Dogs can become overweight for a variety of reasons, not always due to negligence. Sometimes, a dog is a rescue who arrives overweight, or an injury leads them to pack on the pounds.
In some cases, your personal circumstances might lead you to give your dog fewer walks and extra treats, resulting in them packing on the pounds.
Whatever the reason, if your dog is overweight, then it’s a real issue. With as many as 56% of dogs in the U.S. classed as overweight or obese, this is a health crisis for dog owners.
Overweight dogs are significantly more likely to experience health issues, such as joint pain or heart problems.
If you’re dealing with an overweight dog, it’s vital that you’re proactive and work to cut down on their weight as soon as possible. These simple tips should give you a place to start.
Visit Your Vet
The first step is to visit your vet if you haven’t already. Your vet can tell you if your dog is overweight- after all, some dogs look chunkier than others by nature!
If your dog does weigh more than they should, your vet can tell you if there are any underlying health conditions causing the issue. If it is just a case of too much food and not enough exercise, then your vet can advise you on how to reduce their weight safely.
Consider Changing Their Diet
If your dog constantly begs for food, even though they’ve already had plenty, then the chances are they’re not getting enough nutrients from the meals they are eating.
Many processed dog foods contain a lot of filler ingredients that aren’t actually nutritionally beneficial for your dog. To help them get to the right weight and enjoy a natural diet, consider switching your dog to raw food.
Explore the range of raw dog food from providers like Southend Dog Training, who offer a variety of flavors and types of raw dog food that’s specifically designed to give your dog all the nutrients they need.
Try Enrichment Feeding
Dogs that have to work for their food will get more mental and physical stimulation than those that are simply handed it. So, consider using solutions such as puzzle toys, snuffle mats, or food dispensing balls to make your dog work for meals.
These solutions can slow eating and provide mental stimulation for your dog. If the dog has to move the puzzle around, this can provide a small amount of exercise.
Also, by making the dog work for the treats, you’re taking their mind off their hunger, so they’re more likely to feel stimulated, happy, and relaxed afterward, rather than begging for more snacks.
Increase Physical Activity Slowly
Weight loss isn’t all about food: you’ll also need to get your dog moving to help them shift the excess weight. Go slowly so you don’t overwhelm them, and over time, add more and longer walks, playtime, or even low-impact activities like swimming.
Build up gradually if your dog is very overweight so that they don’t hurt themselves or become overly stressed. Set small goals and try to hit them, such as doing a 10-minute walk twice a day, then upping it to a 15-minute walk, and so on.
These small goals can make a massive difference to your dog’s weight loss journey.
Be Patient And Don’t Rush
For dogs, safe weight loss takes time, so don’t be disheartened if you don’t see immediate results. Depending on how overweight your dog is and their general health, it could take several months or even longer for them to achieve their ideal weight.
Consistency is key for long-term success, so create a weight loss plan for your dog and stick to it. Celebrate small milestones along the way to make the process more fun. Good luck!
