[Dailydrool] how to combat weight problem in bassets

[Anita Sacrey]

I have been very vigilant about keeping Rosie's weight down and not letting her get out of shape, due to the problems being overweight can cause in bassets.  She has a small structure for a basset so I couldn't go by the typical weight range of a female basset.  Her ideal weight is right around 40 lbs. and that's what she weighs right now.  They can develop many of the same health problems humans develop from being overweight.  Their spine is especially at risk due to having a long back, which is not helped by carrying extra weight.
 
As others have said, I use green beans and other veggies when I've had to cut her food back when she's gained a little weight.  At one point after my back surgery she got up to 47 lbs. because she wasn't getting any exercise, so I gave her less "food" and more veggies and that helped.
 
Another thing that really helps is exercise.  Two types of exercise have helped Rosie stay in shape.  One is playing with other dogs.  When they get outside and really run and play they are burning off a lot of calories in a short time.  She chases and wrestles with the other dogs and it's really good for her.  The good thing is I don't have to do anything except watch and enjoy.  I remember when we got the next puppy after Rosie, Rosie immediately lost 5 lbs. because she was running around and playing with the puppy.
 
The other type of exercise is walking, which does require effort on the human's part.  Walking at a steady pace for a prolonged period of time is really good for a dog, physically and mentally.  It's good for us too.  Most healthy, fit bassets should be able to walk at least one mile at a pretty good, steady clip.  Young puppies, older bassets, and bassets out of shape would need shorter walks to get into condition to do a longer walk.  Any amount of walking is good.  When I walk Rosie for exercise I try to keep her from stopping to sniff (kind of difficult but not impossible).  Once we get our mile in, I stroll around and let her do her sniffing then.
 
Anita & Rosie the retired agile basset 
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