Obesity In Staffys

 

Obesity in Staffys

Numerous studies have shown that more Americans and Brits are obese today than ever before and, interestingly, we’re not the only ones. Not only are Americans and Brits fatter than ever, so are their Staffordshire bullterriers; and the phenomenon can have serious ramifications for both groups.

Staffys are no different though generally they do not seem to suffer as much as some other breeds. Don’t confuse a staff that is full of muscle with one that is over weight!

Obese Staffys run a lot of the same risks that obese people do. When a Staffy is over weight it is at higher risk for heart disease, respiratory ailments, weak joints and other problems. In short; it is every bit as dangerous for a Staffy to be carrying extra weight as it is for a person – perhaps more so due to the shorter lifespan that Staffys have. An overweight eight year old Staffy is akin to an overweight fifty-six year old man and subject to many of the same health risks.

Fortunately for us and our Staffys; the equation is associative and works the same in the opposite direction. Just as a healthy diet and plenty of good cardiovascular exercise can trim down a chubby man; it can take the extra weight off of a Staffy.

Staffy Diets

To reduce the overweight or obese Staffy’s body weight, a program of diet and exercise should be introduced. It is important to visit a vet as he or she can determine whether the Staffy’s obesity is simply due to high caloric intake or some other medical concern like diabetes. The vet can also give you the best suggestions about diet and exercise. There are many brands of Staffy food on the market that are specially balanced to help a Staffy lose weight.

Despite what food or dietary supplements you’re using, there is no substitute for the support and commitment of the family. Each member must agree to help control the Staffy’s caloric intake, feeding exact amounts at exact times and limiting the intake of snacks. Feeding the Staffy extra treats or table scraps on the sly will not be doing the pooch any favors.

Staffy Exercise Programs

Exercise is important for any Staffy. A Staffy that doesn’t get enough exercise quickly gains weight and may become extremely keyed up or very lethargic. Fortunately, most Staffys love to exercise by nature. They love to run and play with their people. The overweight Staffy my be reluctant to exercise at first, but if you persist in taking him for walks or to play games like “fetch” (most Staffys love to run after a thrown tennis ball or other object), the pup will soon come around and start exercising more frequently and for longer periods of time.

It Takes Time

People don’t get to their ideal weight overnight when dieting and neither will a Staffy. Remember that Rover didn’t put on those extra pounds all at once and they won’t come off that way either. Most Staffys take between ten and twelve months to reach their ideal weight goal, depending upon how much extra weight must be lost.

Best Wishes

Denise

 

Discussion

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Comments
1.
On October 9th, 2009 at 3:30 am, | Arthritis pain relief said:

Obesity is really a bad condition to be with. it is the cause of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. i always see to it that i have a healthy diet and a good exercise to avoid being overweight.

2.
On January 13th, 2010 at 3:56 am, Bridgette said:

Obesity and diabetes is a growing problems nowadays. It is caused by todays lifestyle which does not involve lots amount of exercise. Most people are just happy sitting in their office chair and they do not even want to sweat.

3.
On February 22nd, 2010 at 6:14 am, Kaye Abad said:

Obesity is a growing health problem these days because people are too lazy to do some extra exercise and they eat too much. i always exercise and do cardio regularly to maintain a healthy weight.

4.
On March 1st, 2010 at 12:27 pm, Jamie Apple said:

Obesity is really an epidemic these days. People have become very lazy and does not want to exercise anymore. I do a lot of jogging and brisk walking everyday just to be fit and healthy.

5.
On March 28th, 2010 at 3:20 pm, Jimmy Cruz said:

here in Philippines, obesity is also becoming a problem. More and more children are getting obese due to a lifestyle that is not fully of physical activities. most kids just wants to watch TV, play computer games and surf the net.

6.
On April 7th, 2010 at 9:30 am, Gelly Anderson said:

Obesity and diabetes are becoming more and more of a problem these days. Actually it is easy to avoid being overweight by just having the proper diet and exercise.

7.
On April 29th, 2010 at 2:42 am, Abigail Clark said:

With current advances in stem cell research, it won’t be long before we can find a permanent cure for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. ~

8.
On May 26th, 2010 at 10:23 am, Gabriella Adams said:

I always make sure that i get an exercise each day, exercise keeps me fit and healthy.”*.

9.
On June 17th, 2010 at 8:50 am, Luis Howard said:

Healthy weight is easy to maintain, just watch your diet and always exercise.~:”

10.
On July 19th, 2010 at 4:22 am, Evelyn Ahmed said:

the best exercise are full body exercises like military press and also swimming.”".

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