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By Lucy Notarantonio
Senior Reporter
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Nickel Pickle, an overweight pit bull, is looking for a new foster home after a traumatic incident that left him homeless.
The 4-year-old dog, who is referred to as Pickle for short, has recently been surrendered by his owner after they were both attacked by another pit bull.
Now, the Society for Animal Rescue & Adoption (SARA) in Seguin, Texas, are looking for a loving family to home the dog temporarily while he participates in their weight-loss programme. "It will take several months for him to lose weight, and he will need to be neutered when he's healthy enough for surgery," Tracy Frank, the animal-sanctuary owner, told Newsweek. "He might have a heart attack if we tried that now."
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A male American pit bull terrier should weigh no more than 60 pounds, according to the United Kennel Club. Dog obesity can result in a variety of health issues, including diabetes and cancer, but, in this instance, Pickle's weight was a concern for another reason.
Frank said: "Nickel Pickle was attacked by another dog and then left outside in the freezing rain overnight after his owner was also attacked.
"Pickle's owner was taken to the hospital, but because Pickle is overweight, weighing twice what his age and breed should weigh," Frank added, "he was too heavy to be carried inside."
Fortunately, a neighbor was there to save the day, and they searched for help for the dog, who has since been surrendered by his owner.
Pickle was welcomed with open arms by the staff at SARA on January 28. They have already put him on a healthy diet and are taking him on regular walks.
"Pickle is a very happy, loving dog," Frank said. Sanctuary staff have vouched that the dog would suit any home.
"He loves children and is gentle with smaller dogs. Once he loses weight, he can run and play again. At this point, he can only walk around," added Frank.
Weight Management for Dogs
Like humans, the main drivers for weight loss for dogs is to focus on a well-balanced diet and plenty of exercise. The VCA animal hospital has highlighted what an owner must do to help their pet reach an ideal weight and maintain it.
The animal-hospital website says people should seek veterinary advice when it comes to canine weight-loss, so they can create a tailored meal plan. Owners will most likely need to switch their pets to a low-calorie dog food and follow a specific diet plan with specific portions and meal frequency.
"It is not appropriate to simply reduce the volume of their current food. This will cause malnourishment over time," adds the official website.
Update 2/15/23 2:51 a.m. ET: This article has been updated to amend the shelter's location.
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