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Have you ever wondered why some dogs seem a bit heavier than they should be? Dogs, like humans, can face weight issues, and it's crucial to ensure that they are in their best shape. In today's world of treats and limited exercise, more and more pet parents find themselves asking, 'Why is my dog fat?'. Dealing with dogs and weight loss can be tricky to work along if you don’t know how to go about on this journey of weight loss in dogs. Yet, how should you know if your dog is gaining weight and how to make your dog lose weight?
These days, dogs are grappling with weight issues. And as a dog parent, you must take a closer look at your pet’s body condition. Be curious about questions like, can you feel your dog's ribs easily? Is there a visible waistline? These observations play an essential role in assessing whether your canine companion needs assistance in the weight department. If you find your dog needing help with weight loss, then you must act promptly. Let's explore canine weight management and how to help dog lose weight.
Maintaining a healthy weight for your dog is not just about the appearance; it's about their overall well-being. Dogs with excess weight face health risks, including diabetes and heart diseases. Understanding why your dog is gaining weight would be the first step towards ensuring a longer and healthier life for your furry friend. Overweight and obese dogs often have shorter life spans, emphasizing the need to act promptly. This is why it is essential for you to start considering weight loss by providing your pooch with a healthy and hearty lifestyle.
Struggling with dogs and weight loss can be stressful for pet parents. However, fret not. Here is what you need to do to start your dog’s journey towards weight loss:
A balanced diet contains all essential nutrients required for your pooch’s healthy growth. Consulting your vet for a tailored meal plan is suggested when planning your dog’s weight loss journey. It is also important to choose high-quality, low-calorie dog food to maintain a balanced diet. Portion control should be practiced to avoid overfeeding and excessive calorie intake.
One of the key elements to dogs losing weight is regular and consistent exercise. Develop a regular exercise routine tailored to your dog's breed and age. Take your floof for brisk walks, play a game of fetch, or simply plunge into the pool for swimming to keep them active. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of exercise for gradual weight loss. It is also recommended to combine regular exercising with healthier food for best results.
Your pooch’s weight problem can also be linked to numerous medical conditions. It is best to schedule regular vet visits to rule out underlying health issues causing weight gain. Conditions like thyroid problems may contribute to weight gain in dogs. Discuss appropriate medications or supplements with your vet for well-guided canine weight loss.
Consistently monitor your dog's progress and adjust the plan as needed. Gradual weight loss is ideal to prevent health complications. If you notice your fur baby losing or gaining too much weight within a short period, then you should get them checked by a vet. Stick to the plan even after your dog achieves their target weight for overall well-being.
While it's essential to encourage weight loss, it's equally crucial to ensure your dog doesn't lose weight too quickly or in an unhealthy manner.
While shedding that extra weight is essential, you need to make sure your fur baby’s weight loss journey is healthy and effective for a longer period. Given below are a few things you should be mindful of to avoid abnormal weight loss in dogs:
Helping your dog achieve and maintain a healthy weight is essential for their overall well-being. By following the aforementioned steps, consulting your vet, and observing your furry friend closely, you can contribute to a happier life together. Create a healthy weight loss plan, so your dog leads a happy life.
Regular exercising, healthy eating, and treating any underlying illness can lead to adequate weight loss in dogs.
Dog’s ideal weight is determined by its breed, age, and size. If you feel your dog is turning lethargic, low in energy, and overeating then it might be overweight.
Overeating or odd eating habits, lesser energy, little to no exercise, and poor frequent illness are some of the many signs of an unhealthy dog.
Obesity in dogs is a more common problem than you might think. Between 25% and 40% of dogs are overweight, but often, owners don’t realize it until they take their dog to the veterinarian for another reason. Yet even vets can’t tell if a dog is obese by their weight alone. Ideal weight varies by breed, and quite widely within breeds.(Did you know, for instance, that Labrador retrievers, dachshunds and beagles areall prone to obesity?) In short, there’s no ideal healthy weight chart for all dogs!
The good news is that if your dog is overweight, there are a number of ways to help them reach a healthy weight. Don’t underestimate the power of daily walks and a weight management dog diet — IAMS™ Adult Healthy Weight can help return your dog to a healthy weight, providing a path to help keep them fit for life.
Can you feel individual ribs easily? Is your dog’s abdomen slightly tucked up whenviewed from the side? That’s a sign your dog is at their ideal weight.
If you can't feel the ribs easily, your dog has no waist and their abdomen drags,your pup is carrying extra weight. Your veterinarian can help you further evaluateyour dog’s condition and determine their ideal weight.
Dogs gain weight for the same reason people do: They eat more calories than theyuse. Today’s dogs share another problem with their human parents: lack of activity.Many pet parents work all day and are too tired to play with their dog afterward.
Dogs’ metabolisms might slow as they age or after they’re spayed or neutered,which means they require less food. Another common reason for weight gain isfrequently eating high-calorie treats. Sometimes more than one family member isfeeding the dog, and the dog sure isn’t telling!
Other factors that could contribute to canine obesity include:
If you suspect that your dog is overweight or obese, the !rst step is to set up anappointment with your veterinarian so they can evaluate their condition. Likewise,before beginning any weight loss program with your dog, make sure to discuss itwith your vet.
If your dog is overweight, it’s time to implement a weight-management regimen. Ifyou usually feed one large meal a day or keep food available at all times, try adifferent dog-feeding schedule by dividing the daily ration into several small meals— at least two meals a day. It takes energy to digest food, and dividing your dog’sdaily ration into separate feedings will help. If your dog leaves any food in theirbowl, pick it up 30 minutes after each meal.
Your goal is to help your dog be healthier, so select their food carefully. Payattention to the ratio of fat, !ber, protein, carbohydrates and special ingredients inyour dog’s weight-management food:
After your dog reaches their ideal weight, select a maintenance food to keep theirweight steady.
Losing weight isn’t easy. Changing habits is the key. Here are some ways you can
help keep your dog on track:
A total weight-management program can lead to successful weight loss inoverweight or obese dogs. Remember: Your support is essential to your dog’sweight-control success.
