An over weight dog should not advance to training levels beyond lowered obstacles, particularly jumping. This condition is usually accompanied by being out of good physical condition. Being out of condition for extra activities leads to soft tissue injuries, joint strain, and it is compounded by the added weight a dog is carrying on it's body.
Exercise and reduced caloric intake will not only produce a healthier dog, it will produce a dog less likely to incur injuries due to it's condition.
To check your dog's weight massage the areas over the withers (shoulders), ribs, and hips. You should be able to feel these bony structures with a light massage. Nay, you say, that's solid muscle! Unfortunately, those are fat cells, these structures do not have a layer of muscle over them. Katie Greer
My Dog's Fat? Well written article regarding your performance dog's weight.
This is
absolutely correct (that dogs do not need electrolyte replacement as humans do). It has been said here before, but just to reiterate.
Replacement of fluids with electrolytes is for animals that sweat (like humans).
Dogs do not sweat (significantly) and therefore do not lose electrolytes. If you
give them electrolytes, they may actually draw fluids out of the dogs body into
the gastrointestinal tract, causing the dog to be more dehydrated. So - bottom
line: Just give the dog access to fresh water. Chris Zink DVM, PhD
http://www.caninesports.com
© 1994 Agility Ability and the noted authors of some of the individual listings.
