You could think that your overweight dog has a charming appearance; after all, we all adore our fur babies no matter what breed they are, how big they are, or how old they are. However, few of us realize how dangerous it can be when a dog has a few extra pounds on its frame. Obesity in dogs is quite common in the United States, as seen by the figure that 56% of all canines living in the country are considered to be overweight or obese. The numbers are concerning for a variety of reasons, the primary one being that the negative impacts of obesity on our pets’ health can reduce the quality of life they have.
Excessive body fat in our dogs can lead to a variety of health problems, including diabetes, high cholesterol, joint illnesses such as arthritis, hypertension, breathing problems, and even heart failure. This is similar to the situation in humans. According to studies, a dog that maintains a healthy weight may have an increase in their life expectancy of approximately ten months. Because being overweight can have such negative effects, it is imperative that we monitor our dog’s weight and get rid of any excess fat in order to guarantee that our canine companions have a long, happy, and healthy life. If you are concerned about your dog’s weight, the following are six suggestions that can not only treat the condition but also assist prevent it:
Measure Your Dog’s Food Intake And Calories
Obesity is mostly caused by a mathematical oversight, as all living things have a fundamental requirement to expend the same number of calories each day as they take in. Otherwise, they will continue to put on weight. Our dogs put on additional weight when they consume high-calorie foods that are also high in carbohydrates and fat but do not burn the same amount of energy as they consume. In addition to this, it is of the utmost importance to be aware of what we can and cannot feed our dogs. Because of the large levels of unhealthy fat and calories that are commonly found in a wide variety of foods and brands of kibbles that are sold in stores, it is imperative that they be avoided. There are certain pre-packaged dog diets that include the amounts of food to give the dog on the packaging. However, these amounts may be exaggerated, so it is recommended to contact with your veterinarian regarding the correct way to feed your dog. Ensure that you are in possession of a proper measuring cup so that you can accurately portion the ingredients. Invest in high-quality kibble that is devoid of fillers and has a high percentage of nutritious ingredients.
Exercise Your Dog
Canines, like humans, need to engage in a greater level of activity in order to burn off excess fat, and just as we have to go to the gym in order to get rid of the additional weight and keep from putting it back on, so must our dogs. You should make an effort to gradually raise the level of physical activity that your dog undergoes. For instance, you may make your regular walks with your dog longer and faster. You might also give a variety of indoor games a try, or you could think about constructing an agility course in the backyard.
Make Changes To Your Dog’s Diet
Many dog owners have a bad habit of making simple dietary errors without even understanding that they may be doing something wrong. Some of these errors include feeding table scraps to their dogs or failing to measure the amount of calories their dogs consume. There are a few different schools of thought when it comes to the debate over whether or not mealtime feeding or free feeding is preferable. Both of these approaches have their own set of benefits and drawbacks, so the decision on which one to pursue ultimately rests with you. As for free feeding, it is possible to have success with it if you teach your puppies to form the habit at a young age. However, you should still watch his regular intake to ensure that he is not eating more or less than the recommended daily amount of food. Substitute less healthy foods for fats, such as baby carrots, green beans, celery, and cucumber, among other things. These days, grain-free dog diets are the most popular option; nevertheless, there is some evidence to suggest that they may bring about additional issues. A few studies suggest that grain-free or boutique dog foods, in addition to nutritional inadequacies, may cause dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a condition that can lead to heart failure. Due to the fact that a lack of taurine can be one of the factors that cause DCM in dogs, particularly in retrievers and some atypical dog breeds, it is best to look for a brand that contains taurine additives. The rate of DCM has increased in dogs, particularly in retrievers, and some atypical dog breeds.
No Table Scraps
They say that sharing is caring, but we don’t really feel that way when it comes to our fur kids, therefore we don’t share our food with them. Some dogs get into the unpleasant habit of begging for food from the table where their owners are eating, and most dog owners end up caving in to the “puppy dog eyes” of their canine companions, despite the fact that doing so could wreak havoc on their dog’s digestive system. Many of the foods that we eat as humans can be harmful to our dogs, and other foods contain a high number of calories that will be an unnecessary addition to your dog’s diet. Therefore, the next time your dog asks to try the delicious chicken pot pie that you made, you should firmly say no to him and break the habit of feeding him human food.
Cut On The Treats
When it comes to training or dealing with doggie meltdowns, the majority of us know that giving treats to our puppies is a beneficial method. It’s not the treats themselves that are dangerous; rather, it’s the kind of treat and how much of it you consume. To begin, it is necessary to strike a healthy balance between the goodies that your dog gets and the regular meals that he consumes. For instance, if you have given your dog a large number of treats, you should reduce the amount of food he consumes. Regarding the selection of sweets, rather of selecting the harmful delicacies that are loaded with sugar, select the snacks that only have one component. You can make a variety of mouthwatering treats at home for your dog, even if he or she is watching their weight.
Measure Your Dog’s Weight
You are not only tasked with working on the weight loss program for your dog, but you are also expected to monitor the progress being made to verify that everything is proceeding as planned. If you stick to the appropriate weight-reduction plan for your dog, the ideal rate of weight loss is one pound per month. It is imperative that you keep track of your dog’s weight and consult with your veterinarian once a month regarding your dog’s development.
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