Weight Loss For Obese Dogs
Slimming Tips For Chubby Canines
There are a number of things which can help an overweight dog to lose the excess pounds. The following tips should help the dog shed extra weight, while staying healthy and happy. Eating too much of the wrong kind of food is the main reason so many pets are overweight. By making some simple changes to a pet's diet, it is possible to make a big difference to their weight and wellbeing.
Tips For Healthy Eating
Cut out leftovers and fatty treats. Leftovers from the table are a slim pet's number one enemy! People usually offer the least healthy bits from leftover meals, such as fatty bits of meat.
Feed smaller meals. Speak to a vet to find the right amount to feed a dog. Small, regular meals are better than one big meal, so divide dog food into two small meals, morning and evening.
Use healthy fillers. Grated vegetables such as carrot, cabbage or courgette (eggplant) add bulk to food but contain few calories so they are a good way of filling a pet up while not piling on the pounds.
Reduce the calories. The ideal way to keep a pet slim is to feed it exactly the right amount of calories, or energy, everyday. If it is overweight, then it needs to be fed less, or eat a lower calorie food. Many top brands of dog food are available in lower fat mixes, meaning the dog will feel satisfied, but not consume too much for its size.
Choose healthy treats. Many pet treats available in stores or supermarkets can contain high levels of fat or sugar. Steer clear of hidden sugars and fats in processed dog snacks. It is possible to buy kits to make home made treats. Rawhide is also a healthy and long-lasting nibble with very few calories, which is also good for teeth and keeps dogs busy.
Giving the Dog Regular Exercise
As well as a suitable diet, regular and appropriate exercise is vital to keep your dog or cat in shape.
Build up gradually. Don't suddenly change the amount of exercise a pet gets, as this could cause health problems - instead, make the change gradually over a few weeks to let it adjust to the new regime, especially if it is old or very overweight.
Make it fun. Exercise regimes are so much easier to stick to if they are fun, so choose something that the pet will enjoy. For dogs, why not consider joining a local flyball club? Or try mountain biking or jogging with the dog.
Take it easy. If a pet is old or suffers from a mobility problem such as arthritis it's important not to overdo it. Regular short walks are much better for older dogs than long hikes. Speak to a vet if a pet appears stiff or uncomfortable after increased exercise.
Further Tips for Successful Weight Reduction
Don't give in to begging. Dogs and cats that beg will never be satisfied, because as soon as they get one treat, they will want another. Only give healthy snacks at set times such as just before bedtime.
Dry food is much more filling than it looks. Dry dog and cat food swells up when it reaches the stomach, so what looks like a tiny portion will still fill a pet up.
Source:
PDSA information site
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