Practical Nutrition: Dogs have their own nutritional needs

"America is the only country that loves their dogs to death!" Lauren Shaughnessy, a local veterinarian, means this literally. In her practice, she sees many obese dogs. "Feeding dogs properly and keeping their weight in check allows them to live two whole years longer," she says.

We may love man's best friend, but the worst way to show it is by giving them "human" food. Dogs do best if they eat dog food.

Marketing strategies make it difficult to know what dog food to purchase. Shaughnessy said: "It's not that they're bad foods. Certain foods may not necessarily be tolerated by your dog."

If your dog has food allergies or intolerances, your vet can recommend the best food. Otherwise, find one brand, and stick to it.

Portion control will help keep your pet's weight under control. An average 60-pound dog needs 1 cup of dog food twice daily. That cup should be 8 ounces, so make sure you're using a cup that small.

Don't feed your dog table scraps. If you already do, cut back by 10 percent. It will be easier on your pet's digestive tract and help with weight control.

Vets are busier after the holidays — dogs as well as their owners may overindulge. Your pet can experience more gas, vomiting or diarrhea. And greasy, fatty meals can lead to pancreatitis.

But you can show love and affection to your dog by offering treats. Select one or two treats and regularly reward your dog. Dogs don't need all the flavors and varieties, or the extra calories.

According to Shaughnessy, "if your dog is too fat, then he's not getting enough exercise." The average American dog is sedentary. Take your dog for a walk. If you're too tired, at least sit on the couch, toss your dog a toy and play fetch.

If you have a social dog, try one of the area dog parks. My husband, Jeff, takes Ducky, our Lab mix, to Ruff House Dog Park at Rockwood Park in Chesterfield County. Ducky enjoys roughhousing with Shaughnessy's Great Dane named Platinum.

Other local dog parks include Barker's Field in Byrd Park in Richmond, near Dogwood Dell; Church Hill Dog Park in Chimborazo Park; and Phideaux Field at 4401 Forest Hill Ave. Hanover Dog Park is in Ashland, and a new dog park is to be dedicated this month in Dorey Park in Henrico County near Varina.

Dangerous foods for dogs

     You should never feed dogs certain foodstuffs, said Lauren Shaughnessy, a veterinarian with Dogwood Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center, which opens on Broad Street in Richmond next month. The seriousness of a reaction is related to the size of the dog, the amount of the ingredient ingested and how quickly the pet is treated.

     Large amounts could lead to very toxic reactions. They can also occur if your pet continually is fed small amounts over time. But what if your pet accidently eats a small amount, such as a bite of a chocolate chip cookie? Tiny amounts of some foods probably aren't a problem, but others can be deadly. When in doubt, call your vet.

     Xylitol: This sugar substitute is used in many products, including sugar-free desserts, toothpaste and some sugar-free gums. In humans, it doesn't affect blood sugar and is a useful sweetener for people with diabetes. It can also help prevent tooth decay and plaque. But in dogs it causes severe hypoglycemia that can lead to seizures, liver failure and ultimately death. It's appearing in more and more products, so be sure to check labels. Keep your sugar-free gum away from your dog; even a tiny amount containing Xylitol is dangerous.

     Grapes: Grapes and fruits in that family (dates, currents and raisins) should be avoided entirely. They cause kidney damage in dogs, although the mechanism is not fully understood.

     Chocolate and caffeine: The theobromine in chocolate and caffeine can cause hyperactivity in dogs. It can lead to seizures and can damage the heart. The darker, more bitter chocolates, while often recommended for humans, are even worse than milk chocolate for dogs.

     Onion and garlic: These foods and their different forms (fresh, powders and salts) damage red blood cells. They cause anemia and also can be toxic to the kidneys. Tiny amounts aren't a concern; large or frequent amounts are dangerous.