One of the most important things when it comes to taking care of your dog?s health is taking care of their weight. If you?re over-nourishing your dog with treats from the dinner table or if they?re not getting enough exercise your dog can become obese.
Obesity is often found in middle-aged dogs and can lead to a variety of health issues including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory illness. However, there are ways to treat your dog?s obesity before it can become a problem and reduce your furry friend?s life span.
Cut down on food intake
If the cause of your dog?s obesity isn?t because of an illness such as hypothyroidism then you can typically adjust your dog?s weight by reducing their food intake. Feed your dog only the recommended amount of food according to their breed and only feed them dog food.
Allowing your dog to enjoy food from the dinner table is typically fine in small amounts and if the food is dog-friendly. But if your dog is beginning to put on weight because of it, then cut back on the amount you treat them with and let them eat their usual food.
Another thing to watch out for is how many treats you give your dog. Read the back of the treat package or container to find out how many treats are recommended to give to your dog daily. Don?t go over this amount and you may find your dog shedding more than fur.
Make sure they get plenty of exercise
Obesity can make your dog want to lay down rather than exercise because their bodies are often uncomfortable and it may be difficult for them to breathe. Despite your dog?s discomfort exercise is important. When your dog is between 1.5 and four years old, they’ll need the most exercise. Begin your dog with minimal exercise such as a short walk in order to get them used to move around again.
Once your dog has adjusted to a short exercise you can move them onto something more advanced that offers them more stimulation. Bring dog park supplies on your walks so when you get to the park you can entertain your dog with something more than a game of fetch. Dog exercise equipment such as a dog hoop or dog obstacles like cones can help increase your dog?s mobility and cardiac health.
Utilizing dog exercise equipment in your own backyard can further help your dog?s weight loss journey. Consider purchasing a canine obstacle course or a treadmill specifically designed for dogs. Dog exercise equipment such as this can help improve your dog?s physical health even when you don?t have the time to take your dog for a walk to the park.
As a dog owner, you are responsible for the overall well-being of your pet. If your dog is still showing signs of obesity despite reducing their diet and increasing exercise habits utilizing dog exercise equipment and outdoor space the issue may be something deeper than nutrition.
