How to Help Your Overweight Dog Live a Healthier Lifestyle
While a chubby dog is indeed cute, the extra pounds might not actually be so good for them. When a dog is overweight, they have a higher risk of acquiring diseases and other conditions. The added weight may also potentially reduce their life expectancy.
So, if you suspect your dog is overweight, it’s best not to take it lightly. You can go to your local veterinarian to discuss your dog’s weight loss plan and diet in more detail. But here are some steps you can take to begin.
Know What Weight Is Healthy for Your Dog
Similar to humans, there is a certain weight range that is considered normal for dogs. However, the specific normal weight range for your dog can depend on a few factors. These include your dog’s breed and age.
So, before you begin your dog’s weight loss journey, you first need to determine the ideal weight you need to aim for. This can be done with a consultation with your vet. Your vet can help you determine the accurate weight of your dog while also considering other factors such as body condition and diet. With this information, you can move forward and have a goal weight to aim for.
Customize Their Diet
Diet is not a one-size-fits-all kind of thing, even for dogs. So, you really need to customize your dog’s diet depending on their specific needs, their current weight, and their ideal weight. And that doesn’t mean simply cutting down the amount of food they eat.
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You also need to consider the nutritional aspects. When you simply take away food, your dog may not get enough nutrients. So, it’s best to create a nutrition plan such that their calorie intake is lessened, but their nutritional needs are still met.
It’s also not advisable to make them quit cold turkey. Your dog needs to ease into their new diet rather than an abrupt change. This means taking things slowly to have a smooth transition your dog will be comfortable with.
Keep Them Active
Weight loss isn’t just about diet. A large part of it also includes exercise. So, it’s important to keep your dog active to help them burn off the calories.
But don’t worry. Their exercise regimen doesn’t have to be anything drastic. It could be as simple as taking longer and more frequent walks or letting them play around in a safe environment.
The amount of exercise your dog will need will also depend on their breed. Some breeds tend to be more active than others, so they may require more exercise. It’s best to consult with your vet to figure out how much exercise they will need.
Limit Table Scraps and Treats
As tempting as it is to give your dog table scraps—especially with those big, round puppy dog eyes begging for some—it’s really not advisable for overweight dogs. Table scraps and treats are just some additional things you give your dog on top of their actual diet. So, it’s best to keep them at a minimum if you want your dog to lose weight.
Final Thoughts
Obesity is a problem in dogs, as it can increase their risk of getting sick and may even reduce their life expectancy. So, it’s important to work with your vet to determine the appropriate weight loss plan for your dog. Your dog’s weight loss plan should include a nutritional plan and a good amount of exercise to keep those extra pounds off.
Start your dog on the right diet with the help of Earthwise Pet Supply & Grooming Bentonville. We are a pet store in Bentonville that offers not only the best pet supplies but also has a certified pet dietitian and pet nutrition specialist to help with your dog’s nutritional needs. Shop now!