large-breed dogs are up to eight times morelikely to have bone and joint problems than small dogs? Considerthis: Large-breed dogs have been estimated to age up to 10 times faster than humans. This accelerated aging process in large breeds, coupled with their tendency to gain excess weight with age, can put stress on their joints more quickly than you might think. Not sure you need to worry about your dog? Any dog bred to weigh more than 50 pounds at maturity—including boxers and basset hounds—can be considered a large-breed dog. To help large-breed dog owners remember the special needs of their dogs and to keep their dogs happy and healthy, they should think big: B-I-G. B—Bonesandjoints.“It’s important for pet parents to know large-breed dogs have special nutritional needs,” said Dr. Maury Docton, a veterinarian with The Iams Company. “An accelerated aging process and excess body weight can add considerable stress to dogs’ bones andjoints.” I—Ideal body condition. Owners of large-breed dogs can help keep their big dogs active, longer, by encouraging appropriate exercise and feeding them a diet that maintains the dog’s ideal body condition. You can make sure your dog receives the right nutrition for its large size, life stage and activity level by choosing a food like Iams Active Maturity Large Breed” and Iams Weight Control Large Breed™. Both formulas feature L-carnitine, a nutrient that promotes the conversion of fat to energy, and glucosamine, a naturally occurring compound that helps maintain cartilage resilience and strength. - “2. Big dogs can beproneto health problems, so it’s important for them to stay in shape. G—Goto the vet regularly to closely monitor your big dog’s bone and joint health. Veterinarians are the best resource for big-dog owners, especially for advice on bone andjoint health, exercise and nutrition for their pet. Free kit and more To learn more about the special needs of big dogs, Iams invites all large-breed dog owners to sign up for a free quarterly “Running with the Big Dogs” online newsletter. Inside each issue are fun features on big dogs, tips on exercising with your pets, nutrition information, a Q&A section with a vet answering specific questions about the unique needs of big dogs, special offers and more. You can sign up now for the “Running with the Big Dogs” online newsletter at www.iams.com. While supplies last, big-dog owners also can request the free “Running with the Big Dogs” consumer kit, which includes an educational brochure, coupons, a dogdanna and leash. You can sign up now for the “Running with the Big Dogs” consumerkit by calling Iams Consumer Care Centerat 1800-863-4267.
