amount of Flint River Ranch Senior Kibble (even if your dog is young) once a day and NuVet Plus supplements once a day.

Category 7:  HEAVY
Ribs palpable with difficulty, heavy fat cover.  Noticeable fat deposits over lumbar area and base of tail. Waist absent or barely visible.  Abdominal tuck may be absent.  Your dog is considerably overweight and needs to reduce body fat.  We recommend a significantly reduced amount of Flint River Ranch Senior Kibble (even if your dog is young) once a day and NuVet Plus supplements once a day.

Category 8:  OBESE 
Ribs not palpable under heavy fat cover, or palpable only with significant pressure.   Heavy fat deposits over lumbar area and base of tail.  Waist absent.  No abdominal tuck.  Obvious abdominal distension may be present.  Your dog is severely overweight and need immediate reduction of body fat.  We recommend a severely reduced amount of Flint River Ranch Senior Kibble (even if your dog is young) once a day mixed with a can of unsalted green beans and NuVet Plus supplements once a day.

Category 9:  GROSSLY OBESE 
Ribs not palpable under very heavy fat cover.  Heavy fat deposits over vertebrae and base of tail.  Waist absent.  No abdominal tuck.  Difficulty walking.  Your dog is dangerously overweight and at great risk of multiple and costly health problems.  We recommend a very small amount of Flint River Ranch Senior Kibble (even if your dog is young) once a day mixed with a can of unsalted green beans and NuVet Plus supplements once a day.

 Chart compliments of Ralston Purina Company.

 

Possum Hollow

CANINE CONDITIONING

AND

WEIGHT CONTROL

PROGRAMS

"For the Life of Your Dog"
At Possum Hollow we take the health of our dogs and yours seriously.  Dogs that are out of condition will not perform to their highest potential and are dangerously at risk for other health problems.  Your veterinarian can confirm the many, many health risks associated with poor weight and conditioning.  Health issues can hinder obedience and  herding performance and affect the general attitude of dogs as they work and play.  Just like people, overweight dogs require exercise in addition to a healthy diet to loose weight and underweight dogs need to be fed frequently all day.  You have read the FAQs and identified your dog's weight category above. If  you are like millions of other dog owners, your busy schedule simply doesn't allow the time required to condition a dog.  Whether your dog is overweight, underweight or simply out of shape we can help.  Now is the time to do something to correct weight and condition problems, prevent future health problems and put your canine companion on the way to a healthier life.

 CONDITIONING PROGRAMS 

DOGGY DAY SCHOOL.  Dogs with condition problems (from emaciated to grossly overweight) can attend Doggy Day School on a 5-day, 3-day or 2-day weekly schedule.  Dogs that are overweight will be placed on a weight loss program with intermittent periods of work, rest and free time.   Dogs that are underweight will be placed on a weight gain program with lighter work and free time and frequent feedings throughout the day.  Dogs that are the correct weight but in need of cardiovascular conditioning will the worked throughout the day with intermittent periods of work, rest and free time.  When you enroll your dog in regular Doggy Day School request the conditioning package.  Your dog will receive obedience training in addition to the appropriate conditioning program.  You will receive information about nutrition and how foods and supplements affect your dog's overall health.  

When enrolled in Doggy Day School, you will drop your dog off in the morning and pick them up in the afternoon.  During the day, we will provide a fun workout, training, and lots of attention.  You still get to enjoy your dog in the evenings and on weekends!  Click here for complete details about the Doggy Day School.  

FEES: 

5-day Doggy Day School with Conditioning   $270 per month
3-day Doggy Day School with Conditioning $190 per month
2-day Doggy Day School with Conditioning $140 per month

 

CONDITIONING CAMP.  Dogs with conditioning problems can enroll in our conditioning camp program.  Your dog will stay with us for one month during which time it will be provided all the same services as the Day School above and we provide room and board.  This program is excellent for owners who are unable to arrange drop off and pick up for the Day School program.

FEE:  Conditioning Camp     $385 per month

NOTE:  Food items to be given to underweight dogs will be charged to the owner.  We use Flint River Ranch Super Premium All Natural Dog Foods for our conditioning programs.  We supplement this food with NuVet Plus immune system boosters as needed.  Click here to learn more about Flint River Ranch foods and NuVet Plus supplements.

For more information or to enroll your dog, call 828-429-6388 or email us at info@possumhollowfarms.com .

 

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