You love your pet, you really do, but there comes a time when you have to admit that your adorable little friend isn’t fitting into the family anymore. Maybe she’s had too many kittens and isn’t getting enough sleep. Perhaps she’s just too active and starts damaging household items. No matter what the reason is, you know that your dog needs to lose weight. You may not be comfortable with the idea, though, or maybe you’re not even sure where to start. That’s why we’ve decided to write this article, so that you can learn more about how you can help your dog lose weight, and what you can do to make it happen. Let’s get started.
The Truth About Your Dog’s Weight
You may think that your dog is just the right weight, but that’s probably because you haven’t taken into account how veterinary science defines ‘normal weight’ for canines. According to the American Veterinary Society for Toxicologic Pathology (AVSTP), ‘normal weight’ for dogs is between 15 and 25 pounds (7 and 13 kg). Just below this range, your dog may have health issues, and above it, he may be prone to complications from obesity. So, how much does your dog actually weigh? You can find this out by taking him to the veterinarian for a physical examination. As a general rule, it is best to weigh your pet every two years, so as to ensure that his weight remains within the normal range.
Try A Few Different Weight Loss Methods
You’ve probably already tried one or two of the fad diets out there, and hopefully, this has led you to realize that simply losing weight without a strategy isn’t going to work for your dog. If you want to get your canine companion healthier, you need to put in the effort to find a way to lose the weight effectively and safely. The simplest way to do this is by combining different methods of weight loss. For instance, if you’re struggling with insulin resistance (IR), your dog may experience hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when he eats too much sugar. The solution may be to try a low-carbohydrate diet designed to improve blood sugar levels. At the same time, limiting the amount of sugar in his food will help reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic inflammatory condition. This, in turn, may mean that he has a health issue that needs to be treated with medication. In addition to the benefits of the diet itself, this also means that you’re helping him to lose weight and improve his quality of life.
Lose Weight In Baby Steps
If you’re worried that your dog is gaining too much weight, one of the best things you can do for him is take it slowly. Instead of trying to lose a lot of weight all at once, you should try to lose a little bit each week. For example, if you know that he has a weight issue and is currently over 25 pounds (11 kg), then start by reducing his food intake by a couple of cups a day, or a small bowl of food each evening. This is a slow and steady approach that will help him to lose weight without any negative consequences. If his weight starts to drop, then increase his daily food intake by a couple of cups, or a small bowl of food each evening. If you do decide to increase his food intake, just make sure that you monitor his progress closely and don’t put too much food on his plate. In this way, you can help your dog lose weight in a safe and healthy manner.
Monitor His Eating Habits
One of the main reasons that pets become obese is because they are not being fed the right foods. The most common mistake that people make is over-feeding their dogs. If you’re worried about your dog’s weight, then it’s a good idea to keep an eye on his eating habits and try to limit the amount of food that he consumes. You may need to cut down on the fat content in your dog’s diet, especially if he is already eating a healthful diet. If you suspect that there is an issue, then speak to your veterinarian about altering his food so that it has a lower fat and higher fiber content. In this way, you can be sure that your dog is getting the nutrients that he needs and is not gaining weight due to poor dietary choices.
Use Technology To His Advantage
If you’re a human being, then you’re probably already using technology to your advantage. You have a phone app that tracks the calories you consume. You use GPS on your car to find the cheapest gas stations and restaurants. So, why not use technology to help with your dog’s weight loss? The world of veterinary technology is evolving, and some clinics now offer remote patient monitoring and veterinary homecare. If your dog has health issues that require regular checks, then you may find that keeping track of his health with technology is the most convenient option. Just make sure that you choose a vet clinic that provides the proper support for monitoring and managing your dog’s health remotely.
Get Inspired
If you’re worried that your dog has a weight problem, then why not try and find out what is the root of the issue? Maybe he is bored, frustrated, or lonely. If you want to help him lose weight and feel better, then you can start by simply being there for him. This may mean spending more time with him and becoming more active yourself. If this sounds like it would be helpful to your dog, then it may be a good idea to try and find a cause for his excessive weight. Once you know what the root of the problem is, then you can start looking for a solution. Maybe there is a diet or exercise regime that can help. Or, maybe there is a medication that can treat his condition. Once you know what the issue is, then you can find a way to make it better. Don’t be afraid to get creative, and if you can’t think of a solution, then don’t be afraid to ask for help. With proper nutrition and veterinary care, there is no reason that your dog should be getting sick just to be heavy. So, if you want a healthy and happy life for your pet, then try and find a solution to his weight problem. If he is already a year old and still hasn’t started to lose weight, then it may be a good idea to have him examined by a veterinarian. This will help determine the root of the problem so that you can find a way to deal with it. Remember, if you’re finding it difficult to motivate yourself towards weight loss, then it may be a good idea to consult with a professional to find the root of the problem. They may be able to help you find the correct weight for your dog, and even help you come up with a strategy for losing weight safely and effectively.