Obesity has become a common problem in dogs, and just like in humans, they need to have the right amount of exercise and a balanced diet to remain healthy and fit.
It’s important to maintain a healthy weight for your dog because it is going to have a big impact on quality of life. Managing weight is also good for mobility and preventing joint stiffness.
It is important to know what a healthy dog looks like as the owner. You should feel their ribs even if you can’t see them. There are some common signs that you need to look out for when it comes to your dog being overweight; inability to groom themselves, trouble breathing, trouble getting around, no definition, and constipation.
It can be tricky to find the balance between exercise and a good diet for your pet. Below are some positive changes you can make to help your dog become healthier:
Diet
There are two ways of reducing their caloric intake and managing their diet. The first is feeding them less food and the second is feeding them with food low in carbs, low in fat, and high in protein. If you are not sure, then consider consulting with your vet because they will advise you on the right diet for your dog by looking at their health needs and age.
Measuring their food
To make sure your dogs are not overfed, measure the food at set times of the day. This is going to help control the calories they are consuming. Don’t leave out food for them to eat all day, give them small portions at set times. This will help prevent the dog from eating too quickly, which helps with digestion.
Limiting treats
You might be tempted to give your dog the odd little treat even though they have reached their daily calorie allowance, but it might not be a good idea. You should also prevent other family members from sneaking treats and food from dinner plates to your dog.
Regular exercise
It is important to keep your dog active. Exercise is good for their muscle tone, increasing metabolism, and reducing boredom. The vet is going to advise you on the right amount of exercise for your dog, but it mainly depends on breed, age, and health needs. If possible, try to add more exercises to their routine apart from walking them. Spend time on games like fetch, with the best dog frisbee you can afford. This is going to help them lose the extra pounds while having fun.
Regular vet visits
Regular vet visits are important when you want your dog to maintain a healthy weight. It gives you a chance of monitoring their progress. The vet is going to advise you on how much weight your dog needs to lose. You should consult with them before starting a new exercise routine or diet for your dog. You will know the overall health of your dog.
Multiple pet homes
If you have more than one dog or different pets, make sure you feed them separately so they don’t eat food not meant for them.
Leaving human food out of reach
Your dog shouldn’t eat food not meant for them, like human food. Such food can be more calorific for the dog but can result in sensitive digestion. Put food not meant for your dog out of their reach.
Never starve or crash diet your dog
Upping your dog’s exercise and reducing their food intake is enough to help them reduce weight. You shouldn’t put the dog on a crash diet or starve them because it can mean they are not getting the essential nutrients that they need to keep healthy.
