Find resources to learn if your dog is overweight and also quick tips to get healthier habits in place if your pup can use lose a few pounds.
Call it puppy fat, sympathy weight from a recent pregnancy, just a few love handles – it really doesn’t matter. If your pup can’t see his paws, he isn’t just big boned, he’s fat. In a world obsessed with thinness, even plus-sized pups are not exempt. And for good reason too. Just look at the risks up to 40% (that’s 17 million U.S. dogs) face for those extra pounds: Osteoarthritis, heart disease, respiratory conditions, heat and exercise intolerance, and the worst of one all, shorter life. And don’t get us started on his modeling prospects.
If you suspect that your dog is packing on a few too many pounds these days, check out the ‘Body Condition Scoring’ chart at www.petobesityprevention.org and see their listing of ideal weight ranges for dogs by breed to get a sense of the proper weight for your dog. With facts on your dog’s risk for obesity, you’re ready to work with your vet on a weight reduction plan.
In the meantime, try these tips to get some healthier habits in place.
Don’t Crash
Just like us, pups need a slow, steady weight loss to stay healthy and maintain the loss.
Talk to your Vet
Since certain medical conditions contribute to weight gain, talk to your vet before putting your pup on a diet.
Plan Ahead
Work with your vet to set weight loss goals and a specific program and timeline for your dog.
Measure Food
If your pup is obsessed with treats, make sure to measure his food and try holding back 1/8 of the serving to divvy out later. This way he’ll still get a few nibbles during the day without binging on high calories table scraps.
Snack Right
Offer up healthy bites like apple slices and carrots when you can’t resist those pleading eyes.
Start Slow
Work up to a more active lifestyle for your dog. Your vet can help set exercise guidelines that consider his muscle, joint, heart and respiratory conditions. In general, a good start would be a 20-30 minute leash walk each day or a swim for more obese dogs.
Get Everybody on Board
Don’t let your pup’s plan get derailed by other family members or friends. A few hearty treats from the neighbor kids could throw off his diet. Get everyone involved for true success.
Make it Stick
Once the pounds are gone, keep up the exercise and measuring his food. This way, it won’t be easy to slip back into old habits again.
The Scoop:
Learn more about canine obesity.
www.petobesityprevention.org
Check out the ‘Body Condition Scoring’ chart to get a sense of the proper weight for your pet.
www.petobesityprevention.org/scoring
