An important aspect of being a responsible dog owner is ensuring your dog maintains a healthy weight. You may think your dog is adorable just the way he/she is, but overweight dogs have a higher risk for health problems.
Proper Diet
Dogs gain weight the same way humans do: by eating too much and exercising too little. For a dog owner trying to manage or reduce their dog’s weight, food is most important, by far.
One simple solution to jump-start your dog’s weight loss is to feed your dog their normal food in the morning but replacing their second meal with mostly green beans (low sodium), a bit of kibble, and a doggie multi-vitamin in the evening. Switching your dog’s treats to healthier options will help them lose weight too. Replace high-fat, high-calorie treats with veggies that are safe for dogs to eat, like raw carrots and broccoli, or keep low-calorie dog treats on hand.
Increase Exercise, Safely
Food is key, but no weight loss plan, or health maintenance plan, is complete without exercise. The most obvious, and important, activity for your dog is walking. Most dogs love to go for a walk, run, or swim. So get outside and enjoy some outdoor activities with them! For an obese dog, it’s best to start out slow and increase exercise over time once they starts losing weight. However, be sure you aren’t overexerting them.
Weight loss is tough for everyone. However, losing weight and getting in shape cannot only add years to your dog’s life but it can make those extra years more enjoyable.