How To Help Your Dog Lose Weight
Many dog owners are led to believe that their dogs simply need more of this or that. However, if you’ve taken your dog to have a physical check-up, and you were told by the veterinarian that the problem is with your pet’s weight and not some other health issue, then it’s time for some lifestyle changes for both you and your pup. Why? Dog obesity is considered a serious condition in canines that can lead to long-term health consequences.
That said, there is no such thing as a one-size-fits all remedy for overweight dogs. There are many things that you can do to help your dog shed pounds and keep it off.
Dog Obesity What Can Be Done To Reverse It?
Exercise
Running, swimming and hiking are all good ways of burning calories. However, owners need to be careful during these activities as it can be harmful for the dogs’ safety too. Avoid running with your pet on a leash as the pulling could cause them to become injured or overexcited. Make sure that you find an exercise that your pet is comfortable with before starting a routine together.
Feeding habits
A lot of dogs put on weight because they eat way too much. For this problem, experts recommend that owners cut down on their food intake by eating less snacks and treats. You should also feed your pet the same amount of food every time. For example, if you feed your pet twice a day, do not give him for three days in a row or else he will start to get used to this and will likely continue eating until you stop giving him food.
Water intake
It is recommended that pets drink around two cups of water a day for small dogs and up to four cups daily for large dogs. Over drinking can lead to dehydration which is dangerous for dogs as it can cause them to have an upset stomach or heart problems.
Smoking
Smoking can make a dog more prone to weight gain. Inhaling smoke from cigarettes and cigars has a detrimental effect on the heart, lungs and teeth. Because of this, it is important that owners let their pals know that smoking can lead to weight gain in dogs.
Skinny Dogs Are The Most Vulnerable
Skipping meals is one of the easiest ways for dogs to gain weight since they will not get any nutrition from their food source. It’s important that you know the best time to take your pet for walks so you will get them out of the house at least a couple times each week.
Clean Space
Just like humans, dogs also like to snack. However, rather than snacking in between meals, most dogs will eat all the food on their bowl at once.
A Good Diet
The best way to prepare your dog’s meal is to boil the meat using some vegetables and rice in order to make it tastier and fill them up with nutrients. Remember that you should not give them an excessive amount of oily or greasy foods since these will cause them to gain weight. Moreover, try to pick foods that are low in calories but full of flavor.
Healthy Snacks
Try giving them potato chips, steak, chicken and cheese as these are rich in protein. It’s also a good idea to give your pet fruits and vegetables that they may not normally eat because they contain vital nutrients that can help your dog lose weight.
Veterinarians Consultation
The most important thing is to get your dog checked by a veterinarian. The vet will be able to give you the right advice on how you can help your dog lose weight or stay fit and healthy. Owners who are unable to get their overweight dogs back on track with the veterinarian’s instructions should think about hiring a professional dog trainer. These are experts who can tell you ways of getting your dog to slim down. Some antibiotics for pets might be used
Many people think that it may be impossible for their overweight dog to lose weight. However, this is not the case. If you have a pet that needs to lose weight, try some of the methods listed above and work with your veterinarian for better results!
What not to do when your dog is trying to lose weight?
Have you ever been on a diet or even just watched a diet show on television? You see people all the time who are trying to lose weight, and they are really good about it. They eat healthy meats like chicken and fish in place of the greasy fried stuff they usually eat. They drink plenty of water since that will help them feel full without including extra calories. And they eat small portions so that they don’t feel overstuffed after a meal. Even though you may not intend for your dog to lose weight, the same principles apply to him as well. So if your dog is on a diet, then you will want to follow the same rules that you would for yourself.
Do not give your dog any kind of snack or treat in order to keep him happy, especially if it contains lots of calories. When your dog is eating a low calorie diet, he needs all the help he can get in feeling content so that he doesn’t complain about being hungry all the time.
Exercising can be a good thing for a dog to do but you don’t want to take him on long walks unless he is already in decent shape. Otherwise, his joints and muscles could suffer due to the extra weight and over-exertion. You want to teach him to get his exercise by playing in a safe, fenced-in area. This will keep your dog safe and not encourage him to run off quickly and get into trouble.
Don’t let your dog drink out of the toilet or eat things like garbage or slop from the floor. You don’t want him to develop any bad food habits that would be hard for you to reverse later on. Your dog will also be more likely to make a mess inside and outside so keep that in mind as well.
Praise him when he does something good, but do not give him extra treats in order to reward his behavior. If your dog is not used to getting extra treats, then he may start to think that this is what he gets when he does good.
Finally, don’t use harsh physical punishment on your dog when you feel that he needs training. If you want to get rid of him permanently because frankly, you can’t stand being around him then that would not only be cruel but also futile. It will only give the animal a warped idea of discipline and it could also put a serious dent in your relationship with him in the long run.
If you feel that your dog is starting to show signs of obesity then you will want to change some of the things he is allowed to do. At first, just encourage him to be more active by playing with him or taking him for long walks. If that doesn’t work, then you can always talk to your vet about prescribing a diet pill that will help with the weight loss process. The important thing is just not letting your dog get so obese that his overall health suffers in the process. It can be a serious issue that needs addressing so try to talk to your vet sooner than later.
