Hold The Extra Treats: What To Do If Your Dog Is Obese
Posted on: 9 January 2016
Uh oh. You just left an appointment at your local animal hospital and your vet said the dreaded words: "Your dog is obese." Your dog is definitely not alone: an estimated 54% of dogs and cats in the United States are overweight or obese. Dog obesity can lead to a host of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, joint pain, and a shortened life span. In order to keep your beloved dog healthy for as many years as possible, here are three ways to tackle dog obesity and help your dog lose weight:
Put Them on a Diet
Overfeeding your dog is one of the main culprits behind dog obesity. You should use the serving size chart on the dog food bag as a starting point, but if your dog is already obese you will most likely need to feed them slightly less than the recommended amount. The best way to decide how much to feed your dog is to simply ask your vet their recommendation. Buy a measured scoop rather than guessing how much to feed them. You should also hold off on excessive treats at this time.
Feed Them Better Food
If you upgrade to better quality food that is rich in nutrients and protein rather than fillers, your dog will feel more satisfied while eating smaller portions. In addition, they will have more energy for walks and other forms of exercise. You can check lists of the best quality dog foods, or ask your vet for their recommendation.
Daily Exercise is Mandatory
You should aim to take your dog on a walk every single day. If your schedule doesn't allow for this, consider paying for a dog walking service. To burn extra calories, you might want to purchase a dog backpack that will help them carry extra weight. On days when the weather doesn't allow for walks, you can still help your dog get exercise and burn calories.
A vigorous game of indoor fetch (be sure to put away your breakables first) counts as exercise. You can also bring them to an indoor dog park or to doggy daycare, where they will get exercise running around with the other dogs. Some dog owners even invest in treadmills made specifically for dogs.
Don't panic when you learn that your dog is obese. Instead, be proactive and look at this as an opportunity to take even better care of your dog and spend more quality time with them.
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