Swimming is also an excellent activity for obese dogs since it places less stress on joints. In general, leash walking for 20-60 minutes a day, five days a week would be a great way to start. Rest if you notice signs of fatigue, like heavy panting. Start slow and work up to higher activity levels. It is important to choose activities appropriate for your dog and does not overdo it. Also, make sure no one in the house is cheating by giving extra food or treats.Ī very important key to weight loss is exercise. If your dog is not losing weight, the daily calories may need to be restricted further. Using the recommended guidelines, overweight or obese dogs should lose about 1% to 2% of their body weight each week. (Most veterinary offices will be more than happy to have you come in and use their scale.) Weigh your dog at least every 1 to 2 weeks. Weigh your dog weekly on the same scale at the same time of day. Keep a written log of food intake (including all treats), exercise, and weekly weight. Scraps are also not nutritional for your pets and can cause digestive problems and other ailments. You can feed your dog carrots or green peas as a healthy low-calorie snack. Research treats to find the healthiest option for your pet. Treats are nothing but extra calories and can really harm your pets strict diet. If there are multiple pets in the household, try to feed pets separately and do not leave food out, as you won’t have control over who eats it. If more than one person feeds the pets, ensure everybody knows the correct amount and have a simple schedule to avoid overfeeding. Separate the daily amount into small, frequent meals. Use measuring cups instead of a food scoop or drinking cup. Having a strict feeding schedule is important. Be sure to gradually transition to the new diet to prevent digestion issues. Veterinarians do have access to prescription diets that specialize in overweight management. A safe weight loss program is 3-5% body weight loss per month. Your veterinarian will also assist you on what your pet’s ideal weight is based on breed, age, and size. Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s Disease). Some common disorders associated with excess weight include: Your veterinarian will perform diagnostics to rule out any medical issues that may be disrupting your weight loss program. Too many pets start on a diet and fail to lose weight simply because the diet was not the problem. Always have your vet rule out some common diseases and disorders. There are multiple factors that could explain the weight gain. Maintaining a good weight for your pet can be done but requires a commitment to a great weight loss program.īefore starting a weight program for your pet you should always consult with your veterinarian. However, just like in humans, being overweight can take years from your longevity and can cause serious medical conditions. Weight loss is a difficult thing for anyone, human or pet.
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