Dogs are a part of the family for many people and just like with humans, regular exercise and diet can help to shed off excess weight. Just like with humans, being overweight can put your dog at risk of many health problems. Let’s look at some ways to help your dog lose weight – and you can decide for yourself whether these methods are worth a try.
1. Take Your Dog On Walks
Getting your dog to take walks with you is a great way to introduce them to fresh air and exercise, while also being able to monitor how much weight they’re losing. You can play around with the terrain to make the walks more interesting for your dog. If you don’t have enough space for a long walk, perhaps take them to a nearby park or wooded area instead.
2. Use The Leash During Walks
It’s important to note that while exercising is great for your dog, excessive playfulness during walks can cause them to lose weight too quickly. Keep them under control and use the leash to ensure they don’t run away during walks – even if the walk is leisurely.
3. Mix Up Their Diet
Just like with humans, dogs can succumb to easy temptation and develop eating habits that are bad for their health. Giving your dog snacks that are high in fat and calories will cause them to gain weight quickly. Make sure that all of their meals consist of high-quality, nutritious food.
4. Keep An Eye On Their Weight
An easy way to monitor how your dog is doing is to weigh them regularly. The amount of weight they lose every week will give you an indication of how effective their diet and exercise regimen are. You can also use this as a benchmark to determine whether or not they’re fit enough for any additional exercise.
5. Don’t Overfeed Your Dog
Most dogs, whether or not they’re overweight, love to eat. Some people who own dogs make the mistake of giving them all of the food that they request. This often results in obesity, especially if the food is high in fat and sugar. Overfeeding also makes your dog prone to health problems.
6. Socialize Them
Dogs that are not properly socialized are more likely to be obese. Simply put, overexcited dogs who are not used to being around other animals are more likely to run around and eat too much. Dogs are a part of the family for many people, so spending time with them and teaching them to be less aggressive will help to make them healthier.
7. Encourage Them To Be Active
Just like with humans, regular exercise and a active lifestyle can help to improve a dog’s health. The American Kennel Club suggests that dogs should get at least two hours of exercise a day, five days a week to stay healthy. If your dog is not active enough, they will gain weight and become prone to health problems.
There are many ways that you can encourage your dog to be more active, and it’s worth finding out what works best for your dog. Some dogs love being active, while others prefer staying indoors all day. Find out what makes them happiest and make sure that you can provide for their needs. You can also try mixing up their diet with some healthy treats or supplements to boost their activity levels.
Whatever your reasons are for wanting to help your dog lose weight, remember to be mindful of what influences their behavior the most. Some dogs are more likely to overcome their weight issues and become healthy and active pets if their behavior is not influenced by food, while others will always gravitate towards junk food if they’re not properly socialized.
We all want our dogs to be healthy, happy and wiggly, but it’s up to us to ensure that their size and shape are not detrimental to their health. As their owner, it’s our responsibility to look out for their best interests and make sure that they stay at a healthy weight.