Tips To Help Your Dog Lose Weight
Itโs no surprise that dog owners tend to spoil their favorite furry friends. Dog parents can easily get into some bad habits like giving out too many high-fat treats that end up causing them to gain weight. Just like humans, carrying too much weight can have real health consequences for your dog.
If you start to notice that your dog is getting a little thick around the middle, itโs a good idea to make a visit to your vet. Talk to your vet about lose weight solutions, any possible underlying health conditions, and try a weight loss dog food.
Dog parents want to do everything they can to keep their best friends happy and healthy and bring joy to their family for as many years as possible. Letโs look at a few healthy ways to help your dog lose weight and start living its best life.
Low-Fat Treats
Rewarding your dog for good behavior with treats is helpful during training, but it could lead to weight gain. Many dog treats are filled with harmful fats, additives, and sugar that are bad for your dog. Pay attention to the ingredients on the package of your favorite dog treats to ensure that you are treating them with a healthy snack. Try limiting your treats to a few times a day as a reward to help you cut back. This can help your dog to lose weight.
Reduced Calorie Food
Many dog foods are full of fillers that hold little nutritional value for your dog and can cause weight gain. Low-quality dog foods can be difficult for your dog to digest, leaving them feeling lethargic or nauseous which can interfere with their energy levels. To help ensure that your dog is getting the best nutrition without the extra fat and fillers, you can switch over to a reduced-calorie food.
Increase Exercise
Dogs that arenโt getting enough opportunities to burn off their calories and energy can end up becoming overweight. If you notice that your dog is getting thicker, it may be an indication that they need more activity. You can extend their outside time in the yard, add an extra walk to your regular schedule, and initiate more indoor play with innovative toys like automatic ball throwers that will get your pooch up and moving. Exercise helps your dog lose weight.
Visit Your Vet
If your dog has gained some weight, itโs a good idea to make a trip to your vet. Not all weight gain is caused by diet. There are several serious health conditions including cardiovascular problems and diabetes that could be responsible for your dogโs weight gain. Itโs a good idea to let your vet take a look at your dog to determine if there are any underlying health issues.
Water Fountain
Dogs tend to overeat when they are thirsty. Dehydration in dogs can be responsible for some weight gain. Make sure that your dog always has a fresh bowl of water to drink from all day. A fun option is to invest in a dog fountain. This constant stream of fresh water will encourage your dog to drink more during the day.
As a dog owner, you want to give your dog the best life possible. Maintaining a healthy weight is part of keeping your dog in good shape and happy. Follow these tips to help your dog lose weight and get back to an active life that you can share for years to come.
