Dogs are a part of the family for many people and just like with humans, caring for your furry friend can be challenging. Being overweight is a major problem for dogs, just like it is in humans. Studies show that more than a quarter of dog owners are severely concerned about their pets’ weight, with 42% reporting that their dog is either very overweight or morbidly obese. It’s no wonder why; after all, it takes a lot of energy to maintain a big round belly!
There are numerous ways your dog can lose weight. You could increase the amount of food they eat or reduce the amount of food they eat. You could also perform energy-boosting exercises with them or take them on walks so that they can shed off those extra pounds. Ultimately, the only way to know for sure if your dog is overweight is by weighing them on a regular basis and making sure they stay within a healthy weight range.
Watch What Your Dog Is EATING
Just like humans, dogs are creatures of habit and will tend to eat the same things time and time again. This is why it’s important to track what your dog is actually consuming and not just what you think they should be eating based on the breed of dog you have or the shape that you think they should be. Knowing what foods your dog enjoys and which foods make them feel sick or bloated is key to understanding their dietary requirements and helping them lose weight. For instance, if you notice your dog is having a lot of trouble moving around or even just lying down comfortably due to their weight, it might be time to make some dietary changes.
Start by taking a look at their regular meals. A heavy metal toxicologist takes a look at the contents of your dog’s feces on a regular basis to determine what types of food items your pet is consuming. If you notice your dog is having a lot of problems with their bowels and the constant need to go to the bathroom is a concern, reducing the amount of fruits, vegetables and grains they eat could help prevent constipation and promote regular bowel movements.
Find A Surrogate To Measure Your Dog’s Weight
One of the most accurate and reliable ways of measuring your dog’s weight is with a medical scanner. These scanners are designed to measure the weight of animals and can be a great tool for establishing a healthy weight range for your dog. Just remember to have a surrogate measure their weight every few months so that you can monitor the progress of your pet and know when and if they need to gain or lose any additional weight.
Try A Combination Of These
While it’s great to see the progress your dog makes with just one method of losing weight, it’s also important to note that all dogs are not created equal. Some dogs are prone to losing weight rapidly while others may require more patient care and a different approach. To make sure your dog is getting the best results from their weight loss efforts, it might be smart to try a combination of these techniques. You could start by increasing the amount of food they eat and then take them on walks to boost their energy levels. If that doesn’t work and you still notice your dog is struggling with obesity, you could try performing energy-boosting exercises with them or giving them supplements that promote weight loss.
If They Aren’t Active, They’ll Never Lose Weight
Just because your dog is getting old doesn’t mean they have to stop losing weight. If they aren’t active, they’ll never lose weight, so make sure they get at least one hour per day of physical activity. If you notice your dog isn’t active and is consistently gaining weight, it might be time for you to have a serious talk with them about becoming more active. You don’t want to lose track of how much weight your dog is actually losing because they aren’t getting enough activity.
Look Into Different Diets
Just because your dog is getting old doesn’t mean they have to stop evolving and changing as pets do. If you notice that your dog is losing weight rapidly and is becoming sluggish, it might be time to switch up their diet. There are plenty of foods out there that are high in fiber that your dog will enjoy and which will assist in their weight loss. Alternatively, if you want to lose weight quickly, you could try a vegan diet high in fruits and vegetables, with some lean protein thrown in for good measure. Talk to your vet about what types of diet your dog might benefit from.
Monitor Their Belly Fur
Just like in humans, the area around the belly button in dogs is where all the fats are. This is why it’s important to keep an eye on the area around their belly button. You can do this using a body scanner that measures fat content. Just make sure you get one that is reliable and can give you an accurate reading every time. Being overweight is such a major issue in dogs because of the health problems it can cause, so it’s worth the time and effort to keep a close eye on your dog’s belly fur.
Ultimately, the only way to know for sure if your dog is overweight is by weighing them on a regular basis and making sure they stay within a healthy weight range. If you notice your dog is struggling with obesity and you want to do everything you can to help them regain their healthy weight, start by taking a look at what they are eating and making sure they get the necessary nutrients. You could also try a combination of these methods or go the extra mile and explore different diets so that you can find the one that works best for your dog.