Being overweight is a common problem among dogs. Just like humans, dogs can become obese if they eat the wrong food or don’t move around enough. But whereas most people consider being overweight to be a serious problem, dogs’ lives actually depend on their body-mass index (BMI). That’s because dogs with a high BMI are more likely to live longer than those with a lower one. Now that you know what BMI is and how it affects your dog’s health, let’s find out how long it takes for them to lose weight!
The Importance of Vet Checkups
It’s always a good idea to get your dog’s blood tested by a vet at least once a year. This way, you’ll be able to tell how healthy they are overall and if any diseases might be lurking inside their body. Most importantly, when your pet’s blood is tested, the vet will be able to tell you about any necessary dietary changes or weight-loss treatments. After all, knowing the cause of your dog’s poor health may help you find a suitable treatment option.
What Type of Food Is Best for Larger Dogs?
If you have an overweight dog, it’s probably a good idea to switch their diet to something more suitable. Just like humans, some dogs are better suited for certain foods than others. For instance, beagles are known for their sensitivity to carbohydrates and fats, while German Shepherds are extremely sensitive to proteins. What this means for you is that if you want your dog to lose weight, it might be a good idea to switch them to a diet containing more vegetables, fruits, and nuts than usual.
How Long Does it Take for Dogs to Lose Weight?
It takes a lot of patience to lose weight in a gradual manner, so don’t expect to see immediate results when you change your dog’s diet. Instead, it usually takes about two to three months for dogs to start noticing a difference. During this time, you’ll need to continue feeding them the correct foods and gradually increasing the amount that you give them.
Once your dog starts losing weight, it will continue to do so until they reach their ideal weight. Remember that this is a slow and gradual process, so be sure to continue feeding your dog the proper food until this point. Going back to the beginning isn’t recommended because the sooner you start losing weight, the easier it will be to keep it off, so don’t be afraid to try this approach. You’ll be able to tell when your dog has reached their ideal weight by comparing them to a previous measurement taken when they were at a heavier stage.
What If My Dog Thinks That Food Is Fun?
Your dog might try to eat everything in sight if you give them the opportunity, so be careful not to overfeed them. If they start getting fat, then it’s a good idea to cut back the amount of food that you give them. Remember that the more food that you put in them, the more they’ll want, so make sure that they don’t get access to more than they can handle in one sitting. This will prevent any overeating and hopefully help them stay thinner.
What About Exercise?
Just like with humans, it’s important to make sure that your dog gets enough exercise. Dogs that are inactive for too long become sluggish and susceptible to illnesses, so make sure that your dog gets at least half an hour of physical activity every day. This doesn’t have to be strenuous, just enough to maintain a healthy heartbeat.
Dogs that are overweight have many health problems associated with it, so be sure to get them checked by a vet at least once a year. Also, make sure to monitor what food categories they are consuming and switch them to a diet plan if necessary. Most importantly, make sure to exercise their bodies daily and try not to overfeed them.