How To Put Your Dog on a Doggie Diet
As dogs age, they are prone to becoming overweight. A dog that is overweight is more susceptible to health issues such as arthritis and joint problems than his slimmer counterpart. Some breeds are naturally prone to obesity and it is important to help these dogs eat without getting obese. Some individuals are gluttonous whereas others regulate their food intake. The first step in getting your dog on a healthy diet is to understand how he eats so you can figure out the best way to help him eat healthily without gaining weight.
If your dog is already overweight here are a few things you can do to help him get in shape:
• Stop feeding him treats, snacks and table scraps. Give him only his regular dog food and no fatty, sugary or high carb food. When your dog loses weight, you can begin to give him the occasional high quality treat.
• You should feed your dog a superior quality premium dry food unless there is a medical reason your dog should be on wet food. Dogs on a dry food diet will lose weight effectively if treats and snacks are discontinued. Your vet should be able to provide you with recommendations concerning different brands and nutritional content. If you’re planning to change your dog’s food you should do so very gradually to avoid causing digestive upsets. If your dog initially refuses dry food you should be patient, he will eat when he’s hungry. If the dog refuses to eat for two days and even though he is receiving regular exercise, it’s time to get your vet’s advice on the matter.
• Increasing your dog’s daily amount of exercise is very beneficial in a weight loss program. Overweight dogs tend to lead the lives of couch potatoes and letting your dog out into the yard or only in the confines of an electric dog fence doesn’t really count as they won’t make much effort on their own. The best way to get your dog moving is to take him for a walk at least two times a day. Start gradually and increase the amount of time you spend on your walks. Walking your dog is very beneficial for you too!
• Spend more time playing with your dog. Fetch and chase are fun games to play with Fido and they will get him (and you) moving. Keep your dog motivated and engaged by praising him and making a big fuss of him. Getting a playmate for your dog is another great way to get him to move – dogs love chasing one another and try to fix your dog up with a play date to keep him stimulated and exercising.
• Reduce the amount of food you feed your dog. Get your vet’s advice on the amount of food your dog needs. If you are feeding your dog one cup twice a day, consider reducing the quantity to three quarters of a cup. Feeding small, frequent meals is healthier than feeding your dog one large meal.
• Inspect your yard to see if your dog has hidden any food there. Make sure all food is out of reach of your dog and instruct your children not to feed the dog any leftovers or treats.
Kept on this routine, you should notice some weight loss in your dog within about two weeks. If the dog doesn’t lose any weight during this time you should have him inspected by the vet to rule out any underlying medical problem.