It’s a common problem for dogs around the world: they just don’t want to lose weight. Maybe they’re not getting enough food or maybe there’s a medical issue causing them to crave food. Whatever the case may be, the best thing for your dog is to lose weight and get their healthy weight back.
How does one go about losing weight in a dog? There are certain things you need to do, but then again, there are some things you need to avoid. Following these guidelines can help get you on the right foot with your dog’s weight loss journey and help keep it safe and lasting.
Start Small
The first thing you need to do if you want to lose weight in your dog is to start small. Just a few pounds can make a dramatic difference, and it’ll give you both a sense of accomplishment. If you can get your dog to eat fewer calories, they’ll weigh less and you’ll be able to keep track of the success on your dog’s weight loss journey.
This doesn’t mean you have to limit their food intake or be cruel to your pet. Instead, you can try things like calorie-counting food or using a food processor to make your dog’s food more homemade. Even feeding your dog the low-calorie foods recommended by a veterinarian can help.
Monitor Your Dog’s Health
The next thing you need to do if you want to lose weight in your dog is to make sure their health is stable. If you notice anything odd, like if they’re not eating or drinking, or they seem lethargic, then it could be a sign that they’re not taking care of themselves well. This, in turn, could cause them to gain weight.
Make sure your dog gets all the nutrients they need through food and drink. If you notice that there’s a specific food your dog prefers, like bones or chicken, then it could be that their body is getting the nutrients it needs thanks to that food. Sometimes, a dog’s health can be influenced by different things- for example, what kind of food they eat and whether or not they drink enough water. So, by taking care of these two vital aspects of their health, along with any medical issues you find, you can be sure your dog will lose weight safely and successfully.
Dogs Are Made Of Sturdier Stuff
The next thing you need to do if you want to lose weight in your dog is to remember that dogs are made of sturdier stuff. While people tend to think that small animals like mice and rats are the best for weight loss, this is not necessarily the case. Even if your dog is a small breed, like a Chihuahua or French Bulldog, they still have more in common with a large dog than with a rodent.
Dogs are better equipped to handle extreme temperatures and changes in their environment. If you live somewhere hot, like in the south or near the equator, you may want to consider keeping your dog on a cool surface during the day and letting them sleep in a shady area at night. If you notice that your dog is struggling with a fever, then it could be that they’re not taking proper care of themselves and are thus allowing the virus or bacteria that causes the fever to rage unchecked.
Make Sure Your Dog Is Activity-Dependent
If you want to lose weight in your dog and are unable to walk them every day then you need to make sure that they’re activity-dependent. Just because they’re getting a bit old doesn’t mean that they can’t still enjoy themselves and be active. Make sure your dog gets enough sunlight and fresh air every day, and make sure that they get mental and physical stimulation as well. This will help prevent them from becoming lethargic or overweight due to inactivity.
Exercise Regularly
The last thing you need to do if you want to lose weight in your dog is to exercise regularly. This will help promote muscle growth and maintain a healthy weight. If you notice that your dog is starting to lose muscle tone, then it could be the result of not exercising regularly enough or not giving them enough food during the week. Try holding a short walk or jog once a day, even if it’s just around the block. It’ll help improve their quality of life and allow them to remain active longer.
Make sure to reward yourself and your dog with treats and positive reinforcement for reaching their weight loss goals. You both should be happy with how your efforts are paying off, and it’ll help keep the motivation high for continuing the weight loss journey. Remember the small steps, and the weight will come off as quickly as the puppies grow up!