Have you ever wanted to lose weight? Whether it’s for a special event or just because you feel bad about how you look, it’s not easy to reach your goal weight. Many people try to do it alone, through dieting and exercise. But what if I told you there was a better way? What if I told you that you could lose weight with a dog by following a simple routine?
Dogs are a man’s best friend. It doesn’t matter if you have a large or small dog – they will always want to be by your side. And what’s more, owning a dog has many health benefits. So, instead of losing weight alone, you could be making a healthy addition to your family by following a routine with your dog. Here are some ways to put the “fun” in functional fitness and how to lose weight with a dog.
Exercise Regularly
Whether you have a dog or not, everyone needs to exercise regularly. This is especially important if you want to lose weight, as it will help you get rid of excess body fat. Just like you, your dog’s body needs good nutrition to function properly. But it also needs to be active, which means they need to get some form of exercise. Dogs that are not active enough are likely to become overweight. And just like with humans, regular exercise can actually improve their mental health. So it’s not only good for their physical health.
Getting exercise doesn’t require much effort. You could take your dog on a daily walk, jog with them on a treadmill, or play in the backyard with them. Some dogs even love being carried around in their owners’ arms, so they can feel like they’re still connected to their human while getting some fresh air.
Make Sure They Eat Healthy Foods
Just like with humans, what your dog eats affects their appearance. And just like with humans, what they eat affects their overall health. Some dogs suffer from food allergies, which can cause skin redness and weight gain. If you’re aware that one of your dog’s favorite foods is unhealthy, it’s your responsibility to make sure they don’t eat it. Choose healthier treats for them such as fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain biscuits. You should also try to limit their access to highly processed foods such as sausage, hot dogs, and chicken nuggets. The junk food that they eat in large quantities will certainly make them gain weight.
Dogs Are Impaired By The Same Limitations As Humans
Just because your dog is a “man’s best friend” does not mean that they can do everything that humans can. There are many things that dogs cannot do, and it is important to be aware of these limitations. For example, your dog cannot drive a car. They cannot read maps or addresses, and they have a hard time understanding certain words. Dogs are also not equipped to swim or dive due to their size. Just like humans, dogs cannot see in the dark and have trouble with certain sounds, such as rushing water or thunder.
So, if you’re going on a picnic or camping trip with your dog, make sure that all of your gear is appropriate for dogs. This means that the food and water containers should be large enough to fit your entire dog. And since they’re eating and drinking with you, make sure that their dish has sufficient space for the two of you. You should also take this opportunity to clean their teeth regularly, as this will also help reduce their plaque and tartar buildup. This, in turn, could help improve their overall health.
Some dogs may require additional grooming such as trimming their nails or cleaning their ears. While humans typically only need to clean their ears and nails during a bath, some dogs may have issues with this as well. So make sure to brush their teeth often and trim their nails regularly so that they do not become brittle and break off.
Try New Activities
Just because your dog cannot do everything that humans can does not mean that they are limited to just being a pet. If your dog is physically capable, they can still have fun and be useful. There are many activities that you can do with your dog that will allow you to bond and exercise together while improving your physical and mental health. Some examples include:
- Taking them on walks
- Jogging with them on a treadmill
- Taking them to the dog park
- Putting them in the car (with proper belts and seats)
- Riding a bike with them
- Playing frisbee or football with them
- Going for a swim
- Sporting events such as baseball games or soccer matches
- Going on vacation with them
- Camping
- Going to amusement parks
- Treating them to dinner at a nice restaurant
Just like with humans, there are many ways that dogs can be physically active and useful. By taking them on walks, playing with them, and treating them to fun activities, you will certainly be helping them to stay fit and have fun.
Start Slow
When you’re trying to lose weight, it’s important to go slowly. You don’t want to crash diet, because then you’ll end up gaining weight instead of losing it. Instead, you should start by simply cutting out the foods that you know your dog does not like. If you’re giving them treats, take it easy and cut back to once or twice a week. You should also try to increase their activity level gradually by taking them on walks and playing with them in the yard. It’s also a good idea to consult with a professional, especially if you’ve been overweight for a long time. They can help you develop a diet and exercise plan that’s right for you and your dog.