Seven Steps to Help Your Dog Lose Weight
The reasons for dog weight gain are not always at the owner’s fault, it could be due to a medical condition, which is why it is important to always consult with your vet before making any change to your dog’s diet or exercise routine.
Here are some steps to follow if you think your dog is overweight:
1. Determine whether or not your dog is overweight
Every dog breed varies, so an easy way for you to determine whether or not your dog is overweight is to look up pictures of your dog’s breed and see how they look compared to your dog. Check for waist width, as well as the stomach and chest. If you feel your dog may be overweight, make an appointment at your local veterinary clinic and consult a professional.
2. Develop a weight-loss plan with your vet
A veterinarian can identify possible causes of excess weight gain and discuss potential weight loss goals with you.
3. Consider what you are feeding your dog
Many commercial dog foods lack sufficient nutrients, which may cause your dog to believe they are hungry and have cravings since they are not receiving the nutrients and food they needs. This also leaves your pet prone to health problems. Consider making your dog’s meals, or switch a premium dog food. You can ask your vet for advice on what foods are best for your dog’s specific breed.
4. Change their diet
Just like humans, a decrease in calories in your dog’s daily diet will aid with weight loss. This can be done by adjusting portion sizes, feeding your dog different foods, as well as changing to special weight loss food. Also, if your dog is leaving food in their bowl, this is an indication that you are probably feeding them too much food. Foods that help with digestion and weight loss are:
- Apples (contain potassium, which stimulates the immune system, and pepsin, which helps the stomach)
- Broccoli (rich in vitamins)
- Carrots (rich in vitamins, great treat substitute)
- Cabbage (rich in vitamins, good for digestive system and skin)
- Cucumber (good for teeth and bones due to potassium content)
- Celery (can help with arthritis)
- Green beans (lightly steamed; healthy and low-calorie treat)
- Kale (rich in antioxidants and can help reduce allergy symptoms)
- Green or yellow squash, asparagus and spinach
Adding cooked rice and vegetables to your dog’s diet will add healthy variety and they are great for older dogs who may tire of their regular dog food. How would you feel if you were eating the same food every day for years?
Always remember to consult with your vet before changing your dog’s diet, as you could be doing more harm than good depending on your dog’s needs.
5. Keep a food and exercise diary
Keep a food and exercise diary of what you’re feeding your dog, including small treats and weighing out portion sizes. This can also helpyour vet determine what the main cause of your dog’s weight gain is and help you with changes you may need to make to your dog’s diet and exercise routine.
6. Exercise with your dog
Everyone knows dogs are the best exercise buddy! If you have a small or sedentary dog, you can try starting off with a brisk 20-minute walk around the block, and then work your way up to longer walks. Remember that since dogs are smaller than humans in size, they require a lot less exercise than you would to lose weight.
7. Hyperthyroidism
Health issues such as hyperthyroidism are common in dogs and cause weight gain. It is a condition in which the thyroid glands overproduce thyroid hormone, causing a permanent state of metabolic hyperactivity. The disease causes weight gain in dogs, often between the ages of 4 to 10 years, and is due to the destruction of the thyroid gland, which is caused by the dog’s own immune system. Hyperthyroidism can be diagnosed by a simple blood test and is easily treatable through medicine.
Do you have any tips which helped your pet lose weight? Leave us a comment!