Losing weight is difficult for anyone, two- or four-legged! However, slimming down and staying in shape will not only lengthen the dog's life but also improve the quality of those extra years. It can be simpler than you think to help your adorable dog lose a few pounds. It only needs your dedication to getting fit and losing weight, your attention to detail, and the support of your veterinarian healthcare team.
Does a dog have to eat a certain amount of calories to lose weight?
The amount of weight your dog needs to lose will depend on her age, size, and initial weight. But generally speaking, it's a good idea to reduce your dog's daily caloric intake by 15% to 20%. Aim for gradual weight loss; lowering your dog's calories by more than 20% could be harmful to your dog's health.
Being truthful about how much food your dog consumes daily is a crucial step. Every cookie counts, so read the labels of the dog's treats and food.
What problems do overweight dogs have?
Dogs with excessive body fat face serious health risks in addition to aesthetic issues. In actuality, obesity is probably the biggest health risk for dogs. As we now understand, obesity is a hormonal and inflammatory disease that can lead to a variety of illnesses in dogs, such as osteoarthritis, cancer, renal disease, urinary tract issues, a thyroid that is inactive, high blood pressure, diabetes, and liver disease.
The good news is that with the right diet, exercise, or weight management, you can significantly lower your dog's risk of contracting the majority of these illnesses and help them live longer, healthier lives with less suffering.
The Best Methods for Helping Dogs Lose Weight Healthily
You agree that your dog should lose weight. But how can you accomplish it without making your dog feel deprived? Here are some suggestions for simplifying the dog's weight loss process.
1 - Limit your dog's intake.
Dogs can safely consume vegetables like raw carrots and broccoli in place of high-fat, high-calorie treats. You can also always have low-calorie dog treats readily available. This will ensure that every treat your dog receives is filled with nutrition rather than just empty calories.
2 - Add vegetables to the kibble.
Does your dog still appear to be hungry after a meal? Add high-fiber vegetables to the kibble when the dog seems to realize there is less of it in the bowl to make him feel satisfied without consuming more calories." I always reach for frozen green beans. The somewhat sweet flavor and crunchy texture are popular with dogs.
3 - No sneaky treats are allowed!
Everybody in your home has to support your dog's weight loss by not giving them any extra food. Even tiny sweets might have a lot of calories. Don't let a well-intentioned family member and housemate who believes that food equals love ruin your efforts. Make it known to others that you are taking these steps to ensure the dog's long-term health and happiness.
4 - Monitor development each month.
Consider performing monthly weigh-ins at the veterinarian's office in addition to evaluating your dog's physical condition. Most veterinarians will welcome your canine companion for an informal weight checkup and lots of positive reinforcement.
5 - Walk to Lose Weight
Every day, taking your dog for a vigorous 30-minute walk will increase calorie burn, lessen behavioral issues like begging, raise immunity, and improve heart and immunological health. Rain or shine, make a commitment to 30 minutes each day of low-impact cardio alongside your dog. Both of you will benefit from it! If it's bad outside, you can teach your dog to take walks on a treadmill or play activities like indoor fetch.
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