Obesity doesn’t only affect people, but their pets as well. According to the Association For Pet Obesity Prevention, 44% of dogs and 57% of cats are overweight or obese.
Obesity in pets often causes the same health concerns as it does for their pet parents. Dogs that are overweight can suffer from diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and breathing problems.
The good news is that pet parents can change these unhealthy outcomes by helping Fido shed those extra pounds by doing the following:
Consult Your Veterinarian
If your dog is overweight the first person you should consult is your veterinarian. Added pounds may not simply be a weight issue but could be a sign of an underlying medical condition like Hypothyroidism, a disease resulting in a decrease in thyroid hormone which slows down your dog’s metabolism. Having a thorough physical exam and blood analysis performed by your veterinarian can help to determine if there is a true weight issue or something medically going on with Fido.
Your veterinarian can also counsel you on how to maintain a successful weight loss program, for your dog in particular, as well as educate you about the risks of obesity.
Choose the Right Food
When a true weight problem exists it is important to understand the role food plays in your dog’s weight issue. Feeding too much food results in the intake of increased calories that may not be effectively burnt off by your dog if he is not sufficiently active.
It is important to consider your dog’s life stage (i.e. puppy, adult, senior etc) when choosing the appropriate food for them. High quality dog foods are prepared to include the most appropriate calories, nutrients and minerals for that life stage in hopes that the diet will maintain an ideal weight for your dog as well as provide a balanced diet.
If your dog is still over weight, when on an appropriate diet for his life stage, you may want to consider adjusting his daily allowance to help decrease his caloric intake or switch to a weight loss diet. Consulting your veterinarian will help you choose what the best option is for your dog.
Increase Exercise
Increasing your dog’s daily exercise will also help him shed some pounds. Exercise burns calories and turning your couch potato pooch into your walking buddy is a great idea. Not only will you both be working towards a healthier lifestyle, you will also contribute positively to the bond you share with your dog. When you initiate exercise you should begin slowly, to prevent strain type injuries, and build up as you go along.
Make Wise Treat Choices
Many people use treats to engage their dogs in training sessions or to show affection. But treats can seriously add to Fido’s waistband. When choosing to give your dog treats you should build them into your dog’s daily calorie requirements. With a variety of low calorie treats available today owners can still reward their dog with treats while trying to decrease their dog’s weight. Table scraps should be avoided as they can contribute to weight gain and are unnecessary calories.
