As a dog parent, you must’ve been in a situation where you’re enjoying your meal with puppy eyes around you, eagerly waiting for a bite off your plate and you surely give that bite ‘cause it’s the love language and it’s universal isn’t it? But by doing that you’re reinforcing a habit that shouldn’t be, that obese your dog.
Dog obesity is a highly growing concern and just like in humans, excess weight can lead to a lot of health issues. You want your dog as healthy as possible, here we’ll make it possible together.
Causes of Your Dog Obesity
Overfeeding: This is one of the most common causes of dog obesity. Whenever they come to us we give them a treat or something to eat, not knowing if it is high in fat and calories, leading to the caloric surplus that the dog’s body stores as fat.
Lack of Exercise: In general, dogs need physical activity to burn fat and calories and maintain a balanced weight. “Indoor-Only” dogs are at high risk, limited outdoor access contributes to weight gain.
Arbitrary Diet: Feeding your dog a diet without looking at the nutrition, carbohydrates, fats, or low-quality ingredients can lead to weight gain or loss.
Age and Metabolism: As the dog ages, his/her metabolism slows down, and they become less active, making it easier for them to gain weight. Senior dogs require fewer calories than younger ones.
Risks of Your Dog Obesity
Heart Disease: Overweight dogs are at a higher risk of developing heart disease due to the increased workload on their hearts. Obesity in dogs can cause heart disease, irregulate heart rate, alter heart structure, higher blood pressure and heart failure.
Diabetes: Obesity is a significant risk factor for the development of diabetes in dogs. Excess body fat can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar and reduce metabolism, leading to insulin resistance and diabetes.
Joint and Mobility Issues: Carrying extra weight puts additional stress on the dog’s knees, waist and joints, leading to conditions such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, and other orthopaedic problems. This can severely affect a dog’s mobility and quality of life.
Thyroid: Obesity in dogs can alter the functions of the thyroid gland located in the neck which plays a crucial role in regulating a dog’s metabolism. There are several types of thyroid and thyroid levels your dog might have. It weakens the muscles, making it harder for your dog to engage in physical activities.
Know If Your Dog is Overweight
First, you need to know if your dog is actually overweight as different breeds and ages have different standard weight ranges. If your dog doesn’t fit in the standard weight, consult a vet. Regularly check your dog’s weight if you’re following a weight-loss plan.
Role of Exercise
Exercise should be an essential part of a dog’s daily routine whether your dog is obese or not. It not only helps to maintain the weight but also keeps your dog overall happy. And exercising your dog doesn’t mean running in a marathon or a quick sprint. Simply start with a walk routine, Gradually start increasing the exercise based on your dog’s intake capacity.
Create a Balanced Diet
Creating a balanced diet for your obese dog is a crucial and essential factor. It must include the right combination of nutrients, portion control, and feeding practices. It can make a significant difference if it gets followed honestly and consistently. Seek veterinarian help for a healthy balanced diet.
Don’t Melt Over Those Puppy Eyes
It’ll all go waste, if you keep feeding them all the time or whenever they want. Schedule a meal time, don’t free feed them and if you want to share your food, go for healthy ones like veggies and fruits!
They Count on You, You Count on Treats!
Yes, you’ve read it right, count the calories you’re giving to your buddy. Treat is a great motivator to keep them going for exercise but it should be moderate. Go for low-fat and low-calorie treats. Schedule a treat time too!
Pace Like a Snail
Don’t run over your “Make My Dog Fit” or “Reduce My Dog Obesity” plan and leave him/her on leftovers. Take it slow, one step ahead at a time. Here’s how you can go with the new diet plan:
For first few days(Like three), take 25% of new meals and 75% of old meals.
For next 2-3 days, go with 50:50 of both.
Now, next 2 days, 80% of new meals and 20% of old ones.
Finally, go with your 100% new meal and new diet plan.
Act on Aftermath
If your new weight-loss plan works well and your dog loses the weight and comes out in good shape, don’t quit that plan, stick with it. Research says that dogs are likely to gain weight quickly after losing. And if your new diet plan doesn’t go well and shows any side effects, seek professional help.