It is not uncommon for modern dogs to become overweight, especially if they live in apartments or have owners who unintentionally feed them too much. If your dog is overweight, it’s important to help them lose weight in order to reduce the negative health effects associated with being overweight; this can include problems with arthritis and joint pain, heart problems, and even kidney and liver problems. The following guide will help you learn how to help your dog lose weight the right way.
Take your dog to see their vet
If you believe your dog is overweight, you should take them to see their vet first. Your vet will be able to weigh your dog, check their blood pressure and other medical factors to determine your dog’s overall health. Depending on your dog’s age, weight and other health conditions, your vet may recommend a certain course of action for helping them lose weight. It’s important to follow a vet’s instructions to help your dog lose weight in a safe manner.
Give your dog controlled portions
One of the easiest ways that dogs become overweight is endless, uncontrolled feeding. If you want your dog to lose weight, start giving them controlled, measured portions according to your vet’s guidelines. This will help your dog get enough food every day without veering into the “overeating” territory.
Track your dog’s diet
It’s important to track what your dog eats—including when they eat, how much they eat, and what they eat—if you want them to lose weight. Just as tracking a diet as a human can help you understand what changes you need to make, tracking your dog’s weight loss will help you see what works, what doesn’t, and just how much progress you are making along the way.
Play with your dog more often
Dogs that are overweight need to have more exercise, and one of the best ways to incorporate more physical activity into their day is to play with them more often. Even the addition of one more play session per day can help your dog on the path towards weight loss. Remember not to overdo it, however: it can be tempting to think that you need to give your dog a “hard workout” to lose weight, but dogs cannot tell you when too much is too much, so make sure you don’t try to over-exert them. The weight will come off gradually with added exercise.
Take your dog on a slightly longer walk
Just as adding another play session will help dogs lose weight, taking them on a slightly longer walk during the day can help them burn more calories. Again, don’t try to make them run the dog equivalent of a marathon—just take them around a second block or add 5-10 minutes to their walk to give them a bit more physical exercise.
Helping your dog to lose weight is essential if you want them to get healthy. Make sure you keep the above tips in mind when your dog has to lose weight.
