Is your furry friend looking a bit too fluffy these days?
If we aren’t careful, our dogs can get overweight just like us. But, while a few extra pounds might not make that much of a difference to your overall health, they can wreak havoc on your canine companion.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to help a dog lose weight.
Talk to Your Vet
Before you start your dog on a weight loss program, you should take a moment to talk to your vet.
Like humans, all dog bodies are unique. So, while you’re pet may look a little too fluffy to you, it could just be a trait of their breed or even their coat. Some dogs have a lot of extra skin that can make them look overweight when they’re just a bit saggy.
While there are plenty of charts that can help you identify the signs of obesity in dogs, the only way to know your dog is overweight for sure is to take them to the vet.
On top of confirming whether or not your doggy needs a diet, your vet can also help direct you to healthier food options and diagnose whether your pup has any movement issues that may require physical therapy.
Rethink Dinner
If you ate nothing but cupcakes and multi-vitamins all day, every day, odds are you’d start to get a little overweight too. A lot of name-brand dog food is doggy cupcakes and multi-vitamins. It will fill them up and provide them with all of the vitamins and minerals they need to live, but it also contains a lot of unnecessary junk that can pack on the pounds, especially if you’re dog lives a sedentary lifestyle.
Fortunately, there are plenty of healthy, weight control foods on the market that will help your dog get back into fighting shape while keeping them full and happy. So, despite what the doggy-bloggers may say, you don’t have to cook for your dog to ensure they’re well-fed.
While the food you chose to give your dog is important, what’s more, important is making sure you’re giving them the right amount.
The exact amount of food you give your dog depends on a lot of things, from their size and weight to their breed, age, and lifestyle. If you’re not sure how much you should be giving your furry friend, you may want to consider consulting a vet or canine dietician.
If you’re interested in learning more about how supplements can help your dog on its weight loss journey, check out this article.
Get Moving!
Just like humans, our four-legged friends need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and lean. And, unlike other aspects of doggy weight loss plans, exercise is one thing your dog will want to do — as long as you’re doing it with them.
Whether it’s long walks, fetch in the park, or even just tug-of-war in the living room, taking the time to play with your pet and get them moving won’t just help you bond with your canine companion — it will help them burn off those extra calories and get back down to a healthy weight.
How to Help a Dog Lose Weight
Now that you know how to help a dog lose weight, it’s time to get to work getting your pup back into shape.
Are you looking for more advice on how to keep your dog happy and healthy? We’ve got you covered. Check out the rest of our blog for more helpful articles today!